Head of Investigations at Binance on cybersecurity award: 'Effective security requires collaboration'

Head of Investigations at Binance on cybersecurity award: 'Effective security requires collaboration'
Economics
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Akbar Akhtar, APAC Head of Investigations at Binance | Binance

Akbar Akhtar, Head of Investigations for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region at Binance, said that receiving the APPACT Appreciation Award from the Singapore Police Force is an honor and a testament to Binance’s commitment to cybersecurity. The statement was made in a press release on March 8.

"Receiving the APPACT Appreciation Award is an honor for Binance, and we are deeply grateful to the Singapore Police Force for recognizing our team's efforts in combating cybercrime," said Akhtar, Head of Investigations, APAC, according to Binance. "At Binance, we have always believed that effective security requires collaboration. That is why we are constantly looking for opportunities to directly engage with both law enforcement agencies and industry players. Our goal is to create a digital environment where everyone feels safe, comfortable, and protected."

According to Binance’s official announcement, the APPACT Appreciation Awards, presented by the Singapore Police Force's CyberCrime Command (CCC), recognize companies that contribute significantly to cybercrime prevention. In 2025, Binance was honored alongside 17 other industry leaders, including Google, Mastercard, Meta, Microsoft, and PayPal. This underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in tackling cybersecurity threats and highlights Binance’s proactive role in working with law enforcement to strengthen digital security.

PR Newswire reports that Binance has expanded its collaboration with law enforcement agencies through initiatives like the APAC Regional Law Enforcement Day. This event brought together over 120 government officials, law enforcement officers, and blockchain specialists from across the Asia-Pacific region to enhance cybercrime investigations. Binance’s increased engagement with enforcement agencies demonstrates its commitment to fostering a safer digital environment by addressing illicit activities in the crypto industry.

The Wall Street Journal notes that Binance significantly increased its compliance investments in 2023, allocating $213 million to enhance security measures—a 35% rise from the previous year. The company also announced plans to expand its compliance team by at least 170 employees, reinforcing its commitment to regulatory adherence. These investments reflect Binance’s efforts to improve transparency, prevent illicit financial activities, and strengthen its cooperation with law enforcement agencies worldwide.

Binance states that Akhtar plays a crucial role in its cybersecurity initiatives as Head of Investigations for APAC. He has extensive experience in financial crime investigations and is instrumental in strengthening Binance’s partnerships with regulatory and enforcement bodies. His leadership has been a driving force in Binance’s strategy to combat cyber threats and enhance security measures across the digital asset ecosystem.

Wired describes Binance as the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, providing a range of digital asset services globally. Under CEO Richard Teng's leadership, Binance has secured regulatory approvals in 21 jurisdictions and expanded its customer base to 240 million. The company continues to enhance its compliance and security infrastructure, demonstrating its commitment to regulatory transparency and user protection.