Let me correct you.
There were many Exchanges with referral/affiliate program since 2013/14.
But the affiliate share was around 10% of fees and the fees were pretty high (so the margin for affiliate could be possibly much higher).
Big.one would be a good attempt for Ponzi but it obviously won't be as it's really a huge success (jumping to top league just like that) and nobody would sabotage a golden goose.