{"id":"changpeng-zhao","title":"Changpeng Zhao (CZ)","content":"**Changpeng Zhao**, also known as CZ, is a Chinese-Canadian entrepreneur, well known as the founder and former CEO of [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance), the world's largest [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) exchange. On October 23, 2025 United States President Donald Trump gave CZ a full pardon. [\\[12\\]](#cite-id-nokgqufrax) [\\[43\\]](#cite-id-r6gt4uspf2h) [\\[39\\]](#cite-id-mep4oifa9v) [\\[40\\]](#cite-id-g5ar70yi3ti) [\\[57\\]](#cite-id-ks5Akxsa41)​\n\n[YOUTUBE@VID](https://youtube.com/watch?v=WaTSlean-38)\n\n## Early Life & Education\n\nCZ was born on September 10, 1977, in Jiangsu province, China to his Chinese parents, who were both teachers in China. His father was a professor in China before he was branded \"pro-bourgeoisie intellect\" and exiled from his country. When he was 12 years old, CZ moved with his family to Vancouver, Canada where they settled.[\\[12\\]](#cite-id-nokgqufrax)​\n\nDuring his teenage years, Zhao helped support his family by working several service industry jobs, including at a Chevron [gas](https://iq.wiki/wiki/gas) station, at McDonald’s, and as a referee at volleyball games.[\\[6\\]](#cite-id-cgkiu66993e)​\n\nWhile in Canada, CZ attended McGill University in Montreal, Canada where he earned a computer science degree.[\\[6\\]](#cite-id-cgkiu66993e)​\n\n## Career\n\nAfter college, CZ began working for the Tokyo Stock Exchange, developing software for matching trade orders. He also worked at Bloomberg Tradebook, a developer of futures trading software. In 2005, CZ quit his role as head of the Bloomberg Tradebook Futures Research & Development team and moved to Shanghai to start [Fusion](https://iq.wiki/wiki/fusion) Systems, known for building \"some of the fastest high-frequency trading systems for brokers.\"[\\[6\\]](#cite-id-cgkiu66993e)​[\\[7\\]](#cite-id-ibg2d2eznt)​\n\nCZ learned about [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) in early 2013 while playing poker with his friends. [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) then was new and CZ had no idea about it but found it to be interesting so he decided to learn more. He read the whole [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) [whitepaper](https://iq.wiki/wiki/white-paper) to get more understanding of the new technology. [\\[14\\]](#cite-id-j93rwn1r91f)​\n\nHe fully got invested into the [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) industry in December 2013. While attending a conference in Las Vegas, he had the opportunity to meet [Vitalik Buterin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/vitalik-buterin), one of the co-founders of [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum). During this encounter, CZ also met someone who was quite influential in his journey into the world of crypto. This individual demonstrated [Ripple](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ripple-labs) to CZ and even transferred $500 worth of Ripple's token, [XRP](https://iq.wiki/wiki/xrp), to him, encouraging him to use it to teach others about the technology. [\\[35\\]](#cite-id-kp4ignvy2j)​\n\nThis encounter had a profound impact on CZ, and he eventually quit his job and sold his house to fully immerse himself in the world of crypto. He faced criticism from his friends and family who said he was foolish for making such a decision. Two months later, [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) crashed by 70% and CZ lost over 700,000 thousand dollars.[\\[14\\]](#cite-id-j93rwn1r91f)​[\\[35\\]](#cite-id-kp4ignvy2j)​\n\nLater, Zhao also worked on various [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) projects including Blockchain.com, and served as chief technology officer of [OKCoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/okcoin), attempting to spread his vision of integrating [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) technology and cryptocurrencies into businesses and everyday life. [\\[6\\]](#cite-id-cgkiu66993e)​[\\[36\\]](#cite-id-veu0b7dabxe)​\n\n> “If you pick one business, and integrate \\[it] with crypto, I fully believe cryptocurrencies will give a much stronger financial funding power.”\n\nOn March 19th, 2024, Changpeng Zhao unveiled [Giggle Academy](https://iq.wiki/wiki/giggle-academy), a nonprofit online education platform, focusing on grades 1 to 12. It aims to offer a gamified curriculum covering traditional subjects and advanced topics like [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) and AI, all free and online. Zhao clarified that the project is non-crypto related, emphasizing its educational mission.[\\[51\\]](#cite-id-yPsivPnhh6)​[\\[45\\]](#cite-id-ncvv8e28fq)​[\\[46\\]](#cite-id-dtv9sgkoq7a)​\n\n### Binance\n\nIn 2017, CZ left [OKCoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/okcoin) to start a [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) exchange called [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance). Its name was a combination of two words: “binary,” as in the ones and zeros of computer code, and “finance.” He launched the exchange on July 14, 2017, following a 1.3 billion.[\\[15\\]](#cite-id-4gfbf4iojge)​\n\nIn August 2018, [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) made their first public acquisition, buying [Trust Wallet](https://iq.wiki/wiki/trust-wallet), a secure [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) wallet app, to enhance its services and improve user safety. The acquisition added an on-chain mobile wallet to [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance)'s offerings while giving the Trust Wallet team the freedom to continue developing their product. [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) aimed to offer better security, services, and support to users with this acquisition, and also expected to pave the way for future integrations with other services. [\\[20\\]](#cite-id-ibw7ue0qw7)​[\\[21\\]](#cite-id-410hbc9rj01)​\n\n[YOUTUBE@VID](pTGndQZ9Bj8)\n\nIn January 2019, [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) partnered with Simplex to offer crypto purchases with a debit or credit card. In September, the company began offering perpetual futures contracts allowing for 125x leveraging on the contracts. Additionally, Binance.us was launched in nearly all of the United States.[\\[15\\]](#cite-id-4gfbf4iojge)​\n\nIn March 2020, [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) acquired the leading [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) data tracking platform [CoinMarketCap](https://iq.wiki/wiki/coinmarketcap) for a sum of $400 million. CZ aimed to further develop [CoinMarketCap](https://iq.wiki/wiki/coinmarketcap) and increase Binance's exposure to CoinMarketCap's large following. [\\[22\\]](#cite-id-ly4x3736uc)​[\\[23\\]](#cite-id-0wk2ndsbat3)​\n\nIn September 2020, [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) launched their [Binance Smart Chain (BSC)](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance-smart-chain), a [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) network developed by [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) that allows for the creation and management of [decentralized applications (DApps)](https://iq.wiki/wiki/decentralized-application) through [smart contracts](https://iq.wiki/wiki/smart-contract). It was created to overcome the programmability limitations of the initial [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) Chain and offers high transaction capacity through its integration with the [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) Virtual Machine. [\\[24\\]](#cite-id-pzbvpx3ryup)​[\\[25\\]](#cite-id-qrjk455357i)​\n\n> “Right now it is one of our larger businesses that support our growth. But over the long term, we want to push decentralization.”\n\nOn February 15th 2022, [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) Chain and [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) Smart Chain merged into [BNB Chain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance-smart-chain). [BNB Chain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance-smart-chain) comprises BNB Beacon Chain and BNB Smart Chain. BNB, which stands for \"Build and Build\" is a [gas](https://iq.wiki/wiki/gas) token that powers transactions on the chain. The change brings advancements to benefit users, projects, and developers, including scaling to multi-chain, boosting throughput, introducing on-chain governance, and expanding the [validator](https://iq.wiki/wiki/validator) set. The [BNB Chain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance-smart-chain) will support large-scale applications, such as GameFi, SocialFi, and the [Metaverse](https://iq.wiki/wiki/metaverse). [\\[37\\]](#cite-id-jek9uq8vamm)​\n\nIn June 2021, [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) launched [Binance NFT](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance-nft), a top [non-fungible token (NFT)](https://iq.wiki/wiki/non-fungible-token-nft) marketplace with premier exhibitions, global auctions, and low fees. It offers two categories: \"Premium Event\" for sought-after collaborations and \"Trading Market\" for low-cost NFT creation. Changpeng Zhao’s main goal was to open up the NFT space to the massive [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) community. [\\[26\\]](#cite-id-vdkmvbn986q)​\n\n[YOUTUBE@VID](_8R0IlvruAk)\n\nHowever, in November of 2023, Changpeng Zhao stepped down as the CEO of [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance).\n\n## Awards & Recognition\n\nIn 2018, Zhao was the nominee for Golden Token Awards and ended up being the 2018 CEO of the Year. His crypto exchange [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) also won the Best in Trading/DEX award.[\\[10\\]](#cite-id-epn0mg49eyn)​\n\nIn 2020, CZ was recognized in the Bloomberg 50 as one of the most influential people of the year.\n\nOn December 2022, [CoinDesk](https://iq.wiki/wiki/coindesk) announced Changpeng Zhao as CoinDesk’s Most Influential 2022. They highlighted Binance’s support, following the downfall of rival [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) exchange [FTX](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ftx), committing $1 billion to a recovery fund, making CZ seen as the new \"savior\" of the crypto world, seen in a Bloomberg article headlined, ““Binance’s Billionaire CEO Casts Himself as Crypto’s New Savior”. [\\[19\\]](#cite-id-obhhdpdgwcm)​\n\n## Investments\n\nAccording to Bloomberg, [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) has so far invested 1 billion. He made a 500 million in equity funding as part of a $7 billion financing pledge to support Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter.[\\[16\\]](#cite-id-ev7lb63f7u4)​\n\nAs the major head of [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) Lab, In June 2022, [Binance Labs](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance-labs), the venture capital and incubation arm of [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance), Closed a 140 million on 73 different projects in 2021.[\\[13\\]](#cite-id-pznebp9r4lj)​\n\n[YOUTUBE@VID](W0vEdn2jwyI)\n\n## Philanthropy\n\n### CZ donating to fight COVID-19\n\nOn April 3rd 2020, Changpeng Zhao, committed at least 2 million more to provide essential medical supplies such as masks and ventilators directly to hospitals in need. BCF has already donated 200,000 in [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) from the public. Zhao estimates Binance's total contributions will add up to approximately $5 million, with a focus on delivering PPE to hospitals in severely impacted countries such as Italy, the United States, and Germany. [\\[27\\]](#cite-id-3x40mt8vgjm)​[\\[28\\]](#cite-id-eib29ggtmwm)​\n\n> “The pandemic has changed the world as we know it; it will never be the same again. And in this new world, we believe crypto will play an ever increasing role.”“It has always been our ethos to help others. It’s human nature to feel good when helping others. It gives us a strong sense of satisfaction, a purpose of being. “\n\n### CZ to donate most of his wealth\n\nIn November 2021 Changpeng Zhao revealed his plan to donate up to 99% of his wealth in an interview with The Associated Press. Like other business magnates such as John D. Rockefeller, Zhao intends to give away most of his wealth. Although his net worth is around 200 billion if [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) exits near its current valuation of $300 billion. However, Zhao stated that he is financially free and doesn't need a lot of money. He holds only [bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) and [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) coin (BNB), and the majority of his net worth is in BNB. [\\[29\\]](#cite-id-i1b9upu5xg)​\n\n> \"I do intend to give away most of my wealth, like many wealthy entrepreneurs or founders did from Rockefeller until today. I do intend to give away 90, 95, or 99% of my wealth,\"\n\n### Binance partners with Jokkolabs\n\nIn July 2022, Changpeng Zhao visited Ivory Coast and Senegal to connect with people and policymakers. CZ emphasized the significance of [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) for the financial economy and expressed the company's commitment to collaborating with African policymakers. CZ announced [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance)'s partnership with Jokkolabs, through which [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) will launch [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) awareness and education programs in communities [across](https://iq.wiki/wiki/across) Francophone Africa. The partnership aimed to reinforce the region as a hub of [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) innovation and entrepreneurship, with monetary donation used to fund community education workshops that will increase [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) literacy and skills. [\\[33\\]](#cite-id-55b1ltf6w5)​[\\[34\\]](#cite-id-5f7vdqobeae)​\n\nCZ's visit followed Binance's previous partnerships with Senegalese TikTok creator Khaby Lame and AFCON, the biggest international football championship in Africa, indicating Binance's dedication to driving [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) adoption in the region. [\\[33\\]](#cite-id-55b1ltf6w5)​\n\n![image](https://ipfs.everipedia.org/ipfs/QmNTCuZx9Cf392yUWWZyEEzF7faQGmJ7b6GU66bqLu1DPj \"image\")\n\n## CZ Joins Pakistan Crypto Council as Advisor\n\nOn April 7, 2025, Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, was named Strategic Advisor to the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC). [\\[60\\]](#cite-id-wLYNl8yf0t)​\n\nThe appointment was announced during a Monday meeting with top Pakistani officials, including Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, SECP Chairman, State Bank Governor, and Federal Secretaries for Law and IT. CZ Zhao also met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.\n\nCommenting on the move, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Finance Minister of Pakistan and Chairman of PCC, said that CZ’s appointment plays a key role in Pakistan’s ongoing push to accelerate its digital finance transformation. [\\[60\\]](#cite-id-wLYNl8yf0t)​\n\n## CZ Comments on Crypto Inheritance & Platform Resilience\n\nOn June 19, 2025, Changpeng Zhao (CZ) publicly emphasized the importance of crypto platforms preparing for scenarios in which users may pass away. In a post on X, CZ encouraged platforms to implement or improve inheritance features, stating:\n\n“This is a topic people avoid, but the fact is, humans cannot live forever yet. Every platform should have a ‘will function’—so that when someone is no longer around, their assets can be distributed to designated accounts according to specified proportions. Regulatory frameworks should also allow minors to have accounts (they can be restricted from trading, but should be allowed to receive funds).” [\\[50\\]](#cite-id-RAxapf37j7)​\n\nHis remarks highlighted both the growing maturity of the crypto industry and the importance of user asset continuity, particularly in the context of inheritance planning and decentralized finance longevity. [\\[50\\]](#cite-id-RAxapf37j7) [\\[57\\]](#cite-id-ks5Akxsa41)​\n\n## Bloomberg Case & Settlement Details\n\nIn July 2024, two years after a lawsuit was filed, Bloomberg's Chinese-language franchisee published a formal apology to Zhao, settling the case. The publisher retracted the \"false and baseless\" headline, \"Changpeng Zhao's Ponzi Scheme,\" without reservation and apologized for any harm caused to Zhao and [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance). As part of the settlement, an agreed sum was donated to the Songzi, Hubei Province Special Education [Foundation](https://iq.wiki/wiki/foundation) in lieu of damages, and the case was dismissed.[\\[58\\]](#cite-id-Jgd28KDKDD)​\n\nThe lawsuit originated on July 26th 2022, when Changpeng Zhao initiated a lawsuit against Modern Media, the Hong Kong publisher of Bloomberg Business week, for defamation. The lawsuit was a result of a translated version of a Bloomberg Business week article, which carried a headline that portrayed Zhao as running a \"Ponzi scheme.\" In response, Zhao demanded a retraction from Modern Media, as well as removal of the edition from circulation and a restraining order to prevent further dissemination of the portrayal. [\\[18\\]](#cite-id-vgombz62uks)​[\\[52\\]](#cite-id-rkitKVox5Y)​\n\n## Binance and FTX\n\nIn November 2022, a series of events involving [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) and [FTX](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ftx) took place in the span of 3 days. First, [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) announced it was selling its remaining $580 million worth of [FTT](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ftt) tokens, citing \"recent revelations.\" Binance's CEO, Changpeng Zhao, said the move was part of a risk management strategy and not directed against a competitor. [\\[53\\]](#cite-id-syslFuJfFZ)​[\\[30\\]](#cite-id-s464vk2y0g)​\n\nNext, [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) agreed to acquire FTX for an undisclosed sum, after FTX suffered a liquidity crisis. [\\[54\\]](#cite-id-BRzrSgdoD5)​[\\[31\\]](#cite-id-btnq77rtupl)​\n\n> \"This afternoon, FTX asked for our help. There is a significant liquidity crunch. To protect users, we signed a non-binding LOI, intending to fully acquire http://FTX.com and help cover the liquidity crunch. We will be conducting a full DD in the coming days.\"\n\nHowever, a day after the non-binding deal was announced, [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) reversed course and abandoned its plans to purchase FTX's non-US businesses. [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) stated that the decision was made as a result of corporate due diligence, as well as news reports regarding mishandled customer funds and alleged U.S. agency investigations, concluding that the issues were \"beyond our control or ability to help.\"[\\[32\\]](#cite-id-crm6njj3hkn)​\n\n[YOUTUBE@VID](xKRvgj0G7Nk)\n\n## Binance and CZ Settle Federal Charges\n\nOn November 21, 2023, [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) and Changpeng Zhao settled with the U.S. Department of Justice. The settlement required [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) to pay 50 million, and was succeeded by [Richard Teng](https://iq.wiki/wiki/richard-teng). The deals were approved by a U.S. district judge in December 2023.[\\[41\\]](#cite-id-oog4dps5mtm) [\\[43\\]](#cite-id-r6gt4uspf2h) [\\[42\\]](#cite-id-3uxqpoyt2l7) [\\[44\\]](#cite-id-ly306ceil6c)​\n\n[YOUTUBE@VID](XmNoAgBhRiE)\n\nZhao was subsequently sentenced to four months in prison. He began serving his sentence on June 1, 2024, and was released on September 27, 2024.[\\[47\\]](#cite-id-ygqi2uqm8gn) [\\[48\\]](#cite-id-oq93i7ssxo) [\\[49\\]](#cite-id-zvr5uf9x5b)​\n\n## Presidential Pardon\n\nOn October 23, 2025, U.S. President [Donald Trump](https://iq.wiki/wiki/donald-trumps-views-on-cryptocurrency) issued a presidential pardon for Changpeng Zhao. [\\[55\\]](#cite-id-Mow4rQKSGF)​\n\nIn a statement on X, Zhao's lawyer, Teresa Goody Guillén, expressed \"profound gratitude\" to President Trump, stating his \"courage and moral clarity made this day possible.\" She added that the decision was a \"reclamation of justice\" after what she described as \"years of relentless lawfare\" and \"prosecutions driven by a political war on crypto and innovation.\"[\\[59\\]](#cite-id-bCDSHOd6HV)​\n\nFollowing the pardon, Teresa Goody Guillén also commented that the pardon was for a \"single charge of failure to have an effective compliance program,\" emphasizing that the case involved no fraud, no victims, no criminal history, and no money laundering. She also noted that the judge found no evidence that Zhao was aware of any illicit transactions. [\\[56\\]](#cite-id-MwBMTp1GqZ)​\n\nFollowing the announcement, Zhao expressed his gratitude on the social media platform X:\n\n> Deeply grateful for today’s pardon and to President Trump for upholding America’s commitment to fairness, innovation, and justice.\n> Will do everything we can to help make America the Capital of Crypto and advance web3 worldwide.","summary":"Changpeng Zhao (CZ), founder and former CEO of Binance, is a Chinese-Canadian entrepreneur central to the cryptocurrency industry. 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