Changpeng Zhao (CZ)

Founder & Former CEO,

-Binance

Known For

-Built Binance from a July 2017 ICO to the world’s largest crypto exchange by volume in under a yearChroniclesLive+15Wikipedia+15BusinessMirror+15

– Once the world’s richest person in crypto, with net worth estimates peaking near $96 B (Bloomberg) Business Insider+1Wikipedia+1

– Stepped down in November 2023 after pleading guilty to U.S. anti‑money‑laundering violations; personally fined $50 M and Binance $4.3 B

Connections to Crypto

– Early software engineer: built trading systems at Tokyo Stock Exchange and BloombergWikipedia+11Wikipedia+11Kanga Exchange+11

– Entered crypto in 2013 (Blockchain.info + CTO of OKCoin); sold Shanghai home to buy Bitcoin “all in” NFT Evening+15Wikipedia+15Shrimpy Academy+15

– Launched Fusion Systems, a high-frequency trading startup, before founding Binance

Political & Financial Ties

– Pleaded guilty in Nov 2023 to violating the U.S. Bank Secrecy Act; sentenced to four-month prison in April 2024 (served by Sept 2024) Wall Street Journal+8Wikipedia+8AP News+8

– Appointed strategic advisor in 2025 to both the Pakistan Crypto Council and President of Kyrgyz Republic

Freatured In

– Business Insider: “The rise and fall of Changpeng ‘CZ’ Zhao…”

– Wall Street Journal: Sentencing coverage on anti‑money‑laundering plee

-Associated Press, The Guardian: Legal and sentencing details

Sources

Wikipedia / Bloomberg / Forbes (birth, education, career history)
Shrimpy Academy (early work, Fusion Systems)
Business Insider, WSJ, AP, Guardian (legal cases and sentencing)
Wikipedia (2025 advisory roles)

← Back to Blog

DISCLAIMER: The content on this website is for entertainment and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or legal advice. All information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind.

Cryptocurrency and financial markets are highly volatile and risky. Past performance does not guarantee future results. You should consult with qualified financial advisors before making any investment decisions.

Do your own research. Don't trust, verify. The authors and publishers of this content are not responsible for any financial losses or damages that may result from using this information.

This website may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. All opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not constitute professional financial advice.