Changpeng Zhao

Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, is the Chinese-Canadian founder and former CEO of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. 

Who is Changpeng Zhao ?

Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, is the Chinese-Canadian founder and former CEO of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. A central figure in the crypto revolution, CZ is renowned for building a global exchange empire and accelerating mainstream crypto adoption through innovation, rapid scaling, and strategic risk-taking.

Key Achievements in Crypto

  • Founded Binance in 2017: Launched during the height of the ICO boom, Binance grew into the largest crypto exchange globally within just 180 days.
  • Pioneer of BNB Token: Created Binance Coin (BNB), which has become a top 5 cryptocurrency by market cap. BNB powers Binance's ecosystem, offering users trading discounts and access to DeFi, staking, and token launches.
  • Launched Binance Smart Chain (BSC): A high-performance blockchain that supports smart contracts and decentralized apps (dApps), BSC has become a core infrastructure in DeFi.
  • Global Reach: Expanded Binance’s operations to over 180 countries, with a suite of products including spot and futures trading, staking, NFT marketplaces, and Binance Labs (venture arm).
  • Net Worth: At his peak, CZ’s personal net worth exceeded $65 billion, making him one of the wealthiest figures in tech and finance.

Influence in the Crypto Industry

  • De Facto Leader of Global Crypto Adoption: CZ positioned Binance as the gateway for millions of users entering crypto, enabling access to hundreds of tokens and products.
  • Visionary Operator: Known for fast execution, user-first innovation, and an aggressive growth strategy that disrupted legacy finance and outpaced competitors.
  • DeFi and Web3 Ecosystem Builder: Through Binance Labs and BNB Chain, CZ has invested in and incubated hundreds of early-stage projects, from DeFi protocols to blockchain infrastructure.
  • Policy Engagement: Advocated for clearer global crypto regulations and engaged with policymakers around the world to ensure Binance’s compliance and longevity.

Controversies and Legal Challenges

  • Regulatory Pressure: CZ and Binance have faced scrutiny and bans from regulators in the U.S., UK, Canada, and several other jurisdictions for operating without licenses and alleged compliance failures.
  • U.S. DOJ & CFTC Lawsuits: In 2023, Binance and CZ were charged by U.S. authorities for violating anti-money laundering (AML) laws, operating an unlicensed exchange, and allowing U.S. customers access to risky derivatives products.
  • Plea Deal and Resignation: In November 2023, CZ pleaded guilty to violating the U.S. Bank Secrecy Act, agreed to pay a $50 million fine, and resigned as CEO. Binance paid an additional $4.3 billion in penalties.
  • Criticism of Decentralization Claims: While Binance often promoted decentralization, critics argue its centralized control and opaque operations contradicted those values.

Legacy and Long-Term Impact

Despite legal battles and regulatory setbacks, CZ remains one of the most influential architects of the modern crypto economy. His ability to scale Binance into a global powerhouse redefined how crypto exchanges operate, spurred the creation of high-throughput blockchains like BSC, and shaped how millions of users interact with digital assets.

Today, CZ’s influence is still felt through the Binance ecosystem, his ongoing role as a strategic advisor, and the decentralized financial infrastructure he helped popularize. Whether viewed as a visionary or a controversial mogul, his imprint on the crypto industry is undeniable.