Changpeng Zhao
Changpeng Zhao, also referred to as CZ, is the Founder of Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange. Under CZ's leadership, Binance achieved incredible growth, turning into one of the world’s largest and most significant cryptocurrency exchanges. His strategic vision and devotion to innovation catapulted Binance to the top of the industry, gaining millions of users and establishing Binance as a trustworthy platform for both beginners and seasoned traders. CZ is one of the most prominent people in cryptocurrency, and has been the wealthiest person in the industry. Prior to starting Binance, CZ held key positions in various cryptocurrency exchanges. On November 21, 2023, Zhao stepped down as CEO of Binance. He also pleaded guilty to charges brought against him in a U.S. court and agreed to personally pay a $50 million fine.
BINANCE CONTROVERSY
The action against Binance and CZ was a joint effort by the Department of Justice, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Treasury Department.
According to the Treasury Secretary, the exchange allowed illicit actors to make more than 100,000 transactions that supported activities such as terrorism and illegal narcotics and that it allowed more than 1.5 million virtual currency trades that violated U.S. sanctions.
Once billed as the "Chinese king of crypto" and the "wealthiest person in crypto," Changpeng Zhao now faces an uncertain future, which may include prison time in the U.S.
CRYPTO
CZ’s interest in cryptocurrency began in 2013 when he first learned about Bitcoin, according to a 2018 Forbes report.
His career in the up-and-coming digital currency industry started at Blockchain.com, where he served as the Head of Development at Blockchain.com.
CZ later joined OKCoin, one of China’s top cryptocurrency exchanges at the time, where he served as the company's chief technology officer.
After completing his education, CZ dove into several entrepreneurial enterprises, including designing trading software for famous companies such as the Tokyo Stock Exchange and Bloomberg Terminal.
His ability to design complex and reliable trading software shows his extensive understanding of financial markets and technological integration.
RECOGNITIONS
MEDIA & APPEARANCES
CZ has been profiled and featured in various financial media outlets and publications.
He has appeared at The Guardian, Fortune, The Economic Times, Business Insider, Reuters, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and more.
He has also been profiled at CBS News, CoinDesk, Cointelegraph, and CNBC, among others.
He has appeared as a guest on Real Vision.