Changpeng Zhao ruled out returning as Binance CEO in a recent interview, stating he has no plans to retake the role he gave up in November 2023. Zhao, known as CZ, stepped down as part of a US settlement in which Binance pleaded guilty to money-laundering and sanctions violations and agreed to pay $4.3 billion in penalties; he personally pleaded guilty to a related charge and served four months in a US federal prison. Richard Teng, a former regulator, took over as CEO and continues to run the exchange. Despite no longer holding an official position, CZ remains among Binance's largest stakeholders and continues to influence the exchange and the broader BNB ecosystem through his social-media presence and investment activities.
In the interview, Zhao said, "I don't think they need me, but in the future... anything could happen." He added that he does not want to run the global exchange he largely owns, its US affiliate, or serve as a chief executive or sit on any boards.
CZ Advises Governments and Launches Education Platform
Since his release, Zhao has advised roughly a dozen governments on cryptocurrency regulation and asset tokenization. He launched Giggle Academy, a free education platform, and continues to mentor founders building on the BNB Chain ecosystem through his investment firm, YZi Labs.
Zhao Addresses Market Predictions and Liquidation Accusations
Zhao pushed back against accusations that Binance played a role in a sharp wave of market liquidations. Earlier this year, he predicted 2026 would be a "super-cycle" for bitcoin. He later acknowledged there was no easy explanation for why crypto markets had fallen sharply in the first half of the year, pointing to geopolitical tension, investors rotating into artificial intelligence stocks, and the industry's familiar four-year cycle.
CZ Retains Major Stakeholder Status at Binance
Although CZ holds no official position at Binance, his presence still looms over the exchange. He remains among its largest stakeholders, and his social-media posts routinely move markets. His latest comments appear aimed at quieting recurring speculation that he is preparing a return to the top job. Teng has steered the exchange through a demanding compliance overhaul since taking over, and a high-profile return by the founder could have complicated the company's relationships with regulators around the world.
FAQ
What did CZ say about returning as Binance CEO?
In a recent interview, Changpeng Zhao ruled out returning as Binance CEO, stating "I don't think they need me, but in the future... anything could happen." He added that he does not want to run the exchange, its US affiliate, or serve as a chief executive or sit on any boards.
Why did CZ step down as Binance CEO in November 2023?
CZ stepped down in November 2023 as part of a settlement with US authorities. Binance pleaded guilty to money-laundering and sanctions violations and agreed to pay $4.3 billion in penalties. Zhao personally pleaded guilty to a related charge and served four months in a US federal prison. Richard Teng took over as CEO.
What is CZ doing after leaving Binance?
Since his release, CZ has advised roughly a dozen governments on cryptocurrency regulation and asset tokenization. He launched Giggle Academy, a free education platform, and mentors founders building on the BNB Chain ecosystem through his investment firm, YZi Labs. He remains a major Binance stakeholder and his social-media posts continue to influence markets.
