How Changpeng Zhao regained power between prison and pardon
With his Binance executive ban in place, Zhao found new channels to shape markets and policy across the crypto world.
Binance co-founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao has spent the past year rebuilding influence after serving four months in prison for violating US Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rules.
Binance paid a $4.3-billion penalty fine; Zhao himself paid a $50-million criminal fine. He also received a lifetime ban from holding an executive position at the exchange.
Over the year that followed his release in September 2024, Zhao resurfaced with government advisory roles. He moved memecoins with his X posts and fended off claims by The Wall Street Journal that he was courting influence through the Trump family and the World Liberty Foundation.