Who is Changpeng Zhao?

Changpeng Zhao, commonly known as "CZ," is a Chinese-born Canadian entrepreneur and the founder of Binance, the world's largest crypto exchange. Born in Jiangsu, China, in 1977, his family relocated to Vancouver, Canada, in the late 1980s, following his father's exile during the Cultural Revolution in China. 

Early Life

To support his family, CZ took on various service jobs, including working shifts at McDonald's and gas stations. He enrolled at McGill University in Montreal, where he majored in computer science, laying the groundwork for his future entrepreneurial ventures.

Professional Career

His professional journey commenced with the Tokyo Stock Exchange, where he developed software for matching trade orders. He then joined Bloomberg Tradebook, where he contributed to the development of futures trading software. In 2005, he founded Fusion Systems in Shanghai, specializing in high-frequency trading platforms. 

His entry into the cryptocurrency world began in 2013 when he joined Blockchain.info and later served as Chief Technology Officer at OKCoin. A pivotal moment came when he sold his Shanghai apartment to invest entirely in Bitcoin, signalling his unwavering belief in digital currencies.​

Establishing Binance

In 2017, CZ launched Binance following a successful $15 million initial coin offering. The platform rapidly ascended, becoming the leading crypto exchange globally within eight months. Binance's success was boosted by the introduction of Binance Coin (BNB), which offered users trading fee discounts, as well as Binance Smart Chain, a blockchain that supports smart contracts.

Despite its rapid growth, Binance faced significant regulatory scrutiny. In 2023, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission filed lawsuits against Binance and CZ, alleging violations of U.S. financial laws. 

In November 2023, CZ stepped down as CEO and pleaded guilty to charges related to anti-money laundering violations, resulting in a $50 million fine and a four-month prison sentence. Binance also agreed to pay a $4.3 billion fine. CZ was released from custody in 2024.​

Post Binance Departure

Post-incarceration, CZ remains an influential figure in the crypto world. Currently based in Dubai, he holds both Canadian and UAE citizenship. In April 2025, he assumed the position of strategic advisor to the Pakistan Crypto Council, reflecting his ongoing commitment to advancing blockchain technology globally. 

He has also committed $10 million to support Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin’s innovative open-source vaccine initiative. Announced during a private BNBChain meeting in Hong Kong, his significant donation highlights the rising trend of crypto philanthropy, showcasing the broader influence of cryptocurrency in tackling real-world health issues. 

Changpeng Zhao (CZ) Net Worth in 2025

​As of 2025, Changpeng Zhao has an estimated net worth of $62.9 billion, positioning him as the 25th richest person globally according to Forbes and #73 according to the Bloomberg Billionaire Index. His fortune primarily stems from his substantial ownership stake in Binance.

He retains approximately 90% ownership of Binance. Despite facing legal challenges, including a guilty plea to anti-money laundering violations in 2023, Binance continues to dominate the crypto exchange market, boasting over 270 million users worldwide.

Beyond Binance, CZ has expressed intentions to diversify his investments into sectors like artificial intelligence and biotechnology. He has also founded Giggle Academy, a nonprofit educational initiative aimed at providing accessible learning opportunities. 

How Much BNB Does CZ Own?

CZ, the co-founder and former CEO of Binance, holds approximately 94 million Binance Coin (BNB) tokens, representing about 64% of the circulating supply of BNB. ​

His significant BNB holdings stem from two primary sources: the initial allocation during Binance's founding and the unsold tokens from the company's initial coin offering (ICO). 

In 2017, the Binance founding team received 80 million BNB tokens, with CZ's share estimated at 41.6 million tokens. Additionally, due to the ICO being undersubscribed, approximately 58 million unsold tokens were reportedly transferred to wallets controlled by CZ, increasing his total holdings.

Changpeng Zhao Investment Portfolio

Changpeng Zhao has publicly disclosed his cryptocurrency holdings, revealing a portfolio heavily concentrated in Binance Coin (BNB).​ Here is a quick summary:

Crypto Portfolio Breakdown

• BNB (Binance Coin): 98.48%
• BTC (Bitcoin): 1.32%
• EURI (Euro-pegged stablecoin): 0.17%
• USDT (Tether): 0.03%​

In addition to his crypto portfolio, CZ has invested in several companies as an angel investor, including:

VC Investments 

• EthSign: In January 2025, he led a later-stage venture capital investment in EthSign, a company specializing in blockchain-based digital signature solutions. 
• Vana: Also in early 2025, CZ invested in Vana, a software development applications company based in San Francisco. 
• Tokocrypto: In December 2022, he completed an investment in Tokocrypto, a financial software company in Jakarta, Indonesia. 
• MX Global: In March 2022, he invested in MX Global, a financial software firm in Malaysia. 
• 1inch: His investment in 1inch, a decentralized exchange aggregator, highlights his interest in DeFi solutions that enhance liquidity and trading efficiency.
• CoinMarketCap: In March 2020, he led the acquisition of CoinMarketCap, a leading cryptocurrency market data provider.

This portfolio allocation highlights strong confidence in the Binance ecosystem, with the vast majority of his assets tied to BNB. His minimal exposure to Bitcoin and stablecoins suggests a strategic focus on assets directly associated with Binance's operations and growth.​

Why was Binance CEO Jailed?

Changpeng Zhao was sentenced to four months in prison in April 2024 after pleading guilty to violating U.S. anti-money laundering laws. The charges stemmed from Binance's failure to implement an effective anti-money laundering (AML) program, which allowed illicit actors to use the platform for activities such as transactions related to child exploitation, drug trafficking, and terrorism. ​

In November 2023, CZ admitted to prioritizing Binance's growth over compliance with U.S. regulations, leading to his resignation as CEO and a personal fine of $50 million. Binance itself agreed to pay $4.3 billion in penalties as part of the settlement with U.S. authorities. ​

Despite prosecutors seeking a three-year sentence, U.S. District Judge Richard Jones imposed a four-month term, citing his acceptance of responsibility and the absence of prior offenses.

CZ Social Media Platforms

​Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the founder and former CEO of Binance, maintains an active presence on social media, offering several avenues for contact.​

• X (Twitter): CZ's primary social media platform is X, where he engages with over 8 million followers. He frequently shares insights on cryptocurrency developments and interacts with the community.​ For direct communication, CZ has introduced a paid consultancy service on X. Users can send private messages by paying 0.1 BNB.
• LinkedIn: CZ is also present on LinkedIn. While he shares professional updates and articles, he is less active on this platform compared to X.
• Instagram: He also has an Instagram account, which he uses to share more personal photos and updates, such as pictures with celebrities and world leaders or his workout progress.

For the most direct and interactive experience, engaging with CZ on X is recommended.

Final Thoughts

Changpeng Zhao, widely known as "CZ," is a Chinese-born Canadian entrepreneur who founded Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $62.9 billion, ranking him among the top 25 wealthiest individuals globally.

CZ built his fortune by launching Binance in 2017, rapidly scaling it into a dominant force in the crypto industry. His substantial holdings in Binance and BNB have been central to his wealth accumulation. Despite legal challenges, including a four-month prison sentence, he remains a key figure in the crypto world.