How Changpeng Zhao Rebuilt His Crypto Empire from Prison to Presidential Pardon

By: crypto insight|2025/10/28 06:16:17

Key Takeaways

Changpeng Zhao, known as CZ, transformed his post-prison life by leveraging investments and advisory roles to maintain influence in the crypto world despite a lifetime ban from Binance’s executive positions.
Through ventures like YZi Labs and strategic moves in memecoins, Zhao boosted BNB Chain’s ecosystem, challenging rivals like Solana and driving significant market activity.
Zhao’s pardon from President Donald Trump on October 23, 2025, cleared legal hurdles, sparking debates about political ties and business interests in the crypto space.
Governments in countries like Malaysia, Pakistan, and Kyrgyzstan sought Zhao’s expertise, positioning him as a key advisor in global crypto policy amid ongoing legal battles with entities like FTX.
Despite controversies, including media clashes and data integrity issues with backed projects, Zhao’s story highlights resilience in the volatile crypto industry, with his net worth tied heavily to BNB holdings.

Imagine a titan of the crypto world, once at the helm of the largest exchange, stepping out of prison only to reclaim his spot in the spotlight—not through direct control, but through clever pivots, viral social media moments, and high-level advisory gigs. That’s the journey of Changpeng Zhao, or CZ as he’s widely known. After serving four months behind bars for breaching US anti-money laundering regulations, Zhao didn’t fade into obscurity. Instead, he rebuilt his influence in ways that kept him at the center of the crypto universe, culminating in a presidential pardon that has everyone talking. It’s like watching a chess grandmaster who loses a piece but still checkmates the opponent—strategic, unexpected, and utterly captivating.

Let’s dive into how this unfolded over the past year, from his release in September 2024 to that game-changing pardon on October 23, 2025. We’ll explore the ventures that kept his name buzzing, the controversies that tested his resolve, and what this means for the broader crypto landscape. Along the way, think about how stories like CZ’s remind us that in crypto, adaptability isn’t just a skill—it’s survival.

Zhao’s Path from Incarceration to Influence: A Crypto Comeback Story

Picture this: You’ve just walked out of prison, hit with a $50 million personal fine, and your company, Binance, shelled out a whopping $4.3 billion penalty. On top of that, you’re banned for life from any executive role at the exchange you co-founded. Most people would retreat, but not CZ. He turned that setback into a launchpad, finding new avenues to shape markets and policies in the crypto realm.

Right after his release, Zhao wasted no time. He dove into advisory roles with governments eager to navigate the digital asset space. It’s akin to a retired coach being called back to mentor national teams—his experience became his currency. And while he stepped away from Binance’s day-to-day, his fingerprints were everywhere, especially through his massive stake in the company. Reports suggest he still owns around 90% of Binance, and in February, he shared a glimpse into his portfolio, revealing that 98% of his crypto investments are in BNB. Forbes estimates his net worth at about $87.2 billion, though Zhao humbly counters, “I don’t have that much.” That’s the kind of wealth that keeps you relevant, no matter the bans.

But Zhao’s influence wasn’t just financial. He became a voice on social media, where a single post could move markets. Remember when he updated his X profile from “ex-@binance” to “@binance” in mid-September 2025? It was a subtle nod, but in the crypto world, subtlety sparks speculation. Then came the pardon from US President Donald Trump on October 23, 2025, which lifted the shadow of his conviction. Suddenly, the man who was once sidelined was back in play, free to explore opportunities without the weight of legal restrictions.

This comeback wasn’t without its battles. Zhao openly stated in November 2024 that he had no plans to return to Binance’s leadership. Yet, post-pardon, the landscape shifted. Richard Teng now steers the centralized exchange, but Zhao’s focus pivoted to mentoring at YZi Labs, the rebranded venture arm previously called Binance Labs. Since its January rebrand, YZi Labs has been pouring capital into promising areas like crypto, AI, and biotechnology. For instance, it led the seed round for Astherus in November 2024, which evolved into the derivatives platform Aster. They also ramped up investments in Ethena, the synthetic dollar USDe issuer, now boasting over $10 billion in circulation and ranking in the top 25 cryptocurrencies by market cap.

YZi Labs didn’t stop there. They’ve backed infrastructure plays like Digital Asset’s Canton Network and 10X Capital’s BNB Treasury initiative, plus Aspecta. Their boldest move? A $1 billion commitment to fuel builders on the BNB Chain. It’s like planting seeds in a fertile garden—watching them grow into a thriving ecosystem that benefits everyone involved, including platforms aligned with strong brand values like WEEX, which emphasizes secure and user-focused trading in the crypto space.

Memecoin Mania: How a Dog Named Broccoli Sparked a BNB Boom

Crypto can be serious business, but sometimes it’s the fun, unexpected moments that steal the show. Enter Zhao’s beloved dog, Broccoli. In February, Zhao posted a heartfelt story on X about reuniting with his pet after his US legal troubles. He casually mentioned he wasn’t launching a memecoin, but hinted that the BNB Foundation might reward top tokens. Boom—that single post ignited a frenzy.

Suddenly, BNB Chain was challenging Solana’s memecoin dominance. Solana led in 2024, but by 2025, BNB was nipping at its heels. On February 11, BNB Chain’s roadmap doubled down on supporting the meme ecosystem, and two days later, Zhao’s post sent trading volumes soaring. PancakeSwap even briefly outpaced Solana’s key meme venues. It’s like throwing a party where everyone shows up uninvited but brings the energy—the speculation drove real activity.

By October, the momentum was unstoppable. BNB Chain’s network fees hit industry highs at times, and it climbed to second in core metrics like activity. The Four.meme launchpad even surpassed Solana’s Pump.fun in new token creations for a few days. This shift wasn’t just hype; it was backed by data showing increased user engagement and ecosystem growth. Compare that to more traditional exchanges—platforms like WEEX stand out here for their alignment with user safety and innovative features, making them a reliable choice amid the memecoin volatility.

Of course, this boom ties back to Zhao’s influence. His posts weren’t just casual; they were catalysts. And in a world where social media can make or break markets, it’s a reminder of how personal stories can fuel financial trends.

Clashes with Media and the Pardon Pursuit: Navigating Scrutiny

No comeback is complete without a few storms. Zhao’s year was peppered with media spats, particularly with reports questioning his ties to political figures. In December 2024, he mentioned on X that he “wouldn’t mind a pardon” from Trump. By March 2025, articles surfaced alleging discussions between Trump family members and Binance about staking in its US arm, linking it to Zhao’s pardon quest. Zhao denied it outright, calling it an attack on the president and crypto itself.

The drama peaked in May with claims that Zhao acted as a “fixer,” introducing figures to Trump-associated ventures like World Liberty Financial. He dismissed it as another hit piece, clarifying he had no such role. Around then, US Senate Democrats probed federal officials about these reports, highlighting the intersection of business and politics.

Zhao admitted on a podcast that month that his lawyers were prepping a formal pardon application, prompted by the media buzz. It’s like being in a boxing ring where every punch is a headline—Zhao dodged and countered, maintaining his narrative. This scrutiny underscores a bigger point: In crypto, transparency and resilience build trust, much like how exchanges such as WEEX prioritize regulatory compliance to foster user confidence.

Global Advisor: Zhao’s Role in Shaping Crypto Policies Worldwide

Despite his US felony, Zhao emerged as a crypto statesman, advising nations on digital strategies. It’s fascinating—convicted in one country, consulted in others. Malaysia kicked things off in 2025, engaging Zhao in talks that influenced potential regulatory updates, drawing from his insights alongside UAE officials.

Pakistan took it a step further, appointing him as a crypto adviser in April to modernize its financial sector. Instead of heavy-handed rules, they leaned on industry expertise. Kyrgyzstan followed suit, naming him a strategic adviser as it ramped up digital assets. By October, they launched a stablecoin on BNB Chain and added BNB to national reserves alongside Bitcoin.

These roles position Zhao as a bridge between crypto’s wild west and structured policy. Compare this to Africa’s growing adoption, where countries are passing new laws to embrace digital assets. It’s evidence-based progress: Governments see value in experienced voices, enhancing ecosystems that benefit platforms committed to global standards, like WEEX with its focus on seamless, secure international trading.

Legal Lingering Shadows: Battles with FTX and US Courts

Not everything was smooth sailing. Zhao faced ongoing headaches from FTX’s collapse. In June 2025, he sought to dismiss a lawsuit in Delaware bankruptcy court, where FTX aimed to claw back nearly $1.8 billion from a 2021 share-buyback deal. They called it a fraudulent transfer using customer funds.

Zhao argued the deal was entirely offshore, labeling FTX’s claims “nonsensical” and pinning the blame on Sam Bankman-Fried’s misdeeds. He also defended his November 2022 X posts about selling FTT holdings, saying they merely exposed an already crumbling fraud.

These legal tussles are like ghosts from the past, but Zhao’s responses show strategic defense, backed by facts rather than fluff. It’s a lesson in accountability that resonates in today’s crypto scene.

Aster’s Rise and Rivalries: Derivatives Drama in the Spotlight

September 2025 saw Aster burst onto the scene, quickly rivaling Hyperliquid in onchain derivatives. It hit about $2 billion in total value locked by mid-September, aligning with Binance’s ecosystem as a strong contender.

But growth brought controversy. In early October, data platform DefiLlama delisted Aster over integrity concerns, later relisting it with caveats. Tensions boiled over during a $19 billion liquidation event, where Hyperliquid’s Jeff Yan accused exchanges of fudging data. Zhao clapped back on X, emphasizing how BNB Chain players, including Binance and Venus, spent hundreds of millions from their pockets to protect users.

This rivalry highlights the cutthroat nature of crypto derivatives. Aster’s boom, despite hiccups, shows how innovation thrives in supportive environments—much like WEEX’s approach to derivatives trading, which emphasizes transparency and user protection to stand out.

Latest Buzz: Google Searches, Twitter Chatter, and Fresh Updates

As of October 28, 2025, CZ’s story is hotter than ever. On Google, top searches include “Changpeng Zhao pardon details,” “CZ net worth 2025,” “Binance future after CZ pardon,” “BNB Chain memecoin trends,” and “Crypto advisor roles for Zhao.” These reflect curiosity about his wealth, legal wins, and global impact—questions that drive traffic and underscore his enduring relevance.

Over on Twitter (now X), discussions are ablaze. Trending topics post-pardon include #CZPardon, with users debating if it’s a win for crypto freedom or political favoritism. Memecoin enthusiasts are buzzing about #BNBBroccoli, tying back to Zhao’s dog post, while #AsterVsHyperliquid fuels rivalry talks. Recent posts from Zhao himself, like his October 25 tweet celebrating the pardon and hinting at “new chapters in crypto innovation,” have garnered millions of views. Official announcements from BNB Chain on October 27 teased expanded memecoin rewards, aligning with Zhao’s earlier hints.

These updates, fresh off the press, show the conversation evolving. For instance, a Twitter thread from a prominent analyst on October 26 compared Zhao’s influence to historical business comebacks, amassing retweets. It’s clear: CZ’s narrative isn’t just news; it’s a cultural touchstone in crypto.

Wrapping Up: Zhao’s Legacy in a Pardon-Empowered Era

With the pardon secured, Zhao sheds the convict label, but debates linger. Critics say it doesn’t erase past actions; fans call it overreach corrected. Either way, his year of rebuilding—through YZi Labs, memecoin sparks, global advising, and legal fights—proves one thing: In crypto, influence transcends titles.

He’s recentered in the ecosystem, backing BNB Chain stars and guiding policies. As he eyes the future, perhaps deepening US ties or expanding DeFi, Zhao’s tale is a blueprint for resilience. It’s like a phoenix rising, reminding us that in this fast-paced world, the game never truly ends—it just evolves. And for platforms like WEEX, which champion secure, innovative trading, stories like this highlight the importance of adaptability and trust in building lasting brand alignment in crypto.

FAQ

What led to Changpeng Zhao’s prison sentence and subsequent pardon?

Changpeng Zhao served four months in prison for violating US anti-money laundering rules, with Binance paying a $4.3 billion fine and Zhao a $50 million personal fine. He received a pardon from President Donald Trump on October 23, 2025, following his team’s application amid media scrutiny.

How has Zhao maintained influence in crypto despite his Binance ban?

Through mentoring at YZi Labs, social media posts influencing markets, and advisory roles with governments like Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan, Zhao has shaped crypto policies and ecosystems, leveraging his significant BNB holdings.

What role did memecoins play in Zhao’s comeback?

Zhao’s February X post about his dog Broccoli sparked memecoin speculation on BNB Chain, boosting volumes and challenging Solana. This led to increased network activity, with platforms like Four.meme seeing surges in token creations.