Changpeng Zhao (CZ), co-founder and former CEO of Binance, candidly discussed his imprisonment and subsequent pardon by former U.S. President Donald Trump in a recent interview. He revealed that he was sentenced on money laundering charges and later pardoned by the president. CZ described the harsh conditions and psychological stress he endured during incarceration, including being housed with a serious offender. Initially hopeful for house arrest, he acknowledged the reality of his sentence but maintained emotional resilience throughout the ordeal.
CZ clarified that he never met Trump personally and had no familial or business ties related to the pardon. He noted the Trump family’s interest in cryptocurrency and praised the administration’s support, which benefited the industry. Following his pardon, CZ has remained active by mentoring Binance Smart Chain founders, investing through Easy Labs, and operating an educational platform called Giggle Academy. He also advises governments on crypto regulations, tokenization, and stablecoin development.
He stated that he no longer trades cryptocurrencies actively but holds Bitcoin and Binance Coin as long-term investments. CZ anticipates a potential “super cycle” for Bitcoin by 2026, driven by growing support from the U.S. and other countries, which could alter the traditional four-year cycle. Reflecting on Binance’s early days, he admitted the mistake of allowing U.S. users on the platform without full legal compliance, which later violated the Bank Secrecy Act. CZ expressed that he would avoid such actions if given another chance.
Binance remains a major player in the digital asset exchange space, and CZ’s personal experiences and insights offer valuable perspectives on the growth and future of the cryptocurrency industry.
Source: binance
