Changpeng Zhao and Binance
Changpeng Zhao founded Binance in 2017 and owns an estimated 90%, per Forbes 15.
Full nameChangpeng Zhao
NationalityCanada
Known forFounder of Binance
Changpeng Zhao's companies
| Company | Role |
|---|---|
| Binance | Founder; CEO from 2017 to November 2023; estimated 90% owner per Forbes |
| Fusion Systems | Founder, Shanghai, 2005 |
| OKCoin | Chief technology officer |
| Blockchain.info | Developer |
Binance
Zhao launched Binance in July 2017 with Yi He. It raised $15 million in an initial coin offering and began trading eleven days later. Forbes values it at around $100 billion and estimates revenue of about $16 billion a year 125.
November 2023 settlement
Binance agreed to a $4.3 billion settlement with US authorities. Zhao pleaded guilty to violating US anti-money laundering rules, stepped down as CEO and agreed to a $50 million fine. Richard Teng succeeded him 57.
Sentence and pardon
He was sentenced to four months in prison in April 2024 and was released on 27 September 2024. President Donald Trump pardoned him in October 2025 345.
Frequently asked questions
Forbes estimates roughly 90%, based on legal filings. Binance is private, so the figure is an estimate.
Richard Teng became CEO when Zhao stepped down in November 2023.
Sources✓ Verified 14 Nov 2026
1 Forbes (via VnExpress International), Binance founder Changpeng Zhao remains richest in crypto with $110B net worth, 11 Mar 2026, Stake, valuation
2 Reuters (via Citizen Digital), Trump pardons convicted Binance founder Zhao, White House says, 24 Oct 2025, Pardon, sentence
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