Changpeng Zhao (CZ), founder and former CEO of Binance, has stated that he no longer intends to return to a leadership position at Binance after experiencing legal troubles. In an interview with Bloomberg, he candidly said, "I have moved past this phase of my life." As a former industry leader, Zhao's words have shocked the cryptocurrency community and investors.
"After leading for seven years, my work is done."
Since founding Binance in 2017, Changpeng Zhao has transformed it into one of the world's largest cryptocurrency trading platforms. However, following his four-month prison sentence in 2024 for failing to comply with anti-money laundering regulations, Zhao officially resigned as CEO and paid a $50 million fine, while Binance also faced a record $4.3 billion fine. Despite this, Zhao has not made any clear commitments regarding his future role, emphasizing, "That chapter is over; the next is a new beginning."
Binance Equity and Future Direction: No Longer a Core Decision-Maker
Changpeng Zhao's influence on Binance is gradually fading. He stated that he is now just an "ordinary shareholder" and has received proposals to sell his stake in Binance. Reports indicate that Zhao holds 90% of Binance shares, and while he has not made a decision regarding the sale, he clearly stated that he will not "hold these shares forever." He also revealed that he will focus more on "long-term investments" in the fields of artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
In terms of specific investments, Zhao has demonstrated a profound interest in education. As the initiator of the Giggle Academy project, he plans to invest significant time and resources into providing free basic education for students in grades 1 to 12 worldwide. This non-profit project will help students achieve accomplishments in their learning process through blockchain technology and gamified learning reward mechanisms.
Prison Experience and Personal Reflection: Crypto and Growth
Despite being in prison, Zhao has not lost his characteristic humor and composure. He shared a humorous interaction with prison guards during his incarceration: several guards recognized him and asked which cryptocurrency was worth buying, to which Zhao humorously replied, "I better not pick the wrong coin." This little episode not only showcases his indomitable spirit but also reflects the immense influence he holds in the cryptocurrency industry.
Zhao has also talked about his reflections during his time in prison, stating that while the experience was challenging, it led to deeper personal growth. "This is a very subjective issue," he commented on his judgment, mentioning the challenges and complexities of the judge's work.
CZ's Future: From Crypto to Education and Innovation
With the changes in Binance's leadership, Zhao's future direction is becoming increasingly clear—he will focus on long-term investments in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and education. He believes that these fields can not only yield financial returns but also make meaningful contributions to society. Additionally, Giggle Academy, as an innovative educational approach, utilizes blockchain technology to reward students, fully reflecting Zhao's ambitions beyond cryptocurrency technology.
Overall, Zhao's future is not about leaving the cryptocurrency field but rather about expanding its technological advantages into broader social applications. Cryptocurrency investors and the entire blockchain industry may continue to witness new revolutionary changes under the leadership of this former crypto leader.
This former "leader of the crypto empire" now resembles an investor seeking personal growth and social contribution. How he will develop next is worth everyone's attention.
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