After agreeing to return to the U.S. from Dubai to face charges, CZ found himself behind bars for failing to enforce sufficient anti-money laundering protocols at Binance, the global cryptocurrency giant he founded. His time was split between a minimum-security prison in the California desert and a halfway house in Long Beach, where he enjoyed limited freedom, such as supervised outings to the movies.

As CZ steps back into society, he does so not just as a free man, but as one of the wealthiest individuals in the world—holding an estimated fortune of $60 billion. Though he's been somewhat elusive about his future plans, the scope of his influence and wealth ensures that the world will be watching his next move closely.

While he might not have shared his post-prison plans with the media, several educated guesses can be made. On Friday, two days before his official release date, CZ will likely board a chauffeured car and then fly out of Long Beach or Los Angeles, possibly heading to Dubai or Paris, where his children live with their mother, He Ye, a former romantic partner and a high-ranking Binance executive. Family matters could take precedence, as during his sentencing hearing earlier this year, his family—particularly his son, mother, and sister—stood by his side, offering powerful character testimonies that helped secure him a relatively lenient sentence. CZ has expressed concerns about being too much like his distant father and may now focus on building deeper relationships with his loved ones.

However, family isn’t the only potential focus for the newly freed billionaire. Before his legal troubles, CZ initiated a philanthropic project called Giggle Academy, which aims to provide free, engaging learning tools to children worldwide. At his sentencing, Zhao spoke passionately about wanting to dedicate the next chapter of his life to giving back, particularly through education for underprivileged youth. Yet, the Giggle Academy project, though promising, has yet to take full shape, and it’s unclear how soon it will become more than just a concept.

Beyond family and philanthropy, CZ’s heart still beats for the crypto world. The industry that propelled him to vast wealth remains close to his identity. However, his path back to the top may face some hurdles. As part of his criminal settlement, CZ was forced to step down as Binance’s CEO and is barred from being involved in its daily operations. Moreover, U.S. authorities have placed monitors to oversee the company’s activities. Despite these restrictions, Binance has pivoted its focus away from the U.S. and onto international markets, especially in Asia. And while CZ may no longer hold the title of CEO, his significant ownership stake in the company ensures his influence remains strong.

In fact, even after his departure from day-to-day operations, Binance has continued to thrive. A company spokesperson stated, "We are thrilled that CZ will reunite with his family. While he’s no longer managing the company, his legacy and vision continue to shape Binance. We’ve surpassed 229 million users globally, and we’re excited to see what CZ will accomplish next.”

At only 47 years old, CZ has plenty of time to plot his "second act." Many CEOs don’t even begin their leadership careers until their 50s, meaning Zhao still has prime years ahead of him. Whether in crypto, philanthropy, or other ventures, CZ’s influence will surely reverberate across industries for years to come.

As the world waits to see what his next steps will be, one thing is certain—CZ’s journey is far from over. With his monumental fortune, a global reputation, and numerous paths ahead of him, he remains a formidable figure poised to make waves once again.