CZ
Zhao Changpeng (CZ) has finally come out of prison in the United States, and everyone has been eagerly waiting for this news. People are not only concerned about whether he had good meals or if there was WiFi in prison; they are more worried about whether he will return to lead Binance after his release. As it turns out, this guy is quite carefree; his first words after coming out were very clear: I won't go back.
Many people may wonder why such a decisive stance? Zhao Changpeng candidly explained that he has stepped down as CEO of Binance and no longer participates in the company's daily operations. Although he still holds shares and is a major shareholder of Binance, he has completely 'retired' from the operational level. He laughed, saying that he considers himself to be 'forced into retirement', and joked a bit: 'The first month was really a bit uncomfortable; after all, I had been online 24 hours a day for seven years, and suddenly lost that worrying power, as if overnight I went from being the 'captain' to a 'passenger on the ship.'
However, Zhao Changpeng also mentioned that this 'forced retirement' is not a bad thing; instead, it has given him more freedom to do things he truly wants to do. For example, he mentioned his new project—Giggle Academy, a platform aimed at providing free education to children and adults around the world who have not had access to educational opportunities. He passionately stated that education should be popularized, made fun, and children should learn how to make money from a young age! This is much more direct than cryptocurrency; it not only teaches children math and history but also how to start earning income in their teenage years. Zhao Changpeng has really transformed from a 'crypto tycoon' to an 'education uncle', and he seems quite pleased with it.
Of course, this does not mean that Zhao Changpeng will completely leave the crypto world. Although he has made it clear that he will not take on a management role at Binance, he still has plenty of expectations and enthusiasm for the future of cryptocurrencies. When asked if he would continue to invest in crypto projects, his answer was as straightforward as his clothing style: 'Of course!' He now positions himself more as a mentor rather than a leading entrepreneur. He mentioned that his investment direction will still focus on high-tech fields such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. In his own words, he said that he does not want to lead the charge into battle anymore; he prefers to be a strategist, helping those young people with dreams.
Interestingly, Zhao Changpeng also talked about life in prison. Although it sounds a bit 'gloomy', he joked that this period made him 'reflect on life' and even re-examine what is most important. 'What I miss the most is not freedom, but the connections between people,' he said. 'I miss my children, family, friends, colleagues, and community. What to eat and drink is not the most important; the most important thing is people.' Zhao Changpeng's words made the audience nod slightly, and some even discreetly wiped their eyes.
Regarding the future of Binance, Zhao Changpeng seemed very at ease. He said there is now a group of new managers in the company who are very professional and capable; the future of Binance does not require him to worry personally. When someone in the audience asked if he was truly 'banned for life' from participating in the management of cryptocurrency exchanges, Zhao Changpeng laughed and said that the media always likes to exaggerate; in fact, the agreement does not say that. He clearly stated that he has no intention of serving as CEO again, and even if given the opportunity, he would not go back. He feels Binance is developing well now and does not need him to 'stand guard' again.
As for the prospects of the crypto industry, Zhao Changpeng remains optimistic as usual. He said, 'History does not repeat itself completely, but it does rhyme.' In his view, cryptocurrencies will still experience cyclical fluctuations; this year may be a year of recovery, while next year could be a new breakout point. 'I am very optimistic about the future of the crypto industry; I still believe it is a trend of the future.'
Throughout the conversation, Zhao Changpeng's attitude appeared very relaxed, as if he had just returned from a 'forced vacation', and the entire person seemed to have been rebooted. He now seems to enjoy the freedom without specific management responsibilities, investing his time and energy into things he truly cares about—whether global education or mentoring young entrepreneurs. He said he feels very lucky to have the time and resources to do these things.
Zhao Changpeng's release from prison was not a result of his choice but a helpless reality. He is no longer the leader of Binance but has been forced to become a bystander, even a reluctant guide with 'money but no power'. For Bitcoin investors, Zhao Changpeng's story resembles a situation of 'humans as knives and forks, I am the fish and meat'. Although he hasn't returned to Binance, his presence has not left the crypto world. His journey is not a new starting point by choice, but a continuation pushed by fate.