*Early Life and Education*
Changpeng Zhao, also known as CZ, was born on September 10, 1977, in Jiangsu, China. He moved to Vancouver, Canada, with his family at the age of 12. CZ developed an interest in computer science and programming at an early age. He attended McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where he graduated with a degree in Computer Science.
*Career*
CZ began his career in finance at the Bloomberg Tradebook in New York. He later moved to Shanghai and joined Fusion Systems, a trading platform provider. In 2013, CZ became the Head of Technology at OKCoin, a Chinese cryptocurrency exchange.
*Binance*
In 2017, CZ founded Binance, a cryptocurrency exchange that quickly gained popularity and became one of the largest exchanges in the world. Under CZ's leadership, Binance expanded its offerings to include a range of services, including a decentralized exchange (DEX), a cryptocurrency wallet, and a blockchain-based platform for initial coin offerings (ICOs).
*Resignation*
In November 2022, CZ announced that he would step down as CEO of Binance, citing a desire to focus on the company's "next phase of growth." Richard Teng, the former Head of Binance's Asia-Pacific region, took over as CEO.
*Personal Life*
CZ is known for his active presence on social media, where he frequently shares his thoughts on cryptocurrency, blockchain, and entrepreneurship. He has also become a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency community, speaking at conferences and events around the world.
*Net Worth*
CZ's net worth is estimated to be over $10 billion, making him one of the richest people in the world.
*Controversies*
CZ and Binance have been involved in several controversies over the years, including regulatory issues, security breaches, and accusations of market manipulation. However, CZ has consistently maintained that Binance operates with integrity and transparency.
*Legacy*
CZ's legacy in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space is undeniable. He has played a key role in popularizing cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, and his leadership at Binance has helped to establish the company as a major player in the industry.