Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the founder of Binance and creator of its native token BNB, is scheduled to be released from prison on Sunday, September 29, after completing his four-month sentence.
CZ’s legal troubles began earlier this year when he was charged with violating U.S. securities laws. In response, Zhao stepped down as Binance’s CEO, and the exchange agreed to pay billions of dollars in fines as part of a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Additionally, CZ has been #BANNED from running Binance for life, according to the terms of the settlement. Richard Teng, the current CEO of Binance, confirmed this on X, reassuring the crypto community that CZ’s involvement with Binance would be limited going forward.
Despite the ban, CZ will remain a shareholder and board member of Binance, allowing him to retain significant influence, including nominating board members and executives. Some legal experts, however, suggest that the plea deal does not permanently bar CZ from eventually returning to a management role at the exchange.
In the wake of these legal setbacks, CZ had expressed a desire to step back from the entrepreneurial spotlight and remain a crypto investor. Prior to his imprisonment, he launched Giggle Academy, an online educational platform offering free lessons in finance, blockchain, English, and math to underprivileged children.
CZ had also shown interest in integrating blockchain technology into the biotech sector. Following his release, it remains to be seen how CZ will navigate the industry, though he has indicated a continued interest in areas like blockchain, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology.
