From Prison to Plans: #Binance ’s CZ Reveals a Future Few Could Have Predicted Binance co-founder and former CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has announced that he will not be returning to the cryptocurrency exchange he founded after serving a four-month prison sentence in the US.
Speaking publicly at Binance Blockchain Week following his release on Thursday, Zhao spoke about his sentence and intentions. He said: “I think in the judge’s mind, they’ll be pretty lenient with me.
#CZBinance reached a settlement with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) after Binance was accused of inadequate anti-money laundering (AML) controls. As part of the settlement, he admitted to compliance deficiencies at Binance, paid a significant fine, and was banned from holding executive roles at the company. The settlement resulted in a four-month prison sentence from which CZ was released in September.
Despite Binance’s overwhelming sentiment, he was banned from the jurisdiction and said he has no intention of reprising his role as CEO. Instead, he is focusing on blockchain, AI, biotech products, and is launching an educational platform called Giggle Academy.
Zhao reiterated that he has no plans to return to Binance, but he still feels strongly about it. He stressed that his focus is currently on other ventures, saying: “There’s no need to go back. I have no desire to go back.”
Despite currently being in an administrative role, Zhao said he has a positive relationship with Binance and that his company information is available if needed. “The relationship is actually pretty good, because there are a lot of other guys working really hard right now and I’m trying to retire,” he said.
Zhao focuses on an education startup called Giggle Academy and has investments in blockchain, artificial intelligence and biotechnology. Reflecting on his time in prison, he said, “It’s not good,” and stressed that it was “very restrictive for a lot of things.” But he shared his solidarity, saying, “Frankly, I think there are very good people in prison. People are very comfortable. I don’t think there was any reason for a significant number of people to be there.” He added, “I’ve made a few friends who are still in touch. I hope some of them are trying to get out sooner, advocating for legalization.”
#BinanceBlockchainWeek #BNB #29thBNBBurn

From Prison to Visionary Plans: CZ’s Bold New Journey 🌍
In a twist few saw coming, Changpeng Zhao (CZ), Binance co-founder and former CEO, is stepping into uncharted territory. After serving a four-month prison sentence in the U.S. following a settlement with the Department of Justice, CZ has emerged with a renewed focus and an unexpected roadmap that takes him far beyond Binance.
Speaking candidly at Binance Blockchain Week, CZ addressed the journey that led to his sentence and how he’s planning his next chapter. “In the judge’s mind, they’ll be pretty lenient with me,” he shared, reflecting on his sentence and what’s next.
🚀 A New Era Begins
As part of his settlement, CZ admitted to compliance lapses at Binance, paid a substantial fine, and was barred from holding executive positions at the exchange. But rather than stepping back into his former role, CZ is looking to the horizon. His ambitions now center on blockchain, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology, alongside a new educational platform—Giggle Academy.
He made it clear: “There’s no need to go back. I have no desire to go back.” Yet his connection to Binance remains strong, and he expressed gratitude for the team that continues to drive the platform’s success. “The relationship is actually pretty good,” he said. “There are a lot of other guys working really hard right now, and I’m trying to retire.”
📚 Introducing Giggle Academy: Learning for a New Age
CZ’s latest venture, Giggle Academy, is more than just an education platform; it’s designed to empower individuals with knowledge in emerging technologies like blockchain, AI, and biotech. It’s a mission-driven project, aimed at equipping the next generation with the tools to shape the future.
🔗 Reflections and Realizations
Reflecting on his prison experience, CZ shared insights that were as surprising as they were heartfelt. “It’s not good,” he said, describing the restrictions, but also noted that he found solidarity and connection there. “Frankly, there are very good people in prison… I think a significant number of people there shouldn’t be.” This experience has seemingly deepened his resolve to advocate for change and support innovation.
🌌 Beyond Binance: What’s Next?
For CZ, this is just the beginning. His plans in blockchain, AI, and biotechnology underscore his commitment to a transformative future. With Binance’s continued success and his focus on new ventures, CZ is reshaping the boundaries of what’s possible in crypto and beyond.
🌠 As the crypto space evolves, CZ’s journey reminds us: there’s always a new horizon waiting.
#CZBinance #BinanceBlockchainWeek #BNB #GiggleAcademy #29thBNBBurn $BNB

For the first time since his release, Binance CEO Changpeng "CZ" Zhao shared his experiences in a U.S. prison, where building connections became essential to survive the often harsh environment. Isolation, he realized, could be far more challenging than he had imagined. In a surprising twist, some prison guards recognized him and even sought his cryptocurrency advice—though he had to explain he couldn’t access his usual resources.

Despite the unfamiliar and sometimes isolating setting, CZ managed to make friends, and some of them still keep in touch with him. Many of his fellow inmates were sentenced to lengthy terms for minor offenses but displayed unexpected warmth and kindness, reminding him that good people can be found even in difficult places.

He also revealed he had received practical advice from prison consultants before his sentence, including keeping his account balance minimal to avoid drawing attention. When he arrived, he noticed that others had more money in their accounts, which subtly positioned him as less well-off financially—a strategic choice that helped him blend in.

One of the most impactful people he met was Michael, a man who had spent over two decades in prison for a minor marijuana offense—a crime that is no longer an offense today. Michael's resilience was inspiring; despite his circumstances, he earned a college degree and pursued self-improvement, reflecting a profound dedication to growth.

CZ described the limitations in technology access, with each inmate allotted only brief, 15-minute computer sessions with minimal functionality, making even simple tasks challenging. He couldn’t help but admire those who, like Michael, pursued education in an era with even fewer resources, a testament to their determination.

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Changpeng Zhao, who was imprisoned in the US for months and released in September, attended the Binance event in #Dubai . Speaking here, #CZBinance stated that he focuses on investment and education.
"I have a positive outlook on the future" CZ, who said that he has always had a positive outlook on crypto for a long time, stated that these people have had past experiences: "As I always say, we don't know what will happen in the short term, but I have been positive about the chosen crypto for a long time. We can't predict the future, we interpret the past. We had difficult times in 2012, 2016 and 2020, and then crypto rallied. But now we are at the top again.
"I'm not banned from working, but I don't want to work" CZ, who stated that he was constantly restricted from working at Binance as claimed, said: "Of course, my experiences in prison were unpleasant, but I also made friends there. Some even apply for help from the early side. There is no situation where working at Binance is prohibited for life. But for now, he is thinking of doing this. I don't have much strength and plans. From now on, I plan to focus on educational programs at Giggle Academy. It will continue to invest in AI, biotech, and the crypto industry.
#BinanceBlockchainWeek #GiggleAcademy #binance

Making connections, capturing beautiful night scenes at #BinanceBlockchainWeek

Meeting @cz_binance, @_RichardTeng, @dianabinance in person was amazing.

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