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Billionaire Profile
Changpeng Zhao
Global Rank
#24

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Changpeng Zhao

CEO, Binance
CA
Real-Time Net Worth
$65.7B
As of December 2025
Age
47
Source
Cryptocurrency exchange
Industry
finance-investments
Citizenship
CA

Biography

Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, is a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency world, recognized for founding and leading Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange. Born in China and raised in Canada, he began his career in traditional finance before becoming a pioneer in the digital asset space. CZ's vision and leadership propelled Binance to become a global leader, facilitating trading of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and various other digital coins. Despite stepping down as CEO in 2023 due to legal settlements, his influence on the industry remains substantial. As of June 2024, his estimated net worth is $65.7 billion, derived primarily from his stake in Binance and holdings in cryptocurrencies.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Changpeng Zhao was born in Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China, in 1977. His parents were both teachers. Due to political difficulties faced by his father, the family immigrated to Canada in the late 1980s, settling in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Rise to Success

During his teenage years in Canada, CZ worked various service jobs. He attended McGill University in Montreal, where he studied computer science. After graduation, he began his career in traditional finance, working at the Tokyo Stock Exchange and Bloomberg Tradebook, where he developed software for futures trading. In 2005, he founded Fusion Systems, a company specializing in high-frequency trading systems.

Key Business Strategies

CZ launched Binance in July 2017. He quickly grew the exchange to become the world's largest by trading volume within months. His strategies included offering low fees, a user-friendly platform, and a wide variety of digital assets. He also launched Binance Coin (BNB), which provided benefits and discounts to users on the platform.

Philanthropy

CZ has expressed his intention to donate a significant portion of his wealth, aligning with the philanthropic efforts of other prominent business leaders. In March 2024, he launched Giggle Academy, a nonprofit online education platform, focusing on grades 1 to 12.

Career Milestones

2001

Head of Tradebook Futures Development

Worked at Bloomberg Tradebook, developing software for futures trading.

2005

Founder

Founded Fusion Systems, a company specializing in high-frequency trading systems.

2013

Joined Blockchain.info

Joined the cryptocurrency wallet team.

2014

CTO at OKCoin

Served as Chief Technology Officer at OKCoin.

2017

Co-founded Binance

Launched Binance, quickly growing it into the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange.

2023

Resigned as CEO of Binance

Resigned as CEO of Binance as part of a settlement with U.S. authorities.

2025

Strategic Advisor to the Pakistan Crypto Council

Appointed Strategic Advisor to the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC).

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Giggle Academy

Undisclosed

A non-profit online education platform.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Investing in cryptocurrencies is risky. Not investing in cryptocurrencies is also risky."

"It's not how much crypto you have; it's about how many people you've helped."

"Don't buy a coin just because someone (especially famous people) said something."

"The best opportunity was yesterday, the next best one is today. Keep building."

Leadership Principles

Innovation

Embracing new technologies and approaches to remain at the forefront of the industry.

Community Focus

Prioritizing the needs and interests of the cryptocurrency community.

Building

Focusing on consistent development and improvement of the platform and its services.

Controversies & Challenges

2023

U.S. Department of Justice Settlement

Pled guilty to violating the Bank Secrecy Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, resulting in fines and his resignation as CEO.