Changpeng Zhao

Changpeng Zhao, universally known as "CZ," is a Chinese-born Canadian entrepreneur who rose to global prominence as the founder and former CEO of Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. Born in Jiangsu, China, in 1977, CZ's journey saw him immigrate to Canada at a young age, work humble jobs, and eventually build high-frequency trading systems for financial giants like the Tokyo Stock Exchange and Bloomberg. In 2017, he launched Binance after a successful Initial Coin Offering (ICO), rapidly scaling it into a dominant force in the crypto industry within months. Under his leadership, Binance expanded into a vast ecosystem, including its native BNB Chain, venture arm Binance Labs, and a wide array of trading and financial services. However, CZ's tenure was also marked by significant regulatory challenges. In November 2023, he stepped down as CEO of Binance and pleaded guilty to U.S. federal charges related to anti-money laundering violations, resulting in a four-month prison sentence, which he completed in September 2024. Despite these legal hurdles, CZ remains an incredibly influential figure in the crypto space, with a net worth estimated at $64.8 billion as of May 2025 (Forbes). He is now taking on advisory roles, including as a strategic advisor to the Pakistan Crypto Council, continuing to advocate for blockchain technology globally. His impact on shaping the modern crypto industry, for investors from Surat to Silicon Valley, is undeniable.