Following speculation regarding a potential return, Changpeng Zhao, known as CZ, the co-founder and former CEO of Binance, has sparked discussions about the implications of his recent presidential pardon for the exchange’s operations in the United States.
Will CZ Reclaim His CEO Position At Binance?
Industry observers suggest that this major development for CZ and Binance as a whole could pave the way for Zhao to resume leadership roles and consolidate Binance’s US operations.
According to Bloomberg, the company is exploring several options, including the possibility of integrating Binance.US into its global operations or having its global exchange enter the US market, as indicated by a source familiar with the matter.
“This cycle is largely being driven by U.S. institutional investors and investment products, and that’s precisely where Binance can now shift its focus,” stated Markus Thielen, CEO of 10x Research.
He added that the US affiliate will likely be reintegrated into Binance’s global ecosystem, providing US investors with direct access to the platform’s “deep liquidity and comprehensive derivatives offerings.”
Attention is now focused on whether Zhao will attempt to reclaim the CEO role he previously stepped away from. In recent weeks, he updated his profile on social media platform X from “ex-Binance” to simply “@Binance,” a subtle change that has fueled speculation about his intentions.
However, not everyone believes Zhao is eager to return as CEO. David Namdar, who manages a BNB treasury company backed by Zhao’s family office, commented, “I think he is operating with more of a weight off his shoulders not running the exchange. I’d be surprised if he stepped back into that role.”
Industry Leaders Predict Increased Involvement
Patrick Horsman, chief investment officer of digital asset treasury (DAT) firm Applied DNA Sciences, which invests in Binance Coin (BNB), emphasized that Binance’s technology, liquidity, and relatively low fees could position it as a dominant player in the American crypto market.
However, Bloomberg highlights that the pardon may not only enhance Zhao’s personal prospects but also unlock new opportunities for Binance’s global expansion.
Notably, the firm holds minority stakes in affiliates throughout Asia, including Thailand and Malaysia, where regulatory frameworks impose ownership suitability tests on major shareholders.
“A criminal conviction can pose a barrier for any individual seeking a beneficial ownership stake in a regulated or listed company,” explained Chris Holland, a partner at HM, a consulting firm based in Singapore.
Cosmo Jiang, general partner at Pantera, anticipates that Zhao will become “more involved with Binance’s operations” now that he has received a pardon. “Whenever a founder returns to a company, it’s always an invigorating moment; you typically see more growth and better execution,” he noted.
