About Changpeng Zhao
- Changpeng Zhao, who goes by CZ, is the founder and former CEO of Binance, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world.
- The Chinese-Canadian coder cut his teeth building high-frequency trading systems for Wall Street's flash boys.
- Zhao founded Binance in 2017, raising $15 million through an initial coin offering.
- In 2023, Binance facilitated roughly half of all spot trades processed by centralized crypto exchanges.
- Zhao pled guilty to U.S. charges of fraud and money laundering in 2023 and awaits sentencing. He retains an estimated 90% stake in Binance.
Wealth History
HOVER TO REVEAL NET WORTH BY YEAR
Forbes Lists
#22
Singapore's 50 Richest (2021)Dropped off in 2022
#216
China Rich List (2018)Dropped off in 2019
Personal Stats
- Age
- 47
- Source of Wealth
- Cryptocurrency exchange, Self Made
- Residence
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Citizenship
- Canada
Did you know
Zhao was born in Jiangsu, China. His father, a professor, was labeled a pro-bourgeois intellect and temporarily exiled shortly after CZ was born.
As a teenager in Vancouver, CZ pitched in to cover the household expenses, flipping burgers at McDonald's and working overnight shifts at a gas station.
In Their Own Words
We need to respect the market, with a level of caution too. It goes up and down in cycles. And especially the fact that it doesn't always make sense.
Changpeng Zhao
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