The short answer: CZ, whose full name is Changpeng Zhao, is the founder of Binance, the world's largest crypto exchange by trading volume. He stepped down as CEO in November 2023 when he pleaded guilty to a U.S. charge of failing to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program, served four months in prison in 2024, and was pardoned by President Trump in October 2025. He has appeared on 4 episodes of The Pomp Podcast.
A guest profile from The Pomp Podcast, hosted by Anthony Pompliano. Last updated: October 25, 2026.
Key takeaways
CZ (Changpeng Zhao) is the founder of Binance, the world's largest crypto exchange by trading volume.
He stepped down as CEO in November 2023 after pleading guilty to an anti-money laundering charge and served four months in prison in 2024.
President Trump pardoned him in October 2025, and he has appeared on 4 Pomp Podcast episodes.
Who is CZ?
CZ is a software engineer and entrepreneur who founded Binance in 2017. He was born in China, moved to Canada at 12 and grew up in Vancouver, as he told Pomp in July 2025.
His X profile lists Binance, BNB Chain, YZi Labs and Giggle Academy.
What is CZ working on now?
Binance. He founded Binance and remains its best-known figure. He no longer runs the company and has said he does not plan to return as CEO, Bitcoin.com News reported.
YZi Labs. Binance Labs, the investment arm, was renamed YZi Labs in 2025 to reflect its independence, and CZ took an active role in it.
Giggle Academy. He backs Giggle Academy, a free education project for children.
Writing and commentary. He posts often on X about security, crypto adoption and Binance.
What did CZ do before?
Trading systems. He studied at McGill University and built trading systems in Tokyo, then worked at Bloomberg in New York on a futures trading system starting in 2001.
Fusion Systems. In 2005 he moved to Shanghai and co-founded Fusion Systems, a high-frequency trading technology company, where he was a partner until 2013.
Bitcoin, 2013. He was introduced to bitcoin in July 2013, joined Blockchain.info, and in June 2014 became CTO of OKCoin, which he left in early 2015.
Binance, 2017. He founded Binance in July 2017. It became the largest crypto exchange by trading volume.
Guilty plea and prison. In November 2023 he pleaded guilty to failing to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program at Binance and stepped down as CEO. In April 2024 he was sentenced to four months in prison, Reuters reported.
What is CZ known for?
Building Binance. He took Binance from launch to the world's largest crypto exchange in a short time.
From a village without electricity. He grew up in rural China without running water or electricity before moving to Canada.
His legal case. His guilty plea, prison sentence and pardon made him one of the most closely watched figures in crypto.
Frugality. Despite his wealth, he describes himself as frugal.
What does CZ think about bitcoin, Binance and his life story?
These are his opinions as shared on The Pomp Podcast, not forecasts or advice.
His childhood. In July 2025 he said that where he grew up, "we didn't have running water, we didn't have electricity." (July 2025 episode)
Money. He traced his frugality to his parents: "So that's why I'm relatively frugal."
Three big technologies. He described the internet, blockchain and AI as the three fundamental technologies of his adult life.
Volatility. In April 2020 he said "volatility is generally good for the exchange business." (April 2020 episode)
Room to grow. He also said "only one in 1000 people have crypto. So there's at least 1000 times to grow."
Holding crypto. Asked how Binance managed its treasury, he said that when it needs to spend fiat it sells crypto: "But we don't hold fiat."
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Where can I follow CZ?
CZ on The Pomp Podcast
CZ has appeared on 4 episodes of The Pomp Podcast, from February 18, 2019 to July 1, 2025. His July 2025 episode was recorded before his October 2025 pardon. His February 2019 episode was released again as a replay in December 2019. Every episode is listed below, newest first, with links to watch or listen.
Watch or listen to the latest episode
#1568 CZ's Story: From No Electricity to Bitcoin Billionaire, released July 1, 2025.
Jul 1, 2025: #1568 CZ's Story: From No Electricity to Bitcoin Billionaire · YouTube · Apple Podcasts · Spotify
Apr 5, 2020: #261: CZ explains Why Binance is Paying A Rumored $400 Million for CoinMarketCap · YouTube · Apple Podcasts · Spotify
Dec 31, 2019: REPLAY - CZ, Founder and CEO of Binance: Binance and the Future of Global Crypto Regulation · Spotify
Feb 18, 2019: CZ, Founder and CEO of Binance: Binance and the Future of Global Crypto Regulation · Apple Podcasts · Spotify
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Frequently asked questions
Who is CZ?
CZ, or Changpeng Zhao, is the founder of Binance, the world's largest crypto exchange by trading volume.
Is CZ still the CEO of Binance?
No. He stepped down as CEO in November 2023 and has said he does not plan to return to the role.
Did CZ go to prison?
Yes. After pleading guilty in November 2023 to failing to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program, he was sentenced in April 2024 to four months in prison.
Was CZ pardoned?
Yes. President Trump granted him a full and unconditional pardon in October 2025.
Where did CZ grow up?
He was born in China and grew up in a village without running water or electricity before moving to Vancouver, Canada at 12.
How many times has CZ been on The Pomp Podcast?
CZ has appeared on 4 episodes of The Pomp Podcast, from February 18, 2019 to July 1, 2025. One of those listings is a replay of his February 2019 episode.
Sources
Last updated: October 25, 2026
Anthony Pompliano is an entrepreneur, investor, and author who serves as Chairman and CEO of Silvia, Inc (SVIA) and invests through Pomp Investments. He is the host of The Pomp Podcast, where he interviews founders, investors and economists about bitcoin, markets, AI and the economy.
This profile is based on his conversations with CZ on The Pomp Podcast and on the sources listed above.
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This profile reflects the opinions of the guest and host as shared on The Pomp Podcast. It is guest opinion, not investment advice. Do your own research before making any investment decision.
