Will CZ Return as Binance CEO? Changpeng Zhao Responds to Calls for Pardon from Donald Trump

The cryptocurrency world has been buzzing with speculation about whether Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the founder and former CEO of Binance, will return to lead the exchange. Some believe that a potential pardon from US President-elect Donald Trump could pave the way for his comeback.

In a recent post on X, Telos CEO John Lilic suggested that Donald Trump should consider granting a pardon to CZ. Lilic argued that such an action would allow Zhao to return as Binance’s CEO, helping drive the growth of the crypto industry. He also emphasized that CZ was, in his view, a victim of legal circumstances rather than a perpetrator of wrongdoing.

In response to these remarks, CZ took to X to clarify his stance. While he appreciated the sentiment, Zhao made it clear that he has no interest in resuming his position as CEO of Binance. He stated, “I have no desire to be CEO again. But I am certainly not against an amnesty.”

This conversation stems from CZ's recent legal troubles, which saw him stepping down as CEO of Binance as part of a settlement with US authorities. Under the terms of the settlement, Binance agreed to pay a hefty $4.3 billion fine for violating US financial regulations, and CZ personally agreed to pay a $50 million fine as part of his guilty plea. As part of the agreement, Zhao relinquished his role as Binance's CEO.

Despite his departure from the company, CZ's influence in the cryptocurrency world remains significant, and his potential return to the helm of Binance is a topic of intense speculation. However, his response suggests that while a pardon may be appreciated, he is ready to move on from his leadership role at Binance.

As the crypto industry continues to navigate regulatory challenges, the prospect of a more crypto-friendly regulatory environment under Trump’s administration, including the approval of more altcoin ETFs, adds further fuel to the speculation about CZ's future involvement in the space.

For now, it remains unclear whether a pardon will materialize or if Zhao will ever take up the mantle of Binance's leadership again. However, his influence on the industry, whether or not he returns to Binance, is undeniable.