Sep 28, 2026
Changpeng Zhao Outlines Global Expansion Strategy Across Technology
Executive leadership updates showcase rapid acceleration in Binance and global venture milestones under the direction of Changpeng Zhao.
By Antonio Pequeño IV
PROFILE
Changpeng Zhao
Founder & Former CEO
Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, is a Chinese-born Canadian entrepreneur best known for founding Binance in 2017. He built Binance into one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges. With a background in computer science and financial trading systems, he has played a major role in the development of the global cryptocurrency industry.
COMPANIES & SHAREHOLDINGS
Binance
Founder & Former CEO
YZi Labs
Co-Founder
Giggle Academy
Founder
From the Editor
Last updated Oct 31, 2026- Founded Binance in July 2017 and became its first CEO.
- Built Binance into one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges.
- Previously worked at Blockchain.com and OKCoin.
- Established YZi Labs, formerly known as Binance Labs, as an independent investment firm.
- Founded Giggle Academy, a free online education platform for children.
Personal Stats
Age49
Source of WealthBinance
Self-Made Score9
Philanthropy Score4
ResidenceDubai, United Arab Emirates
CitizenshipCanada
Marital StatusSingle
Children0
EducationMcGill University, Canada — studied Computer Science.
Did you know
Before entering the cryptocurrency industry, Changpeng Zhao worked at McDonald's and a gas station as a teenager in Vancouver.
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In Their Own Words
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"We need to respect the market, with a level of caution too. It goes up and down in cycles."
Changpeng Zhao
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