Binance Founder Net Worth Soars
What happened
Binance founder CZ (Changpeng Zhao) reached his highest net worth ever, surpassing Bill Gates on Forbes' billionaires list amid a crypto rebound.
Why it matters
CZ's wealth increased by roughly $47 billion in the past year, driven largely by his stake in Binance. Forbes estimates Binance is worth around $100 billion, and filings suggest CZ owns about 90% of it. Despite stepping down as CEO in 2023, CZ remains a major figure in the company. In late 2025, President Trump granted Zhao a full pardon for his offenses. Binance still dominates the crypto exchange market, holding approximately 38% of the global market share. However, Binance's market share has seen some declines. CZ himself has questioned the accuracy of Forbes' estimates, pointing to the decline in Bitcoin's value. He stated that it would be illogical for his net worth to increase while the broader crypto market has dropped. Binance faces ongoing regulatory scrutiny, including investigations into money laundering and compliance with financial laws. These challenges could impact its operations and market access.
Key numbers
- CZ's wealth increased by roughly $47 billion in the past year, driven largely by his stake in Binance.
- Forbes estimates Binance is worth around $100 billion, and filings suggest CZ owns about 90% of it.
- Despite stepping down as CEO in 2023, CZ remains a major figure in the company.
- In late 2025, President Trump granted Zhao a full pardon for his offenses.
What happens next
- These challenges could impact its operations and market access.
Sources
Quick answers
What happened in Binance Founder Net Worth Soars?
Binance founder CZ (Changpeng Zhao) reached his highest net worth ever, surpassing Bill Gates on Forbes' billionaires list amid a crypto rebound.
Why does Binance Founder Net Worth Soars matter?
CZ's wealth increased by roughly $47 billion in the past year, driven largely by his stake in Binance. Forbes estimates Binance is worth around $100 billion, and filings suggest CZ owns about 90% of it. Despite stepping down as CEO in 2023, CZ remains a major figure in the company. In late 2025, President Trump granted Zhao a full pardon for his offenses. Binance still dominates the crypto exchange market, holding approximately 38% of the global market share. However, Binance's market share has seen some declines. CZ himself has questioned the accuracy of Forbes' estimates, pointing to the decline in Bitcoin's value. He stated that it would be illogical for his net worth to increase while the broader crypto market has dropped. Binance faces ongoing regulatory scrutiny, including investigations into money laundering and compliance with financial laws. These challenges could impact its operations and market access.
