Changpeng Zhao, the co-founder of Binance, has made headlines once again as he regains his footing after a tumultuous stretch that included a four-month prison sentence for violating U.S. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. Released in September 2024, Zhao’s journey back into prominence reached a pivotal moment in October 2025 when he received a presidential pardon, an event that has dramatically reshaped his role in the cryptocurrency sphere.
Post-Prison Influence and Mentorship
After his prison term, Zhao quickly took steps to reestablish his business presence. Although barred from holding an executive position at Binance, his substantial ownership stake—about 90%—has kept his influence palpable within the company. Contrary to expectations that he might return to a leadership role, Zhao announced his intention to stay away from Binance’s executive team.
Instead, he shifted his focus to YZi Labs, the reborn venture arm of Binance, taking on a mentoring role that allowed him to remain influential in a variety of sectors including blockchain, AI, and biotechnology. By the end of 2025, Zhao became increasingly engaged in promoting memecoins on the BNB Chain, notably leveraging social media and his personal brand to generate buzz. A casual tweet about reuniting with his dog sparked a surge of interest in BNB’s memecoins, elevating trading activity and positioning BNB Chain as a serious contender against Solana in the memecoin space.
Pardoned and Politically Astute
Zhao’s political maneuvers have been just as pivotal. After his release, he signaled his desire for a pardon from U.S. President Donald Trump, a request that gained traction amid allegations of ties between Zhao and the Trump family. In December 2024, media reports highlighted potential negotiations for a stake in Binance’s U.S. operations, but Zhao vehemently denied these claims, framing them as attacks on him and the broader cryptocurrency community.
Despite the ongoing media scrutiny, Zhao pursued a formal pardon, and it came to fruition in October 2025, effectively lifting the legal shadows that had trailed him. This cleared his path for a return to public life, enabling him to utilize his experience and insight without the encumbrance of past legal issues.
Global Influence as an Advisor
With his pardon secured, Zhao has reestablished himself as a significant figure in global cryptocurrency policy. Countries including Pakistan, Malaysia, and Kyrgyzstan sought his counsel on digital asset regulations in 2025, recognizing his expertise despite his inglorious past. His contributions to Pakistan’s financial modernization efforts were particularly notable, showcasing his capability to influence regulatory frameworks at a national level.
Zhao’s advisory roles have not only solidified his standing in the industry but have also positioned him as an invaluable resource for governments looking to understand the intricacies of digital assets. These ventures have allowed him to further advocate for the global adoption of cryptocurrencies while maintaining a strategic distance from Binance’s direct operations.
The Continuing Legal Battles
However, Zhao’s resurgence is not without challenges as ongoing legal issues loom over him. In 2025, he faced a lawsuit from FTX, which accused Binance of engaging in fraudulent practices regarding its 2021 share-buyback deal. Zhao has dismissed these allegations, asserting that the matter occurred offshore and did not breach U.S. laws.
Despite these continued legal entanglements, Zhao remains focused on enhancing his influence and the prospects for BNB Chain, which has shown resilience in market performance. As 2025 comes to a close, Zhao’s transformation from a convicted felon to a key consultant in crypto policy underscores his tenacity and adaptability in a rapidly evolving industry. Whether he chooses to reintegrate with Binance or explore new ventures will be critical in shaping his future role within this dynamic landscape.
