In a surprising twist in the world of wealth rankings, Forbes has estimated that Changpeng Zhao, known as CZ, the founder of Binance, boasts a net worth of approximately $110 billion, positioning him 17th on the global billionaire list. This figure places him ahead of tech titan Bill Gates, whose wealth is estimated at $108 billion, igniting discussions and debates in the finance and tech communities.
The latest estimates come as of March 10, 2026, following a significant rebound in Binance’s valuation. Zhao’s wealth primarily stems not from token holdings, but from his significant ownership in Binance, believed to be around 90%. This dominance in the crypto exchange space plays a crucial role in his financial standing despite the wider crypto market’s fluctuations.
After stepping down as CEO in 2023 and facing legal challenges—including a guilty plea for failing to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program—Zhao’s financial resilience in a turbulent market has sparked intrigue. He served four months in prison and incurred a $50 million personal fine, while Binance itself faced penalties totaling $4.3 billion.
Despite these setbacks, Zhao remains at the helm of Binance, which is recognized as the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. Analysts currently value the exchange at approximately $100 billion, and it controls about 38% of the global cryptocurrency trading market. Notably, Binance is estimated to have generated between $16 billion and $17 billion in revenue over the years 2024 and 2025—an impressive figure that significantly outpaces rival Coinbase’s $6.6 billion annual revenue.
The Forbes estimate, however, did not pass without challenge. On March 11, 2026, Zhao took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice skepticism regarding the report, arguing that the massive drop in crypto prices (over 50% in 2026) could not logically correlate with a rise in his net worth. He poignantly remarked, “Wish they can apply some common sense and basic logic.”
Revenue Gains Amid Market Downturn
Binance’s ability to thrive even amidst a market downturn can be attributed to its revenue model, which earns transaction fees regardless of prevailing price trends. In fact, periods of volatility tend to surge trading volumes, allowing exchanges to profiting even when token values dip. This mechanic helps explain how Binance has maintained its valuation amid declining crypto prices.
Conversely, Zhao’s individual crypto holdings tell a different story. His estimated 1,400 Bitcoins have witnessed a 25% drop in value over the past year, now valued at around $100 million—an insignificant fraction compared to his estimated overall fortune.
Speculation regarding Zhao’s trading strategies during the recent market turmoil has surfaced on social media, particularly following the dramatic October 10 crash that caused wide-reaching liquidations in crypto derivatives. However, Zhao has firmly denied any allegations of profiting from short trades, stating, “Never shorted.”
Current Market Landscape
As of the date of the Forbes report, the market was intriguing, with Bitcoin trading around $71,000, Ethereum approximately at $2,080, and XRP hovering near $1.40. The turbulent environment reflects ongoing challenges in the cryptocurrency landscape.
Moreover, Binance’s influence extends beyond its exchange; the company also oversees the BNB Chain, which features a native cryptocurrency boasting a market capitalization of roughly $88 billion, further establishing its strong foothold in the blockchain arena.
