Changpeng Zhao: Return from Prison and New Investments in Binance

Changpeng Zhao has returned from an American prison to the UAE, retaining control over Binance and his multi-billion-dollar fortune. The NYT estimates his wealth at $114 billion.

Key facts about the founder's return

• CZ spent four months in the US but received a pardon from Donald Trump in October 2025
• The founder acquired UAE citizenship, where he has close ties with the government
• The Emirati fund MGX invested $2 billion in Binance, valuing the exchange at $75 billion
• Transactions were conducted via the USD1 stablecoin, linked to the Trump family

Changpeng Zhao's return is accompanied by new financial operations. The MGX fund invested $2 billion, pushing the USD1 stablecoin into the ranks of the largest on the market.

World Liberty Financial, affiliated with the president's family, generated $799 million in profit for Trump in 2025.

Binance paid $2.1 million to a lobbying firm to mitigate punishment. Critics call this a conflict of interest, although no direct evidence of a deal has been found.

Despite his formal departure from management, CZ retains a controlling stake and influence in the digital asset industry.