Changpeng Zhao Net Worth: How Rich Is the Binance Founder After Trump’s Pardon?

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, popularly known as CZ, is once again in the spotlight after U.S. President Donald Trump officially pardoned him. Zhao, who had been convicted of money laundering charges earlier, remains one of the richest figures in the cryptocurrency industry. As of October 2025, his estimated net worth stands at around $88 billion, according to Forbes.

The pardon comes months after Zhao pleaded guilty to failing to implement anti-money laundering mechanisms on Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges. Despite stepping down as CEO in late 2023, Zhao continues to hold major influence in the crypto world and maintains significant wealth through his holdings and investments.

Trump’s Pardon and the Political Link

President Trump justified the pardon by saying that Zhao was unfairly targeted by the previous Biden administration. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described Zhao as a victim of what she called “the Biden administration’s desire to punish the cryptocurrency industry.”

However, reports suggest deeper political and financial ties behind the clemency. Zhao reportedly holds a stake in World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture launched by Trump’s sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, in 2024. The firm introduced a stablecoin called USD1, pegged 1:1 with the U.S. dollar. Trump reportedly earned over $57 million from the venture last year, a fact that has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest in the pardon decision.

Changpeng Zhao’s Net Worth in 2025

Zhao’s fortune has long made headlines. In 2025, Forbes listed him among the top 25 richest people in the world, with an estimated net worth of $88 billion. His wealth primarily comes from his massive stake in Binance and his extensive cryptocurrency holdings, including Binance Coin (BNB) and Bitcoin.

Although Zhao’s net worth fluctuates due to crypto market volatility, he remains the richest person of Chinese origin and the wealthiest Canadian citizen. Binance’s continued dominance in global trading volumes contributes significantly to Zhao’s wealth, even as regulatory scrutiny remains high.

In addition to his financial influence, Zhao has also become an advisor to several international governments. In April 2024, Pakistan’s Finance Ministry appointed him as a strategic advisor to the Pakistan Crypto Council. In May 2025, Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov also enlisted Zhao as an advisor on digital asset development.

Broader Impact of Zhao’s Case and Pardon

The Trump pardon marks a defining moment in the intersection of politics and cryptocurrency. Critics argue that the decision could set a precedent for how future administrations deal with financial crimes involving digital assets. Supporters of Zhao, however, see it as a move toward encouraging innovation and independence in the U.S. crypto industry.

Economists note that Zhao’s pardon could stabilize investor sentiment in the crypto market, which has recently shown signs of recovery. Still, questions about accountability, transparency, and international cooperation on crypto regulation persist.

As of late 2025, Changpeng Zhao remains one of the most influential and wealthiest figures in the global tech and finance landscape, with his $88 billion fortune standing as both a symbol of crypto’s explosive growth and a reminder of its ongoing legal and ethical challenges.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is Changpeng Zhao’s current net worth?

As of October 2025, Changpeng Zhao’s net worth is estimated at $88 billion, according to Forbes.

Q2: Why did Donald Trump pardon Changpeng Zhao?

Trump said Zhao was unfairly targeted by the Biden administration, though reports also point to Zhao’s financial ties with Trump family ventures.

Q3: What was Changpeng Zhao convicted of?

He pleaded guilty to failing to implement anti-money laundering systems at Binance, allowing illegal transactions to occur through the platform.

Q4: What is Zhao’s role after leaving Binance?

He now serves as an advisor to Pakistan’s Crypto Council and Kyrgyzstan’s government on digital asset policies.

Q5: How does Zhao’s pardon impact the crypto industry?

It could boost confidence in crypto trading and influence future U.S. regulatory policies toward digital currencies.