Binance Confirms Trump Granted Presidential Pardon to Founder CZ Zhao
- US President Donald Trump has officially pardoned Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao.
- The pardon follows months of lobbying and appeals from Binance and CZ’s legal team.
- Binance confirmed the news, calling it an “incredible day for crypto.”
- CZ had previously served a four-month prison sentence for violating the Bank Secrecy Act.
- The pardon could allow CZ to return to a leadership role at Binance.
- Trump has previously pardoned other major crypto figures, including Ross Ulbricht and BitMEX co-founders.
In a major development for the crypto world, Binance has confirmed that US President Donald Trump has issued a presidential pardon for the exchange’s founder, Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.
The pardon, signed on Wednesday, comes after months of intense lobbying and appeals from Binance representatives and Zhao’s legal team. While the White House has yet to post an official statement or record the pardon in the Federal Register, Binance later verified the news to Cointelegraph.
Zhao, one of the most recognized figures in global crypto, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to failing to implement an effective Anti-Money Laundering (AML) program at Binance – a violation of the Bank Secrecy Act. As part of his plea deal, he stepped down as CEO of Binance.
In April 2024, CZ was sentenced to four months in prison and was released in September 2024 after completing his sentence.
Following the pardon, Binance issued an official statement expressing gratitude to President Trump:
“Incredible news of CZ’s pardon today. We thank President Trump for his leadership and for his commitment to make the US the crypto capital of the world. CZ’s vision not only made Binance the world’s largest crypto exchange but shaped the broader crypto movement.”
This move marks a significant moment for both Binance and the broader crypto community, as CZ remains the largest shareholder of the exchange and a central figure in the industry’s rise.
Speculation and Market Reaction
Rumors of a potential presidential pardon for CZ had been growing for weeks. In September, crypto betting markets saw a spike in odds after Zhao removed “ex-@binance” from his social media bio – a change that many viewed as a hint of an upcoming political favor.
Earlier this month, reports from the New York Post and Fox News correspondent Charles Gasparino suggested that Trump was leaning toward granting the pardon, calling it a move that could pave the way for CZ’s return to Binance.
If reinstated, Zhao could once again take an executive role at Binance, something that had been prohibited under his plea deal. The development also signals growing support for crypto-friendly policies under Trump’s leadership, which has become a recurring theme of his administration.
Trump’s decision follows a pattern of clemency toward high-profile crypto figures. Since taking office, he has also pardoned:
- The three BitMEX co-founders, including Arthur Hayes, and
- Ross Ulbricht, the Silk Road founder, who had been serving two life sentences plus 40 years.
These moves indicate Trump’s increasing alignment with the crypto sector, positioning the US as a potential leader in digital finance innovation – and sending a powerful signal to both regulators and the global crypto community.
Final Thoughts
President Trump’s pardon of CZ Zhao marks one of the most dramatic moments in crypto history. With his record now cleared, CZ could return to Binance and rejoin the effort to strengthen the exchange’s global presence. The move not only restores one of the industry’s most influential leaders but also suggests that the Trump administration is committed to supporting crypto innovation in the US.
