Former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao open to presidential pardon

Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, the ex-CEO of Binance, recently said he would accept a presidential pardon if given, but he has no plans to come back to manage the cryptocurrency exchange. The comment was made at a time when people in the United States are still discussing pardons, especially after Joe Biden issued a pardon to his son, Hunter Biden.

In a recent X post, Telos executive director, John Lilic, suggested incoming president Donald Trump consider a pardon for the former Binance CEO so he could get back to helping the crypto industry attain new heights. Responding to Lilic’s post, CZ clarified he has no intentions to return to the helms at Binance, but would accept a presidential pardon with open arms.

No wish to be CEO again. But definitely wouldn't mind a pardon.

— CZ 🔶 BNB (@cz_binance) December 2, 2024

CZ’s guilty plea and career shift

Changpeng Zhao (CZ) stepped down as Binance’s chief executive in 2023 after he entered a plea of guilty to money laundering charges. Under the deal, he agreed to an indefinite ban from managing or running Binance and received a four-month jail term. 

CZ was released in September, and since then, he has been spotted actively investing in artificial intelligence, which is a different effort from his previous leadership in the cryptocurrency market. The U.S. President has the power to issue a pardon that would clear an individual from the crime he or she committed. A pardon for CZ could mean that he may come back as the CEO of Binance, but he has not shown interest in the position.

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