Changpeng Zhao, also referred to as CZ, is a Chinese-born Canadian entrepreneur and investor who co-founded the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, Binance. Born in 1977 in Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China, Zhao immigrated to Canada with his family as a child, where he would later go on to study at McGill University and pursue a computer science degree. He is now one of the most influential people in the crypto space.
Changpeng Zhao Journey
Zhao graduated from McGill University and started his career creating trading software for the Tokyo Stock Exchange and subsequently at Bloomberg Tradebook, designing futures trading systems. In 2005, he relocated to Shanghai and started his first technology startup, Fusion Systems, offering high-frequency trading platforms to stockbrokers.
Zhao learned about bitcoin in 2013 and took a daring step to invest all his savings, selling his Shanghai apartment to purchase bitcoin—a decision that would set him up for future success. He also worked on Blockchain.info and as Chief Technology Officer at OKCoin before starting Binance in 2017.
Changpeng Zhao Binance Connection
Under the leadership of Zhao, Binance expanded at a very fast pace. The exchange introduced Binance Coin (BNB) and Binance Smart Chain to counter Ethereum with smart contract capabilities. Binance became the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume by 2018. Zhao also made massive investments in crypto-related business, including Elon Musk’s purchase of Twitter in 2022.
Changpeng Zhao vs Donald Trump
Despite his success, Zhao also encountered legal challenges, such as lawsuits from the SEC and CFTC, and a guilty plea to money laundering in the United States. He spent four months in prison in 2024 and was pardoned by President Trump in October 2025.
Changpeng Zhao Net Worth
As of October 2025, Zhao’s net worth is valued at $88 billion and is the wealthiest Canadian and the world’s 21st-richest individual. He earns most of his income from cryptocurrency reserves and his shareholding in Binance. Zhao has promised to give away most of his wealth for philanthropic purposes.
Changpeng Zhao Wife and Children
Zhao wedded Yang Weiqing in 2003, and the two had two children before separating in 2005. From 2014, he has been together with Yi He, his business co-founder at Binance, and they have three children together, totaling five. Zhao is said to keep a fairly secluded life as an individual while keeping his international business endeavors intact.
Changpeng Zhao Education
Zhao studied at McGill University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in computer science. Both his parents were educators who imbued him with a studious and analytical temperament. Zhao also worked part-time during his teenage years in Canada, which built his entrepreneurial attitude and work ethic.
Changpeng Zhao Philanthropy and Vision
Aside from business, Zhao has indicated that he will give away as much as 99% of his fortune, following the path of international philanthropists such as Bill Gates. He still advocates for blockchain technology and cryptocurrency uptake worldwide, consulting governments in Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan regarding digital asset policies.
