Where is cz

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: CZ is the founder and former CEO of Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, which was established in 2017. He is currently based in the United Arab Emirates, having relocated there in 2023 after stepping down from Binance's leadership following a $4.3 billion settlement with U.S. authorities in November 2023.

Key Facts

CZ founded Binance in 2017, which grew to become the world's largest crypto exchange by trading volume, handling over $76 billion in daily volume at its peak in 2021.
In November 2023, CZ stepped down as CEO of Binance after the company agreed to a $4.3 billion settlement with U.S. authorities for violations of anti-money laundering and sanctions laws.
CZ was born in China in 1977, moved to Canada as a teenager, and previously worked at Bloomberg Tradebook and OKCoin before founding Binance.
As of 2024, CZ resides in the United Arab Emirates, having relocated there in 2023, and faces sentencing in the U.S. in April 2024 with a potential prison term of up to 18 months.
Under CZ's leadership, Binance expanded to over 100 countries and introduced innovations like Binance Coin (BNB), which reached a market capitalization of over $100 billion in 2021.

Overview

Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, is a Chinese-Canadian entrepreneur and the founder of Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. Born in 1977 in Jiangsu, China, he moved to Vancouver, Canada, as a teenager and later studied computer science at McGill University. Before entering the crypto industry, CZ worked in financial technology, including roles at Bloomberg Tradebook and as CTO of OKCoin, a Chinese crypto exchange, where he gained insights into digital asset trading.

In 2017, CZ founded Binance, launching it during the initial coin offering (ICO) boom and raising $15 million in funding. The exchange quickly grew, leveraging its global approach and user-friendly platform to dominate the market. By 2021, Binance was handling over $76 billion in daily trading volume, making it a central player in the crypto ecosystem. CZ's leadership emphasized innovation, with Binance introducing products like Binance Coin (BNB) and expanding into over 100 countries, though it faced regulatory scrutiny worldwide.

How It Works

As the founder and former CEO of Binance, CZ's role involved overseeing the exchange's operations, strategy, and global expansion, with a focus on technology and user experience.

Key Point 1: Founding and Growth: CZ launched Binance in July 2017 through an ICO that raised $15 million, initially based in China before relocating to Japan and then operating globally. The exchange's trading volume surged to over $76 billion daily in 2021, serving more than 150 million users by 2023, driven by low fees and a wide range of cryptocurrencies.
Key Point 2: Technological Innovation: Under CZ, Binance developed its native blockchain, Binance Chain, and token, BNB, which reached a market cap of over $100 billion in 2021. The platform introduced features like Binance Smart Chain for decentralized applications and staking services, processing millions of transactions daily with high-speed matching engines.
Key Point 3: Regulatory Challenges: CZ navigated complex regulations, with Binance facing bans or restrictions in countries like the U.S., UK, and Japan. In November 2023, he stepped down as CEO after Binance agreed to a $4.3 billion settlement with U.S. authorities for anti-money laundering and sanctions violations, marking a significant shift in his involvement.
Key Point 4: Current Status and Location: As of 2024, CZ resides in the United Arab Emirates, having moved there in 2023. He remains a major shareholder in Binance but is not involved in daily operations, awaiting sentencing in the U.S. in April 2024, with a potential prison term of up to 18 months per his plea agreement.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Binance Under CZ (2017-2023)	Post-CZ Binance (2024 Onward)
Leadership	CZ as CEO, driving rapid growth and innovation	Richard Teng as CEO, focusing on compliance and stability
Regulatory Approach	Aggressive global expansion, often clashing with regulators	Increased cooperation, with a $4.3 billion U.S. settlement in 2023
Market Position	Largest exchange by volume, over $76 billion daily in 2021	Remains top but faces competition, with volume around $40 billion daily in 2024
Geographic Focus	Operated in over 100 countries, with decentralized headquarters	More localized strategies, complying with regional laws like in the UAE
Technological Development	Launched Binance Chain, BNB, and smart contract platforms	Continues innovation but with greater emphasis on security and regulation

Why It Matters

Impact 1: Crypto Market Evolution: CZ's leadership at Binance helped democratize crypto trading, with the exchange processing over $34 trillion in volume in 2021 alone. This growth spurred wider adoption, influencing global financial systems and prompting traditional institutions to explore digital assets.
Impact 2: Regulatory Shifts: Binance's $4.3 billion settlement in 2023 set a precedent for crypto regulation, leading to stricter compliance standards industry-wide. It highlighted the need for anti-money laundering measures in decentralized finance, affecting how exchanges operate globally.
Impact 3: Innovation and Competition: CZ's focus on technology, such as Binance Smart Chain, fostered a ecosystem of decentralized apps, with over 1,300 projects by 2023. This drove competition, pushing other exchanges to improve services and lower costs for users.

Looking ahead, CZ's legacy will shape the crypto industry's balance between innovation and regulation. His move to the UAE reflects a trend of crypto leaders seeking favorable jurisdictions, while his upcoming sentencing in April 2024 may influence legal frameworks for digital assets. As Binance adapts under new leadership, the focus on compliance could lead to a more stable market, but CZ's entrepreneurial spirit continues to inspire blockchain development worldwide.