Biography
Changpeng Zhao, known as CZ, is a prominent Chinese-Canadian entrepreneur and investor. He is well known in the cryptocurrency space as the founder of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume.
Born on February 5, 1977 in Jiangsu, China, CZ moved to Vancouver, Canada with his family in the late 1980s. Early in his career, he held various roles in technology and finance, including developing high-frequency trading systems and working at Bloomberg Tradebook.
CZ’s interest in Bitcoin led him to found Binance in 2017, which quickly became popular for its fast transactions and extensive cryptocurrency options. However, his career took a turn in 2023 when he stepped down as CEO of Binance after pleading guilty to money laundering charges in the United States, resulting in a fine and a four-month prison sentence.
Former CEO of Binance
Truong Bang Trieu |
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 Changpeng Zhao: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Events & About Data | |
| Real name: | Truong Bang Trieu |
| Stage name: | CZ |
| Born: | February 5, 1977 (age 47) |
| Place of birth: | Lianyungang, China |
| Nationality: | Canadian |
| Education: | Department of Computer Science, McGill University, University-Hill High School |
| Height: | 1.7 minutes |
| Parents: | Shengkai Zhao |
| Siblings: | Do not have |
| Couple: | Duong Vi Thanh (married in 2003) |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | Yi He (rum.) |
| The children: | Ryan Trieu, Rachel Trieu |
| Job: | Entrepreneur • Investor |
| Net worth: | $39.6 billion (USD) |
Early life and education
Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, was born on February 5 in Jiangsu, China. At the age of 12, he moved to Vancouver, Canada with his family, following his father’s academic career and the political tensions in China following the Tiananmen Square incident. The move had a profound impact on CZ, shaping his identity as both Chinese and Canadian.
CZ’s ethnicity is Chinese, and although his religious beliefs are not well documented, his background is rooted in Chinese traditions. His father, Shengkai Zhao, was a professor, and his mother also worked in education, although the specifics of her career vary in public records. Little is known about his siblings, suggesting that CZ may have kept his family life private or may have been an only child, which is common due to China’s one-child policy.
After completing his secondary education in Canada, CZ attended McGill UniversityAlthough the details of his specific qualifications are not widely known, his exposure to Canada’s diverse cultural environment may have shaped his entrepreneurial mindset and approach to business.
Career
Changpeng Zhao, known as CZ, has built a distinguished career in the cryptocurrency space, culminating in his role as founder and former CEO of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. His career reflects a combination of technological expertise, entrepreneurial drive, and a deep interest in finance and trading.
After moving to Canada as a young man, CZ pursued a degree at McGill UniversityHis career began in technology, working with Tokyo Stock Exchange and then at Bloomberg LP in New York, where he developed high-frequency trading software. This experience played a key role in shaping his future endeavors in the cryptocurrency space, where efficiency and speed are essential.
CZ’s encounter with the Bitcoin whitepaper propelled him into the world of cryptocurrency. Initially skeptical, he was convinced at a Bitcoin conference in Las Vegas, prompting him to sell his Shanghai apartment and invest heavily in Bitcoin, marking his full commitment to the space.
In 2017, CZ founded Binance with the goal of creating a secure, user-friendly exchange capable of handling large trading volumes. Within 180 days, Binance became one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges, reflecting CZ’s vision and strategy. His approach included simplifying trading and expanding the platform’s features, including the launch of Binance Chain and Binance Smart Chain, which solidified Binance’s role in the blockchain ecosystem.
In 2023, CZ faced a major setback when he pleaded guilty to money laundering charges in the United States. He stepped down as CEO of Binance in November 2023 and was sentenced to four months in prison in April 2024. Despite these challenges, CZ remains influential in the crypto world thanks to his founding role at Binance, where he holds a significant stake.
Throughout his career, CZ has advocated for transparency, innovation, and the democratization of finance through cryptocurrency. His vision for Binance goes beyond trading, aiming to create a more inclusive global financial system that is less dominated by traditional banks. His business approach, shaped by his diverse background and global experience, emphasizes flexibility, risk-taking, and community engagement, which are at the core of the cryptocurrency ethos.
Even after stepping down, CZ’s impact on the crypto industry continues through his ownership stake in Binance and his role as a pioneer in blockchain technology. His career, marked by rapid success and significant legal challenges, continues to be a focus, reflecting the volatile nature of the crypto industry.
Social media
- Instagram: CZ_Binance (@changpengzhao)
- Twitter: CZ BNB (@cz_binance) / X
- LinkedIn: Changpeng Zhao – Binance
- Facebook: Changpeng Zhao
Personal life
Changpeng Zhao, commonly known as CZ, has been married at least once. Although there have been mentions of a “life partner” with Yi He, co-founder of Binance, it is unclear whether the relationship constitutes a legal marriage.
CZ has publicly confirmed his marriage to Yang Weiqing, although the current status of the relationship and specific details may vary. CZ has five children, including Rachel Zhao and Ryan Zhao.
Details about CZ’s dating history are limited. His relationship with Yi He, which began when they co-founded Binance, is the most documented aspect of his life. Prior to that, there was little public information about his romantic relationships.
The height of the CZ is not often cited in public sources so no details have been confirmed.
Argumentative
Changpeng Zhao, known as CZ and former CEO of Binance, was sentenced to four months in prison in April 2024. The sentence came after he pleaded guilty in November 2023 to failing to adequately implement anti-money laundering measures at Binance.
CZ began his sentence at the low-security Lompoc II facility in California and then moved to a halfway house in San Pedro, California, as part of the final phase of his incarceration. His release date is scheduled for September 29, 2024, marking his gradual reintegration into society.
Net worth
Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, has seen significant fluctuations in his net worth, largely due to his role as the founder of Binance. As of this year, his net worth is estimated at $39.6 billion, placing him among the world’s richest individuals, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. This wealth comes primarily from his significant stake in Binance, although it excludes his cryptocurrency holdings, which could further inflate his net worth.
CZ’s finances reflect the volatility of the cryptocurrency market. In 2022, Bloomberg estimated his net worth at around $96 billion, placing him among the top 10 richest people in the world. However, CZ noted that such estimates are speculative and may not accurately reflect his liquid assets.
His fortune was affected by the ups and downs of the cryptocurrency market but recovered when the market recovered. Despite facing legal challenges and stepping down as CEO of Binance after pleading guilty to anti-money laundering charges in late 2023, CZ’s net worth remains substantial, largely due to his significant ownership stake in Binance.
