CZ Zhao Says He Will Not Return to Binance After Trump Pardon at Davos

At Davos, CZ Zhao details his prison term, the pardon process, and his shift toward crypto regulation advisory work and education initiatives.

Rich by Coin

2026-01-26

Changpeng “CZ” Zhao has publicly stated that he does not plan to return to Binance following his presidential pardon from Donald Trump three months ago. He outlined his prison experience, the pardon process, and his current focus on crypto regulation advisory work, Giggle Academy, and mentoring BNB Chain founders. Zhao described the pardon as bringing “much more freedom” and emphasized that he is pursuing independent initiatives rather than reclaiming a former role at Binance.

In Davos, Zhao offered a detailed account of his four-month federal prison term for a Bank Secrecy Act violation, including a brutal first day experience and coping with a cellmate serving a 30-year sentence. He described the pardon process as opaque and cited media speculation that influenced his decision to apply, noting that he never met Trump directly and that the process remained a “black box.” Zhao also referenced being near Trump at a Davos session but not engaging personally.

Today, Zhao is focused on Giggle Academy and other ventures, while also advising governments on crypto regulation and tokenization. He indicated that he does not plan to return to Binance, arguing that his role should be to mentor and guide rather than reclaim leadership at the exchange. He stressed a shift toward education and policy work, often sharing guidance via social media.

Looking ahead, Zhao forecast a potential Bitcoin “super cycle” in 2026, suggesting it could disrupt the traditional four-year price pattern. He stressed a long-term positive outlook for crypto, saying he holds BTC and BNB and does not engage in day trading. The pardon has drawn political backlash, with Democratic lawmakers raising concerns about its timing and Binance’s ties to the President’s family, while Trump has framed the matter as a political attack from opponents. Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote that “the convergence of Mr. Zhao’s pardon application and Binance’s financial entanglements with the President’s family presents urgent concerns regarding the integrity of our justice system.”