Binance logo seen in iPhone screen on US flag background. Source: Koshiro K - stock.adobe.com

Key Takeaways:

Binance founder CZ Zhao confirmed he formally requested a presidential pardon from Donald Trump after initially denying reports.
Zhao cited Trump’s past pardon of BitMEX co-founders as motivation and believes he may be the only person jailed solely for violating the Bank Secrecy Act.
Though banned from operational roles at Binance, Zhao remains a shareholder and now advises on crypto regulation internationally.

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has confirmed he formally requested a presidential pardon from Donald Trump for his money laundering conviction, reversing earlier denials.

During a May 6 podcast, Zhao said his legal team filed the request after media reports suggested he was seeking a pardon.

I feel this is one of the best interviews I have done. It has a lot of information that was not shared before. Farokh somehow got me to talk.

Thanks for the interview! https://t.co/w4bq8mYnKd
— CZ 🔶 BNB (@cz_binance) May 5, 2025

He admitted the articles influenced his decision, noting Trump’s prior pardons for BitMEX co-founders as a precedent.

Zhao pleaded guilty in November 2023 to violating the Bank Secrecy Act, leading to a $4.3 billion settlement with U.S. regulators, a $50 million personal fine, and a four-month prison sentence.

He also stepped down as Binance CEO and is barred from any operational role at the company.

Despite his conviction, Zhao still holds a shareholder stake in Binance and has praised its current leadership.

While a presidential pardon wouldn’t erase his conviction, it could allow him to reenter formal roles at Binance.US.

Post-release, Zhao has focused on international crypto advisory work, particularly in Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan, promoting blockchain development and regulation.

He believes he may be the only person jailed solely for a Bank Secrecy Act violation and remains active in the crypto world despite his legal challenges.