The resignation of CZ from his CEO position at Binance, coupled with a legal settlement with the DOJ for $175 million, has sent ripples through the crypto community.
In Brief
Against the backdrop of a $4.3 billion legal arrangement with the DOJ, Changpeng 'CZ' Zhao has announced his resignation from Binance, paving the way for Richard Teng's appointment as the new chief executive.

Changpeng ‘CZ’ Zhao, the CEO of Binance, CZ has officially vacated his position due to the company reaching a major legal settlement with governmental authorities, marking the end of an intense period for Binance. U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) .
The decision for Zhao to step down is following the company's agreement to a sizable payout to resolve ongoing investigations linked to allegations of money laundering. $4.3 billion Despite stepping down, Zhao intends to maintain major ownership of Binance and shift his focus toward passive investments in sectors like blockchain technology, Web3, DeFi, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology.
Zhao This step back comes after CZ's scheduled court appearance in Seattle, concluding a lengthy series of regulatory examinations by U.S. authorities that have been ongoing since 2018 amid allegations of money laundering associated with Binance.
In a message reflecting his thoughts, Zhao expressed, 'Today, I made the difficult decision to resign as CEO of Binance. It has been emotionally challenging, but I recognize it is a necessary step. I acknowledge my past mistakes and must face the consequences. This is ultimately in the best interest of our community, Binance, and myself.'
Richard Teng, who previously served as Binance’s Global Head of Regional Markets, is stepping into the CEO role. With more than three decades of diverse experience in financial services and regulations, Teng is set to guide Binance through its upcoming growth phase, prioritizing security, transparency, compliance, and further expansion.
— CZ 🔶 Binance (@cz_binance) November 21, 2023
Binance is no longer a baby. It is…
Richard Teng, the New Face after CZ
Teng's impressive background includes previously holding the position of CEO at the Financial Services Regulatory Authority within the Abu Dhabi Global Market, alongside being the Chief Regulatory Officer for the Singapore Exchange.
While he relinquishes his CEO role, CZ will still be available for consultations as per the resolutions set by U.S. agencies. He's scheduled to take a much-needed break after six and a half years of dedicated effort at Binance.
CZ has recently been granted release on a staggering $175 million bond—one of the largest of its kind ever recorded.
JUST IN: CZ #Binance What this Means for Binance and the Cryptocurrency Market pic.twitter.com/Oo7HbyN35K
— WhaleWire (@WhaleWire) November 21, 2023
Zhao's exit and the associated legal settlement signifies a pivotal moment for Binance. The agreement with U.S. authorities does not accuse Binance of mishandling user funds or engaging in any market manipulation, thereby ensuring the security of customer assets.
This leadership transition might herald a fresh trajectory for Binance as it continues to navigate the increasingly complex realm of regulatory demands.
CZ embraces this new direction, emphasizing the significance of fresh leadership. He displays optimism about the prospects of Binance and the wider cryptocurrency landscape under Teng’s leadership, encouraging the community to rally behind him in his new journey.
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