Changpeng Zhao, the founder and ex-CEO of Binance, has officially applied for a presidential pardon, a development he initially refuted amid swirling media speculation. This revelation came during his appearance on the Farokh Radio podcast on May 6.
During the broadcast, Zhao disclosed that his legal team had submitted the pardon request, prompted by intensified discussions in the media. “I got lawyers applying,” he explained, indicating that the reports from Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal about his pursuit of clemency from former President Donald Trump influenced his decision. “If they’re writing this article, I may as well just officially apply,” he remarked.
CZ Cites Trump’s BitMEX Pardons as Key Motivation
While a pardon would not annul Zhao’s conviction for money laundering, it could pave the way for his potential return to a leadership role at Binance.US, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Zhao commented on the matter, saying, “No felon would mind a pardon,” and noted that he might be unique in having served time for a violation of the Bank Secrecy Act.
Since his resignation as CEO and completing his sentence, Zhao retains his status as a shareholder in Binance and has publicly stated that he does not plan to resume his former position. At Binance Blockchain Week in November, he expressed his confidence in the team, saying, “I feel the team is doing well and doesn’t need me back.”
Post-resignation, Zhao has redirected his efforts toward international advisory roles, providing insights on cryptocurrency regulation and blockchain integration to governments in Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan.
In a related context, former President Trump, who recently granted a pardon to Ross Ulbricht, had made commitments to the crypto community during his campaign to release the Silk Road founder. Although he had vowed to act on his first day in office, Ulbricht’s release only materialized a day after Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
Bhutan Taps Binance to Launch National Crypto Tourism Payment
The cryptocurrency payment system, powered by Binance’s application, supports over 100 cryptocurrencies and facilitates real-time transactions via QR codes. Payments are immediately converted into local currency by DK Bank, thus eliminating the necessity for conventional banking channels, currency exchanges, or international cards—ultimately enhancing the convenience and affordability of travel for international tourists.
More than 100 Bhutanese merchants, including local artisans and small vendors, have joined this initiative, allowing even businesses in remote areas to accept cryptocurrency payments using a simple smartphone device.
The post Former Binance Chief CZ Confirms Pardon Request After Initial Denial appeared first on Finance Newso.
