Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ and a co-founder of Binance, has spoken out on his prison experience, the pardon granted by US President Donald Trump, and the relationship between artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies. The former Binance CEO described $60,000 as a low level for Bitcoin, stating that new use cases could provide further support to the market.
Legal proceedings and the presidential pardon
With an estimated fortune of $110 billion according to Forbes, Zhao is among the co-founders of Binance, one of the largest crypto trading platforms in the world. His legal troubles emerged following an extensive investigation by the US Department of Justice, which cited inadequate anti-money laundering controls at Binance as a central issue.
In November 2023, Zhao pleaded guilty and stepped down from his executive role at Binance. Following a four-month sentence in federal prison, Zhao was released in September 2024. Then on October 23, 2025, Donald Trump issued a full pardon for Zhao. The administration framed the case as part of the previous Biden government’s broader stance on cryptocurrencies.
Zhao noted that he has not yet had the opportunity to thank Trump in person for the pardon, but plans to do so.
Priorities after prison
Speaking on the Power Players podcast, Zhao shared that the most challenging aspect of prison life was not the physical environment, but the psychological strain. He explained that re-adjusting to everyday life and returning to work after his release took several weeks.
Zhao shared that major media outlets described him as the wealthiest person ever to serve time in a US federal prison, leading his legal team to warn him about potential extortion risks.
Zhao has identified three core focus areas for the next chapter of his life: supporting innovative tech entrepreneurs, advising governments on digital asset regulations, and expanding his free education initiative, Gig Academy. In the past six months, Gig Academy’s registered users have soared from 100,000 to 500,000.
Bitcoin and artificial intelligence insights
Offering his perspective on cryptocurrency markets, Zhao remarked that Bitcoin trading at $60,000 seems undervalued when compared to historical peaks and his long-term expectations. He recalled the last bear market, when Bitcoin fell as low as $16,000, and underscored the need for more tangible applications and real-world use cases in the sector.
According to Zhao, the investment boom in artificial intelligence represents an opportunity, rather than a threat, for digital assets. He explained that some capital managers are accessing AI-driven ventures through digital assets, which can in turn boost transaction volumes and deepen the market.
He also projected that AI agents, within a few months, would be capable of independently carrying out payments and transactions via crypto infrastructure. Drawing a parallel with the way the internet was not replaced by blockchain, Zhao stated that AI will not supplant blockchain either, but the two innovations are likely to become even more intertwined in the coming years.
Mini glossary: An artificial intelligence agent is a software system capable of performing designated tasks with limited human intervention. In crypto payments, such systems can automate processes like wallet usage, sending payments, or executing trades based on predetermined rules.
While acknowledging regulatory challenges and technical hurdles in both AI and blockchain sectors, Zhao stated that he remains committed to focusing on long-term development opportunities.
