- CZ filed a pardon request after serving 4 months in prison
- Binance partnered with MGX and Trump’s WLF on a $2B deal
- Trump has previously pardoned several crypto figures
Changpeng Zhao, known widely as CZ, is making headlines once again following his formal request for a presidential pardon. Released from prison in late 2024 after serving a four-month sentence, Zhao has filed an official application seeking clemency from President Donald Trump. His legal situation, tied to a Bank Secrecy Act violation, and his role in recent business partnerships have placed him under renewed public scrutiny.
CZ and the Prison Sentence for BSA Violation
In 2023, CZ pleaded guilty to failing to implement adequate anti-money-laundering procedures at Binance, the crypto exchange he founded. The violation centered on a single charge under the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), which mandates financial institutions to assist in preventing money-laundering activities. Following this plea, CZ resigned from his position as CEO, and Binance itself accepted related charges, paying over $4 billion in penalties. As part of his sentence, CZ served four months in prison, beginning in April and ending in September of 2024. He later remarked that he is the only individual in U.S. history to be imprisoned for a single BSA violation, highlighting what he sees as the exceptional nature of his case.
Official Pardon Application
In early 2025, CZ confirmed on the Farokh Radio podcast that he had formally applied for a presidential pardon. The timing followed reports from Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal in March 2025, which speculated about a potential deal between Zhao and Trump. Although CZ denied entering any business negotiations in exchange for a pardon, he acknowledged that the media coverage prompted the official submission of his application. He stated on the podcast, “We only submitted after the Bloomberg article and the Wall Street Journal article came out… if they are writing this article we might as well officially apply.” On social media platform X, Zhao added, “No felon would mind a pardon,” suggesting that the move is pragmatic rather than strategic.
The Joint Venture: World Liberty Financial, MGX, and Binance
Coinciding with CZ’s pardon application is a newly announced business venture involving President Trump’s son, Eric Trump. World Liberty Financial (WLF), the Trump family’s crypto entity, has entered a joint deal with Binance and MGX, a UAE-based venture firm. The agreement outlines a $2 billion investment by MGX into Binance through stablecoins issued by WLF. While the full mechanics of the partnership remain undisclosed, estimates suggest that WLF could earn up to $80 million annually from yields generated on the reserves backing its stablecoins. This marks a significant financial alliance with possible long-term implications for the crypto market and its regulation landscape.
CZ’s Position on Trump and the Crypto Landscape
When questioned about his views on a second Trump presidency, CZ expressed optimism, noting that Trump could be favorable to individuals facing criminal charges, especially within the crypto sector. The statement came after Trump had already granted pardons to several individuals with connections to cryptocurrency, including the founders of BitMEX and Ross Ulbricht, the former operator of Silk Road. Trump’s approach to clemency has been assertive. Within his first 100 days in office, he pardoned hundreds, among them figures tied to high-profile financial crimes and January 6 Capitol riot participants.
CZ and the Media Reports on Pardon Speculations
The March 2025 articles from Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal were the first to suggest that CZ was actively pursuing a pardon. They also hinted at a potential business collaboration with Trump, though Zhao has denied that any such discussions took place. Instead, he emphasizes that the filing was a response to speculation rather than part of a strategic partnership with political overtones. This distinction is crucial, particularly given the regulatory environment surrounding crypto exchanges. CZ’s public stance reinforces a narrative of transparency and legal reparation, aimed at restoring credibility after Binance’s legal troubles.
Trump’s Clemency Record and Crypto Pardons
President Trump’s clemency decisions have included several cases from the cryptocurrency world. Most notably:
- Ross Ulbricht, who had served 12 years of a life sentence for operating the dark web platform Silk Road, was pardoned.
- Three BitMEX founders, previously convicted for failing to maintain anti-money-laundering protocols, were also granted clemency.
- Another executive at BitMEX received a pardon after admitting to BSA violations.
These pardons align with CZ’s optimistic view of Trump’s stance on crypto figures facing federal charges. They also provide precedent for his current request.
Public Messaging and Strategy
Throughout his public appearances and posts, CZ has maintained a measured tone regarding his legal situation. While acknowledging the rarity of his sentencing, he refrains from direct criticism of regulatory actions. His commentary instead emphasizes the disproportionate nature of his case and the potential benefit of a pardon. By applying for clemency, Zhao positions himself within a broader conversation about regulatory clarity in the crypto industry. His public strategy appears to be focused on reestablishing his influence without directly challenging legal institutions.
CZ, Binance, and Future Outlook
With CZ no longer serving as Binance CEO, the platform continues to operate under new leadership. However, his influence remains significant in shaping the future direction of the exchange. The joint venture with MGX and WLF may signal a new era of global investment strategies centered around stablecoins and tokenized assets. Binance’s cooperation with U.S. authorities, alongside CZ’s resignation and legal accountability, may also reflect a broader trend in crypto compliance. Whether or not Zhao receives a pardon, the recent developments indicate a focus on integrating crypto with mainstream financial systems and political structures.
Conclusion
CZ’s journey from Binance founder to federal inmate and now pardon applicant reflects the evolving relationship between crypto leaders and U.S. regulatory bodies. His formal clemency request, following major media reports and a high-value joint venture with Trump-linked entities, marks a pivotal moment in this narrative. With previous pardons granted to several crypto figures, and new business partnerships emerging, the outcome of CZ’s application could influence the trajectory of the crypto industry for years to come.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. The article does not offer sufficient information to make investment decisions, nor does it constitute an offer, recommendation, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument. The content is opinion of the author and does not reflect any view or suggestion or any kind of advise from CryptoNewsBytes.com. The author declares he does not hold any of the above mentioned tokens or received any incentive from any company.
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