The story of Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the founder of Binance—the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange—continues to captivate global attention. Despite recent legal challenges, including a four-month prison sentence in the United States for violations of anti-money laundering regulations, CZ’s financial influence remains monumental. According to a recent report by Forbes, CZ now ranks as the 24th richest person in the world, with an estimated net worth of **$61 billion**—a significant increase from $43 billion at the end of last year.
This dramatic rise in wealth is largely attributed to CZ’s substantial holdings in BNB, the native token of the Binance ecosystem. The report estimates that CZ controls approximately 94 million BNB, representing about 64% of the token’s current circulating supply. This dominant position not only underscores his influence in the crypto space but also highlights the enduring strength of BNB as a key digital asset.
The Source of CZ’s Wealth: BNB and Binance Ownership
While CZ stepped down as CEO of Binance following regulatory scrutiny, he still maintains significant control over the company. Forbes analysis suggests that CZ retains around 90% ownership of Binance, which in turn holds 71% of the total BNB supply. With a circulating supply of roughly 147.5 million BNB, this ownership structure translates into CZ’s estimated 94 million BNB holdings.
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It’s important to note that these holdings are not liquid in the traditional sense. Selling such a massive amount of BNB would have a destabilizing effect on the market. Moreover, Binance has long maintained a policy of not selling its BNB reserves, instead opting for regular quarterly token burns to reduce supply and increase scarcity. This deflationary mechanism has played a crucial role in supporting BNB’s long-term value.
BNB’s Market Performance: From All-Time High to Market Correction
BNB reached a historic milestone on June 6, breaking past $720—its highest price ever—driven by strong platform activity, new product launches, and continued demand for utility within the Binance ecosystem. The surge was further fueled by Binance’s Launchpool staking program, which allows users to earn new tokens by staking BNB and other assets, thereby increasing demand and engagement.
As of this writing, BNB has pulled back to around $603, reflecting broader market corrections and sentiment shifts. However, many analysts believe this is a temporary adjustment rather than a trend reversal. Given the ongoing development of the Binance Smart Chain (now BNB Chain), expanding decentralized applications (dApps), and increasing adoption in Web3 and AI-integrated projects, BNB remains well-positioned for future growth.
Why CZ’s Net Worth Could Keep Rising
The valuation of CZ’s wealth is inherently tied to the performance of BNB. With the current bull cycle potentially still underway, several factors could drive further appreciation:
- Continued Token Burns: Binance has committed to burning BNB until 50% of the original 200 million supply is eliminated. As of now, over 48 million BNB have already been destroyed.
- Growing Ecosystem Utility: BNB is used for transaction fees, staking, governance, and participation in token sales across hundreds of projects built on BNB Chain.
- Institutional Interest: Increasing recognition of BNB as a blue-chip crypto asset may attract more institutional investment.
Even with regulatory headwinds, Binance continues to innovate and expand globally, maintaining its position as a dominant player in digital asset trading and blockchain infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can CZ sell his 94 million BNB?
A: Technically, he could, but doing so would likely crash the market. Given the size of his holdings—64% of circulating supply—any large-scale sale would create massive downward pressure. Additionally, Binance has publicly stated it does not intend to sell its reserves.
Q: How does owning Binance translate into BNB holdings?
A: While CZ no longer holds an official executive role, his ownership stake in Binance gives him indirect control over the company’s assets, including its large BNB treasury. Since Binance owns 71% of available BNB, CZ’s equity share translates into proportional economic benefit.
Q: Is BNB still a good investment despite regulatory issues?
A: Many investors view BNB as one of the more resilient crypto assets due to its strong utility, consistent buybacks, and widespread adoption. However, like all cryptocurrencies, it carries risk—especially related to regulatory developments.
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Q: How often does Binance burn BNB?
A: Binance conducts quarterly BNB burns based on trading volume and profit metrics. These burns are transparently reported and contribute to the token’s deflationary nature.
Q: What happens if CZ loses control of Binance?
A: While unlikely given his current ownership stake, any change in control would be structured gradually to avoid market disruption. Succession planning and decentralized governance elements within BNB Chain also help ensure stability.
The Broader Implication: Crypto Wealth in the Modern Economy
CZ’s ascent to the upper echelons of global wealth reflects a broader shift in how value is created and measured in the 21st century. Unlike traditional billionaires whose fortunes are tied to physical goods or legacy industries, crypto entrepreneurs like CZ derive their wealth from digital ecosystems, network effects, and decentralized innovation.
This new paradigm challenges conventional financial models and raises questions about asset volatility, regulatory oversight, and long-term sustainability. Yet, it also opens doors to unprecedented financial inclusion and technological advancement.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy Built on Innovation
Despite serving time in prison for compliance failures, CZ’s impact on the cryptocurrency world is undeniable. His vision helped build one of the most powerful platforms in digital finance, and his personal fortune stands as a testament to the transformative potential of blockchain technology.
As the market evolves, so too will the narratives around crypto leaders and their wealth. But for now, CZ’s position among the world’s top 25 richest people—powered by BNB, Binance, and blockchain innovation—remains a defining chapter in the history of modern finance.
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