CZ Seeks Trump Pardon After Serving Four Months in Jail

• Zhao confirmed that his legal team submitted the Trump pardon request two weeks ago.
• The pardon may let him return to Binance. US, though it will not erase the conviction.
• Despite legal setbacks, Zhao has extended his crypto expertise to Pakistan and  Kyrgyzstan.

Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, founder and former CEO of Binance, has officially submitted a presidential pardon request to Donald Trump, just months after completing a four-month sentence for failing to implement an effective anti-money laundering program at the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange.

Zhao revealed the move on the Farokh Radio podcast, confirming that his legal team applied two weeks earlier. “We only submitted after the Bloomberg article and the Wall Street Journal article came out,” Zhao stated. “And I thought that we might as well submit an official application since they are writing this article.”

Although Zhao had previously denied claims of seeking a pardon, his recent confirmation contradicts those statements. He also dismissed reports of any commercial negotiations with Binance.US, calling them untrue at the time.

Legal Fallout and the Push for Clemency

In April 2024, Zhao pleaded guilty to violating the Bank Secrecy Act, following which he was sentenced to four months in federal prison and fined $50 million. Further, Binance agreed to pay $4.3 billion penalty, marking one of the largest business settlements in U.S. history.

Although the request was submitted, the Department of Justice clarified that a presidential pardon would not erase Zhao’s conviction. However, it may allow him to resume a leadership or operational role at Binance.US, which is currently prohibited by court order due to his conviction.

Additionally, Zhao cited Trump’s previous pardons of BitMEX founders as part of his justification for requesting clemency. “I’m not really looking to become CEO of Binance again,” Zhao joked on the podcast, despite being the largest shareholder with a 90% stake in the exchange.

Regulatory Impact and Strategic Positioning

Besides damaging Zhao’s personal standing, the conviction has also affected Binance’s regulatory position under its new management. Zhao’s limited role remains a significant barrier to any operational involvement at the exchange.

Nevertheless, his legal maneuver could reshape that future. If the pardon is granted, Zhao might reenter the company’s executive tier in some capacity, depending on federal regulatory interpretation. His request comes amid ongoing scrutiny in the crypto space, prompting a critical question: Can presidential pardons redefine leadership roles in the digital asset sector?

Related: Changpeng Zhao Helps Kyrgyzstan Build Blockchain Infrastructure

A Calculated Step with Global Implications

Despite legal setbacks in the US, Zhao continues to advise foreign governments like Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan on blockchain implementation, maintaining significant global influence. While the outcome of his pardon request remains uncertain, the move underscores Zhao’s intention to continue as a central figure in global finance. The decision could have lasting implications for Binance’s leadership structure and the future of U.S. crypto regulation. 

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