TLDR
- Changpeng Zhao regained influence by mentoring at YZi Labs after his release.
- Zhao’s pardon by Trump in October 2025 helped him shed legal burdens.
- Despite legal challenges, Zhao advised several countries on crypto strategies.
- Zhao’s efforts in memecoins boosted BNB Chain’s market performance in 2025.
Changpeng Zhao, the co-founder of Binance, faced a year of intense legal challenges after serving a four-month prison sentence for violating US Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. Following his release in September 2024, Zhao has worked diligently to regain his influence in the cryptocurrency world. His journey from being incarcerated to receiving a presidential pardon in October 2025 has been marked by strategic moves that restored his relevance in the crypto industry and the political sphere.
Regaining Influence Post-Prison
After his prison sentence, Changpeng Zhao made a concerted effort to rebuild his career. Although he was banned from holding an executive position at Binance, Zhao’s control over the company remained significant, as he still owned about 90% of the firm. In early 2025, he announced that he had no intention of returning to Binance’s leadership.
However, his involvement with the company’s ventures did not cease. Zhao shifted his focus to YZi Labs, Binance’s rebranded venture arm, where he took on a mentoring role. Through this initiative, Zhao continued to influence the crypto market, deploying funds in key areas like blockchain, AI, and biotechnology.
By the end of 2025, Zhao had grown increasingly involved in Binance’s ecosystem, especially in promoting meme coins on the BNB Chain. A tweet about reuniting with his dog Broccoli in February 2025 sparked significant interest in BNB memecoins. This generated a wave of speculation, boosting the activity on PancakeSwap and pushing BNB Chain to challenge Solana in the memecoin market. Zhao’s ability to leverage his personal brand and market events played a critical role in keeping him relevant in the crypto space.
Political Moves and the Road to Pardon
While rebuilding his business presence, Zhao also focused on his political connections. In December 2024, he publicly expressed his desire for a pardon from US President Donald Trump. The request came amid growing media scrutiny, particularly after the Wall Street Journal reported potential connections between Zhao and the Trump family.
These reports suggested Zhao was negotiating for a stake in Binance’s US arm in exchange for political influence. Zhao vehemently denied the claims, calling them attacks on both him and the cryptocurrency industry.
Despite these controversies, Zhao continued to seek opportunities for clemency. By March 2025, Zhao’s legal team had formally initiated a pardon application process. His efforts paid off in October when he was granted a pardon by President Trump. This move allowed Zhao to shed the legal burden that had been following him and paved the way for him to return to the public sphere with a clean slate.
Expanding Global Influence Through Advisory Roles
Following his pardon, Zhao quickly repositioned himself as a key figure in global cryptocurrency policy discussions. Several countries reached out to him for advice on digital asset regulations, despite his felony conviction.
In 2025, Zhao was appointed as a crypto adviser by Pakistan, Malaysia, and Kyrgyzstan, underscoring his continued influence despite past legal issues. His involvement in reshaping digital asset strategies was particularly notable in Pakistan, where he helped guide the country’s financial modernization efforts.
Zhao’s advisory roles allowed him to play a part in advancing the global adoption of cryptocurrencies while distancing himself from direct involvement with Binance’s operations. These positions further solidified his standing as a respected figure in the crypto world, as many governments looked to his experience for guidance on managing the digital asset space.
Legal Challenges Persist
While Zhao regained much of his influence, legal issues continue to follow him. In 2025, he faced a lawsuit from FTX, which accused Binance of engaging in fraudulent transactions related to its 2021 share-buyback deal.
Zhao dismissed the claims, arguing that the transaction had taken place offshore and did not violate US laws. Despite the ongoing legal battles, Zhao remained focused on expanding his influence and securing the future of BNB Chain, which continued to perform strongly in the market.
As of late 2025, Zhao’s status has shifted from being a convicted felon to a crypto statesman, leveraging his connections, expertise, and financial backing to influence the digital asset landscape. Whether he chooses to re-engage with Binance or continue building other ventures will determine his next move in an ever-evolving industry.
