Just months after walking free from a low-security U.S. prison, Binance founder Changpeng Zhao — better known as CZ — is back in the spotlight. But this time, he’s not leading a crypto exchange. He’s helping governments figure out how to regulate digital assets.
On Tuesday night, CZ addressed a packed room at the Ritz-Carlton in Kuala Lumpur. “How many are regulators or regulatory backgrounds here? OK, not many. So we’re safe,” he joked, instantly winning over the audience.
Though the tone was light, CZ’s focus was serious. In recent weeks, he’s been appointed as an advisor to the governments of Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan. Earlier that day, he met with Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to discuss the country’s future in crypto.
“I always encourage government to take a more relaxed approach,” CZ said, sharing how crypto-friendly countries in the Middle East are setting the pace.
He praised Dubai for setting up a dedicated crypto regulator and said Binance received a full license there in 2024 after he gave up voting control of the local entity.
He also mentioned how fast Dubai welcomed him: “It took me literally 24 hours to get a golden visa.”
Zhao also highlighted Bahrain’s central bank as a strong example of smart regulation. In March, Binance got a fresh boost when Abu Dhabi’s MGX invested $2 billion for a minority stake in the company.
This comes after CZ stepped down as Binance CEO and paid a $50 million fine in 2023, following a U.S. case over anti-money laundering violations. Yet, he’s not backing away from crypto — or from trying to rebuild his global influence.
In the U.S., where crypto is now seeing support under Donald Trump’s administration, Zhao said there’s been a “180-degree shift” in global regulators’ mindsets. “With the US being so pro-crypto right now, all the other governments actually have to be slightly more competitive,” he said.
Back in Malaysia, Binance had once faced trouble for operating illegally, but things have changed. The firm later took a stake in local exchange MX Global, which hosted CZ’s event. PM Anwar now wants to reshape Malaysia’s finance sector and embrace blockchain technology.
Zhao also spoke about his new nonprofit, Giggle Academy, which he hopes will help kids in developing countries learn online and eventually land jobs. Asked if that meant encouraging child labor, he replied cautiously: “We don’t want to violate any laws about working labor age.”
Zhao may no longer run Binance, but he’s clearly not done with crypto — or with influencing how the world handles it.
Also Read: US Federal Reserve Removes Restrictions on Bank Crypto Use
