• Changpeng Zhao might return to Binance after changing his X profile from “ex-@binance” to “@binance.”
  • Binance is nearing a deal to end U.S. DOJ oversight from a 2023 $4.3 billion settlement.
  • BNB hit a new high of $960, up 5%, with trading volume and futures interest rising.

Speculation is swirling that Changpeng Zhao, or CZ, the founder of Binance. This might be gearing up for a return to the exchange nearly two years after he stepped down in November 2023.

The talk started after CZ updated his X profile, changing “ex-@binance” to just “@binance.”The change comes as Binance is close to wrapping up its legal troubles with the U.S. Department of Justice, potentially lifting restrictions on CZ. Meanwhile, BNB, Binance’s token, jumped 5% to a new all time high around $960.

BNB Hits New High on Word in the Market

The timing couldn’t be better for the rumors. Binance is reportedly negotiating to end a three year compliance oversight from its 2023 settlement, where CZ pleaded guilty to anti-money laundering violations and paid a $50 million fine.

That deal banned him from running the exchange, with Richard Teng taking over as CEO. But with the lawsuit settled in May 2025, folks are talking about CZ possibly coming back in some role.

BNB’s rally pushed it past $960, with daily trading volume up 37.3% to $3.31 billion and futures open interest climbing 10.5% to $1.83 billion, showing traders are betting big. Analysts think a break above $1,000 could be next if the momentum holds.

Crypto journalist Wu Blockchain first spotted the profile change, and it’s got the community chatting about what it means for Binance’s future growth. nothing from CZ or Binance so far, but traders think something is happening.