Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has changed his profile name from “ex-@binance” to “@binance,” according to Twitter data. This change has fueled speculation that Zhao may return to his role at Binance.
Binance faced allegations from the US Department of Justice in 2023 that it violated money laundering laws and operated an unregistered money transfer system. The company agreed to pay a historic $4.3 billion fine to settle the case. At the same time, Zhao pleaded guilty to money laundering charges and resigned from his position as CEO. He was released in September after completing a four-month prison sentence.
While Zhao doesn’t currently hold an official role at Binance, he is the sole limited partner of investment firm YZi Labs, which was previously known as Binance Labs but rebranded in January to operate independently of Binance.
It is not yet clear whether Zhao’s profile change is a symbolic move or the first sign of plans to return to Binance.
*This is not investment advice.