Binance's CZ Seeks Trump Pardon After Guilty Plea

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, also known as CZ, has confirmed that he has applied for a presidential pardon from former U.S. President Donald Trump after initially denying related reports. Zhao pleaded guilty to violating the Bank Secrecy Act and served a four-month prison sentence as part of a settlement in which Binance agreed to pay $4.3 billion in fines. He cited Trump’s history of pardoning crypto figures and his pro-crypto stance as motivations for seeking clemency. While a pardon would not erase Zhao's conviction, it could potentially permit him to return to a leadership role at Binance.US, although Zhao maintains he does not intend to resume the CEO position. He remains a shareholder in Binance and remains optimistic about the future growth of the cryptocurrency sector.