The crypto world got its plot twist at 08:04 AM WAT on October 27, 2025, following the presidential pardon granted by the United States President, Donald Trump, to the Binance founder, Changpeng Zhao (CZ), who served four months for anti-money laundering violations.
Observers say the development feels like a Hollywood redemption arc with real-world stakes. CZ, the 48-year-old Canadian entrepreneur who built the world’s largest exchange, walked free on October 23, and his first X posts Monday morning lit the fuse: “Weekend over, back to work” followed by “Builder and Builder.” The tweets, now with 3,300 likes and 950 reposts on the first, 8,300 likes and 1,628K views on the second, have been flooded with dev pitches and BNB hype.
As a reporter who’s watched his empire weather storms, this isn’t just a get-out-of-jail card; it’s a signal flare for the industry he’s shaped. With his new YZi Labs launching a $1 billion fund for BNB Chain developers in Web3, AI, and healthcare, CZ’s return could turbocharge a market still nursing $19 billion liquidation wounds. For crypto investors and traders eyeing BNB rallies or anyone dipping into crypto for the first time, this pardon isn’t abstract; it’s the green light that could make your portfolio roar.
CZ’s Story: From Binance Empire to Prison and Back
Changpeng Zhao, or CZ, isn’t your average CEO. He is the self-made force who turned a $15 million investment into Binance, the exchange handling 35% of global crypto volume at its peak. Born in 1977 in Jiangsu, China, to a family fleeing the Cultural Revolution, CZ grew up in Canada, dropping out of McGill University to code and trade. By 2017, he launched Binance, growing it to $100 billion in daily volume amid the ICO craze. But 2023’s U.S. charges for AML lapses led to a $4.3 billion fine and four months at FCI Cumberland prison. CZ resigned as CEO but kept his 90% stake, worth $35 billion today.
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Trump’s October 23 pardon, citing “regulatory overreach,” freed him just as Biden’s term ends. CZ’s “X” return? “Weekend over, back to work” and “Builder and Builder,” nodding to his YZi Labs, a $1 billion fund targeting BNB Chain devs in Web3 (decentralized apps), AI (smart contracts), and healthcare (blockchain records). “X” flooded with pitches: “CZ, fund my AI health dApp!”.
Why the Pardon Happened: Trump’s Pro-Crypto Pivot
Trump’s move fits his 2025 “America First” crypto agenda, vowing to end “Biden’s war on innovation” with lighter regs and a Bitcoin reserve. CZ’s AML case, tied to Binance’s U.S. arm allowing illicit flows, was a flashpoint, but Trump’s camp called it “persecution of builders.” With the election looming, it’s a nod to donors like the Winklevoss twins and a jab at SEC’s Gary Gensler. For global users, this pardon signals a thaw: Less red tape, more room to build.
Implications for Traders: BNB Rally, Regulation Ease, and Yield Plays
For experienced traders, CZ’s return is rocket fuel. BNB jumped 8% to $612 on the news, eyeing $700 with YZi Labs’ $1 billion infusion. Lighter regs could slash compliance costs, boosting exchange volumes 20-30%, per Messari. But risks? CZ’s shadow could invite SEC scrutiny, and BNB’s 5% staking yield (up from 3%) needs sustained dev activity.
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New investors? This is your entry: BNB Chain’s EVM compatibility makes it beginner-friendly, with $1B funding for AI/Web3/healthcare dApps promising 10x upside. X’s @CryptoWhale: “CZ back—BNB to $1K!” For HODLers, it’s a reminder: Pardons pave paths, but DYOR on the road.
Your Move: Informed Bets on CZ’s Comeback
BNB’s RSI at 62 eyes $700, support at $580, here’s a realistic plan:
• Newbies: Buy BNB via ETFs, $500 today could hit $580 at $700, low-risk entry.
• Traders: Long above $620; stop at $580, aim 5-7% on YZi news.
• Global Holders: 5-10% BNB for staking (5% yield), diversify with ETH.
Watch YZi Labs’ first grants; a Musk shoutout could 10x.
The Verdict: CZ’s Pardon Is Crypto’s Comeback Cue—Build or Buy?
Trump’s pardon of CZ on October 23 frees the Binance founder to “back to work” with YZi Labs’ $1B fund, igniting BNB optimism. #CZFree trends, a reg relief or risk? Share your BNB bet below and subscribe for more crypto updates. In 2025, CZ’s return is your green light!
Disclaimer: Informational only, not financial advice. DYOR and consult pros.
Angela Okafor is a lead reporter and journalist specializing in cryptocurrency and forex trading. Known for simplifying complex market trends into clear, engaging stories, she empowers readers to confidently navigate the fast-paced world of digital finance and global markets. She is dedicated to delivering actionable insights that inform, inspire, and drive smarter investing decisions.
