Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao has expressed his disinterest in rejoining the company as CEO following his resignation last year after charges brought towards him by US law enforcement agencies and financial regulators. Zhao, released from a US prison in September after pleading guilty to charges of money laundering violations, has said that he has “no wish” to return as the company’s CEO. “No wish to be CEO again. But definitely wouldn’t mind a pardon,” Zhao stated. His response came after an X user opined that US President-Elect Donald Trump needed to pardon Zhao so he could rejoin the Binance exchange. “President [Trump] should consider a pardon for [CZ] so he can return to being the CEO of Binance and help the crypto industry mature and realize its full potential. He is also a victim of lawfare,” the user stated . Zhao stepped down from Binance last year as part of a $4 billion settlement with the US government. He was replaced by Richard Teng, the exchange’s current CEO. Plans to work with the Trump administration Zhao further stated that he would be happy to work with the Trump administration on plans to formulate friendly crypto policies in the United States. However, he clarified that he could not be appointed to head the crypto policy division for the Trump administration as he was not a US citizen. The statement comes amid ongoing discussions on who would be appointed to head this unit. During his campaign trail, Trump stated that he would form a crypto advisory council within the first 100 days to create a friendly and transparent regulatory climate. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has already been rumored to be a top pick for this position amid speculation of a meeting between the executive and Trump. Binance co-founder’s new venture Since his release from prison, Zhao has been adamant about launching a children’s platform dubbed Giggle Academy. Recently, the platform unveiled a competition in which winners will be rewarded with BNB tokens. Zhao previously said he would focus on this new initiative after his ouster from Binance. He has also unveiled plans to teach children about artificial intelligence and blockchain technology. Zhao’s release from prison boded well for the BNB token, which has gained more than 180% over the past year. BNB traded at $646 at press time after a 2% drop in 24 hours.
