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World Liberty Financial and Binance’s CZ Reject Claims in Trump-Linked Project Scandal

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  • World Liberty Financial denies Zhao’s involvement in foreign deals.
  • Zhao claims Wall Street Journal report is part of a smear plot.
  • Trump-backed DeFi platform faces scrutiny as Binance denies claims.

World Liberty Financial (WLFI) has firmly denied that Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) was a foreign “fixer” for a DeFi platform linked to President Donald Trump. According to The Wall Street Journal, the claims suggest that Zhao helped facilitate foreign connections for the project. The company and Zhao immediately denied the claims, saying they were untrue and a smear campaign.

In a social media post, Zak Folkman, co-founder of World Liberty Financial, said the accusations were ridiculous and that Zhao was not involved in WLFI’s business activities abroad. According to The Wall Street Journal, Zhao may have been involved in WLFI’s growth in Pakistan, Abu Dhabi and Kyrgyzstan. However, the details of his role are unclear.  

World Liberty Financial and Zhao Under Media Scrutiny

Zhao, who has been under increased media scrutiny, also rejected the accusations. He said that the Wall Street Journal report is part of wider efforts to stop Binance from making the U.S a global crypto hub. Zhao said that a U.S. crypto exchange had received money from a venture capital firm to spread false information. He claimed that the media outlet was engaging in a smear campaign to stifle crypto growth in the U.S.

World Liberty Financial and its founders such as Zach Witkoff, have been under increased media attention. Recently, the company introduced a U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin, USD1 and used it in a $2 billion deal with Binance. Even though Zhao’s relationship with WLFI is a hot topic, both parties have stated there is no misconduct in their foreign business activities.

Binance’s ‘CZ’ Zhao Faces Challenges

Zhao’s past deals with the U.S. government have worsened concerns. He was released in 2023 after four months in prison for failure to maintain a proper anti-money laundering program. As part of the settlement, Binance, which Zhao founded, was fined $4.3 billion. However, Zhao has maintained that he supports the industry and U.S. efforts to become the crypto capital of the world.

The accusations against Zhao come after a series of challenges the Binance founder has faced in recent months. Moreover, Zhao was reportedly seeking a pardon from President Trump. Meanwhile, Zhao and World Liberty Financial have denied any misconduct in connection with the Trump-backed DeFi project.

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Tron’s Justin Sun Calls CZ a Mentor, Denies Allegation Awareness

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  • Justin Sun reaffirmed his loyalty to CZ, calling him a mentor and ethical role model.
  • Sun emphasized strong ties with DOJ, noting collaboration through T3FCU to protect global users.
  • He praised Trump’s crypto stance, claiming TRX is positioned to thrive under U.S. policy.

Tron founder Justin Sun has broken his silence following swirling rumors that his close ally, former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, may have cooperated with U.S. prosecutors against him. On April 11, Sun posted on X, stating, “I’m not aware of the circulating rumors. CZ is both my mentor and a close friend.”

Sun’s post appeared shortly after the Wall Street Journal published a report the same day, claiming that Zhao had met with U.S. Treasury officials to talk about crypto oversight and push for re-entry into the American market. As part of that effort, Changpeng Zhao reportedly agreed to hand over evidence about Sun to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Justin Sun Echoes Trust in Zhao

While Zhao himself has not publicly confirmed or denied the claims, he hinted at something brewing. On April 10, he wrote to his 10 million X followers: “Multiple people have told me again WSJ is writing another baseless hit piece about me.” The timing of that post, just a day before the article dropped, seems more than coincidental.

Justin Sun, on his end, backed Zhao, stating, “To this day, his conduct and principles remain the highest standard I strive to follow as a founder.”

He also emphasized the strong relationship between Tron and the U.S. Department of Justice, calling the DOJ one of the T3 Financial Crime Unit’s “closest and most trusted partners.” T3 FCU was co-founded by Tron, Tether, and TRM Labs to tackle digital asset crime.

“Whether it’s CZ or our partners at the DOJ, we maintain direct, honest communication at all times. I have full trust in each and every one of them,” he said.

Trump Policies Could Boost TRON

Looking ahead, Sun expressed confidence in the future of the crypto industry under U.S. President Donald Trump. He referred to what he described as strong leadership on crypto policy and stated that the U.S. market is well-positioned for further growth. He highlighted that TRON (TRX), as the President’s earliest crypto choice, is expected to benefit from that momentum. “ALL IN USA!” he added.

Back in February, the SEC and Sun had filed a joint request asking a federal court to pause the commission’s ongoing case against him so they could pursue settlement talks. This came nearly a year after the SEC’s March 2023 lawsuit against Sun and three of his ventures — the Tron Foundation, the BitTorrent Foundation, and Rainberry Inc., which is based in San Francisco.

Zhao, on the other hand, was sentenced in April 2024 to four months behind bars over Anti-Money Laundering violations. He served his time and walked free on September 27. At that time, his net worth was pegged at around $60 billion—making him the wealthiest individual ever to serve time in a U.S. prison.

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Crypto Allegations Intensify as CZ Denies Cooperation Against Justin Sun

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  • Binance founder CZ denies WSJ claims that he agreed to testify against Tron’s Justin Sun in his DOJ plea deal.
  • Justin Sun calls the allegations “baseless” and expresses strong public support for CZ, calling him a mentor and close friend.
  • As Binance rebuilds post-$4.3B settlement, political shifts and CZ’s influence hint at a strategic U.S. comeback if Trump returns to office.

The crypto spotlight is once again fixated on Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ), as new allegations claim he agreed to provide information against Tron founder Justin Sun as part of his plea deal with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). While CZ has fiercely denied the claims, the latest development could have significant ripple effects across the crypto world.

On April 11, CZ took to the X to blast the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), accusing the publication of launching “another baseless attack” against him. The statement follows a fresh WSJ report alleging that CZ has agreed to cooperate with U.S. prosecutors and offer evidence against Justin Sun, the controversial founder of the Tron blockchain, who is already under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

This is not the first time Zhao and the WSJ have clashed. Just weeks ago, the publication claimed that Binance was seeking to form a partnership with a Trump-affiliated crypto venture and angling for a presidential pardon for CZ claims he flatly rejected as “pure fabrication.”

Now, with DOJ cooperation claims on the table, the stakes have grown considerably. According to sources cited by WSJ, Zhao’s plea deal may include provisions to support the U.S. government’s ongoing scrutiny of Justin Sun, whose own crypto empire has come under increasing regulatory fire.

Sun, for his part, issued a swift public rebuttal. In a post on X, he called the allegations “completely baseless,” expressing strong support for CZ and describing him as a “mentor” and “close friend.” Sun also defended Tron’s transparency, emphasizing the network’s “open and honest” dialogue with the DOJ. He even praised former President Donald Trump’s approach to crypto, expressing optimism about the U.S. regulatory environment.

Crypto Political Pivot Binance Trump and 4.3B Settlement Aftermath

This controversy unfolded as Binance made a calculated effort to rebuild its U.S. reputation following its massive $4.3 billion settlement with U.S. authorities in 2023. The company, now led by CEO Richard Teng, has been lobbying the Treasury Department to reduce or eliminate the independent monitor currently overseeing its anti-money laundering practices, a key part of its penalty agreement.

At the heart of this strategic push appears to be a shift in political tides. Multiple reports suggest Binance may be aligning with Trump-connected crypto initiatives, specifically World Liberty Financial’s USD1 stablecoin. That token is reportedly backed by both the Trump family and Justin Sun, creating a complex web of alliances and incentives. A potential listing of USD1 on Binance could generate immense profits and potentially pave the way for CZ to secure a pardon under a future Trump administration.

While Zhao is expected to serve a short prison sentence as part of his DOJ deal, he remains a central figure in Binance’s long-term vision. His continued influence, combined with strategic political positioning, signals that the company is betting on a post-2024 regulatory reset especially if Trump reclaims the presidency.

Insiders say CZ’s historical ties to both Sun and key political players could still shape Binance’s future in the U.S. Despite publicly denying any formal association with World Liberty Financial, his behind-the-scenes connections remain a focal point of speculation.

As crypto enforcement potentially softens under shifting political dynamics, Binance is positioning itself for a U.S. comeback. But with DOJ investigations, SEC pressure, and a swirl of political intrigue all in play, the road ahead is anything but straightforward.

Related | Shiba Inu Burns 16 Million Tokens Amid Crypto Market Rebound

CZ and Vitalik Dominate Web3 Talks with Bold DeSci, DAO, and AI Strategies at MVB 9

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Key Takeaways:

  • CZ pledged $10M to support Vitalik’s open-source vaccine project, emphasizing blockchain’s global utility.
  • MVB Season 9 off-site highlighted DAO-AI integration, AI-driven trading, and long-term innovation.
  • YZi Labs revealed a values-first, profit-second approach in backing purposeful Web3 projects.

Behind the tightly secured doors of a luxury venue in Hong Kong, BNB Chain’s MVB Season 9 convened some of Web3’s brightest minds last April 5–6. It was not merely a startup incubation but an insight into crypto’s future of collaboration, AI, and biotech.

The event, which was part of the Hong Kong Web3 Festival, brought 16 seed-level projects chosen by BNB Chain, YZi Labs, and CMC Labs together for an intensive two-day off-site program.

One of the standout points was the authoritative presence of Binance’s CZ and Ethereum’s Vitalik Buterin at an invitation-only fireside chat.

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CZ stole the show by committing $10 million toward an open-source vaccine campaign by Vitalik. This was an actual use of crypto wealth for public health infrastructure. But this wasn’t publicity charity; it was in line with the overall message of the day: creating for long-term impact rather than short-lived hype.

MVB mentor and Web3 specialist Richard Ma pointed out how this meeting represents an essential turning point away from token speculation talk to solutions-focused innovation.

He noted that entrepreneurs today should create infrastructure that’s beyond market cycles, prioritizing actual solutions ahead of near-term narratives.

CZ and Vitalik Outline AI’s Role in the Next Era of Web3

The Q&A session between CZ and Vitalik Buterin was not symbolic at all; it was an insight into the philosophical congruence of previously competing giants.

CZ passionately discussed AI’s increasing role in maximizing trading experiences and quoted examples of interfaces in which ChatGPT-like bots would be able to process in-chain commands in real time. He also talked about deeper implications for AI to analyze market liquidity trends and optimize MEV tactics.

Vitalik, in contrast, brought the topic into decentralized governance. He discussed how DAO decision-making can be replicated by AI in order to remove inefficiencies and imbalances of power that have long plagued decentralized communities.

His words resonated strongly within MVB’s larger story, tools not only to innovate but to sustain. A contrast in vision, yet complementarity in approach, created a template for future tech fusion. Efficiency and scale, structure and resilience.

YZi Labs Redefines Startup Investment Ahead of MVB Demo Day

At the core of the MVB accelerator lies YZi Labs, a firm that’s rewriting the investor playbook. Head of YZi Labs, Ella Zhang, stated during her session that the firm seeks projects that prioritize mission over monetary metrics.

From AI to biotech, their thesis revolves around identifying founders who are building cross-disciplinary solutions that will endure beyond market cycles.

With Demo Day approaching on April 24, all eyes are on which of the 16 trailblazing teams will rise to earn funding and redefine what meaningful innovation looks like in the next Web3 wave.

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Breaking: Former Binance CEO CZ Becomes Advisor to Pakistan’s New Crypto Council 

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  • Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has officially joined the Pakistan Crypto Council to help shape the country’s crypto policies and further expand blockchain education and usage.
  • Prior to this role, CZ also signed a major agreement with Kyrgyzstan to also develop their blockchain infrastructure, which goes on to show his influence in guiding crypto adoption across various nations.

The co-founder of Binance, Changpeng Zhao, popularly known as ‘CZ’,  has been appointed as a strategic advisor for the newly formed Pakistan Crypto Council. 

His role will require him to support the country in building stable rules that guide crypto, improve digital systems, and help more people understand and effectively use blockchain. Local reports also add that CZ will also focus on education and technology growth.  

CZ’s Visit to Pakistan Marks Significant Step for Crypto Adoption

During CZ’s most recent trip to Islamabad, he met with top leaders, including the Prime Minister, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the State Bank Governor, and the head of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the country. 

It could be said that these conversations showed the country’s strong interest in cryptocurrency. The Finance Minister confirmed that Pakistan is ready to move forward with blockchain systems, and he believes that CZ’s support will help speed up growth in Web3. His new role as the strategic advisor to the Pakistan Crypto Council, a group that was created earlier in March to guide crypto plans, highlights the government’s focus on this sector.

Although CZ hasn’t completely come out to talk about his new role, he shared a post on X on the 3rd of April that he now gives both formal and informal advice to different countries on how to shape crypto rules and use blockchain to improve public systems. 

He said his goal is to help expand blockchain beyond just trading, focusing on better use in government work.

CZ’s International Support for Blockchain Expansion

Days before his visit to Pakistan, CZ signed a deal with Kyrgyzstan’s National Investment Agency to help build the country’s crypto and blockchain systems. According to the agreement, his work would involve him participating in infrastructure, training, and expert guidance. 

The head of the Pakistan Crypto Council, Bilal Bin Saqib, said CZ’s experience will help Pakistan become a strong player in digital finance. Both Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan are now moving toward using crypto in their economies, drawing interest from global blockchain investors.

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CZ Donates $600K in BNB for Myanmar & Thailand Earthquake Relief

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  • CZ donated 1,000 BNB, valued at approximately $600,000, to aid earthquake victims in Myanmar and Thailand as part of Binance Charity’s relief initiative.
  • Binance Charity is distributing up to $1.5 million in BNB to affected users through blockchain technology, using KYC verification to ensure fair distribution.
  • This donation follows CZ’s history of philanthropic contributions, including aid to victims of crypto scams and financial losses in the Web3 space.

Changpeng ‘CZ’ Zhao, a former Binance CEO, has officially stepped up to support earthquake victims in Myanmar and Thailand by donating 1,000 BNB, which is worth approximately $600,00. This is as a response to Binance Charity’s recent initiative aimed at aiding those affected by the devastating earthquake on March 28

CZ $600K BNB Donation for Earthquake Relief

Zhao, now the head of YZi Labs, has confirmed his pledge to donate 500 BNB to Myanmar and another 500 BNB to Thailand In a social media post.  Also, a blockchain data released on April 3 reported that CZ  donated a large amount of BNB worth $598,025 approximately 8:00 AM UTC.

His contribution is in alignment with Binance Charity’s ongoing relief efforts, which is aimed to distribute up to $1.5 million worth of BNB to affected users in both countries. The funds are expected to reach eligible recipients by April 14. 

How Binance Charity is Supporting Victims

Binance Charity’s program is utilizing Blockchain technology to aid in quick and efficient distribution of aid. The initiative uses know-your-customer (KYC) and proof of Address verification tomodemtify eligible Binance users in the disaster-stricken areas under the program.

  • Verified Binance users in Myanmar will receive $5 worth of BNB, while those in the most impacted areas will receive $50 each.
  • In Thailand, only Gulf Binance users who have completed KYC are eligible, with standard recipients receiving $5 and those in highly impacted regions receiving $10 in BNB.

“In times of crisis, every second counts. Blockchain and digital assets have provided an effective and efficient means of delivering financial aid to disaster victims,” CZ stated, encouraging others to contribute to the relief efforts. Shortly after CZ’s announcement, BNB’s price saw a slight dip of 0.68%, with the token trading at $598.51, according to crypto.news.

This donation follows previous philanthropic efforts by Zhao, including a 150 BNB contribution earlier this year to victims of the LIBRA memecoin scam, as well as donations to traders affected by the collapse of TST and BROCCOLI memecoins.

Binance’s Alpha 2.0 Removes DeFi’s Biggest Hurdle, CZ Calls It “Brillant”

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  • Binance Alpha 2.0 simplifies DEX token purchases, allowing direct buys from the CEX, eliminating complex withdrawals.
  • CZ praises Alpha 2.0 as “brilliant,” highlighting its ease of use and direct DEX access for CEX users.
  • Alpha 2.0 aims to broaden DeFi access, potentially increasing trading volume by bridging CEX and DEX experiences.

Binance has unveiled Alpha 2.0 globally, which is now for the first time available to Chinese users as well. The new feature aims to offer a hassle-free token-buying experience in decentralized exchanges (DEXs) similar to centralized exchange (CEX).

In the past, users who wanted to gain access to DEX tokens needed to go through a lengthy process of withdrawing funds from a CEX to a separate wallet, linking that to a DEX, and initiating the swap. With the introduction of Alpha 2.0, users can now directly purchase DEX tokens from CEX instead of the above steps, thus enhancing user experience.

Binance
Binance's Alpha 2.0 Removes DeFi's Biggest Hurdle, CZ Calls It "Brillant" 3

According to the post, users can now choose to buy DEX tokens within the Binance platform and no longer need a separate wallet, making the process faster and more capital-efficient.

The rollout of this next-generation solution gained traction. CZ, the former Binance CEO, lauded the move, calling it “brilliant.” He also highlighted the special benefit of allowing CEX users to buy any DEX tokens directly from the CEX and eliminating the need for withdrawals. While praising the Binance team for the launch, CZ also clarified that he was not directly involved in the project.

CZ’s Reactions on Binance Alpha 2.0

This is a brilliant move. Allowing CEX users to buy any DEX tokens directly from the CEX, no withdrawals needed. Kudos to the team for coming up with this. (I was not involved in it.

Besides that, the launch of Alpha 2.0 is touted to make DeFi tokens more accessible to a broader audience including those who find the traditional process more complicated. Secondly, by granting access to DEX tokens, the trading platform could also potentially increase trading volume. Overall, Alpha 2.0 is a huge step forward in bridging the gap between centralized and decentralized finance.

In essence, Binance is trying to make it so that its users can access the defi space as easily as they access the normal trading features of the Binance CEX.

Binance CZ’s AI Vision: Ditch the Token Hype, Build Real Utility

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  • CZ says AI agents should use existing crypto for fees, not launch endless new tokens.
  • Developers can integrate tokens based on APY, rewarding agents for usage and engagement.
  • Focus on AI utility, not just token creation, to avoid diluting existing crypto value.

Binance’s former CEO, CZ, is advocating a pragmatic approach to the much hyped relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents and cryptocurrencies. AI agents have been touted as the new red-hot narrative in 2025, mainly due to the advancement of AI technology and their potential in the current financial frameworks.

While acknowledging cryptocurrencies’ vast potential as the exchange medium for AI agents, he believes not every agent needs its own token. The Binance co-founder is also against the trend of launching tokens for every AI agent purely on the hype. Instead, AI agents can use existing crypto to collect fees for their services.

He further urged users or builders to give emphasis on the practical applications and utility of AI agents and not just launch new tokens for the sake of it.

Many in the Binance community have supported this sentiment, agreeing that an endless stream of AI tokens could dilute the value of existing ones.

Totally agree with this. We (Users/Builders) keep flooding the market with more tokens and further diluting the value of ones already present. I believe there may be a few projects that already have this setup using a main token to power the AI ecosystem for other agents.

Binance AI Token Fees, Engagement, and Token Integration

Another, while agreeing on the excess influx of such tokens, suggests a system where developers rolling out AI agents can integrate existing, established cryptocurrencies instead of creating new tokens. This integration would be based on factors like Annual Percentage Yield (APY) or other potential returns.

If an AI agent is launched on a specific blockchain like BNB, a percentage of the fees goes to developers (10%) or the AI agents and say 5% to the creator platform. Now the creator platform can do monthly or quarterly rewards for the AI agents depending on criteria like most used (measured by fees) and most popular (through engagements).

This approach would reduce the growth of unnecessary tokens and foster an efficient and sustainable AI-crypto ecosystem.

Binance’s CZ Destroys Bloomberg & WSJ Over ‘Baseless’ FUD Attacks

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Binance CEO CZ has slammed both the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and Bloomberg for publishing “baseless hit pieces” against him. He also accused the media platforms of spreading “FUD” (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt).

At first, he takes on Bloomberg’s recent article, whose news piece, in their own admissions, lacked material and was speculative.

“It’s not clear what stage the discussions have reached or whether they’ll result in any transactions or ventures. “The substance of the meeting with Zhao isn’t clear”. They basically admitted that their whole article is purely imaginary. Is this what “news” has become?”

This isn’t the first time CZ clashed with Bloomberg. Back in 2022, the Binance founder sued the media house for labeling his activities as a Ponzi scheme. While Bloomberg issued an apology, Zhao emphasized that it allegedly posted the message on their HK corporate website instead of the main news platform.

This, per him, was intentionally done to restrict its visibility. He also pointed out that Bloomberg has continued to publish false information since then.

No WLFI Deal, No Pardon Talks: Binance’s CZ Denies WSJ Claims.

Next in his line of fire was WSJ, whose recent report of CZ’s business dealings with Trump’s crypto initiative WLFI created quite a stir. The Binance ex CEO has vehemently denied any such business dealings, accusing WSF of “trying to create a story”.

Trump’s WLFI is gaining traction due to its recent $550 million token sale. There also have been reports of the crypto firm courting blockchains to participate in “token swap” deals.

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Source: Evan Luthra

Regarding granting pardons, WSJ reportedly asked several of CZ’s close aides if he made some such deal with the President. He once again denied having any discussions about a pardon, although he acknowledges that any convicted felon would welcome one.

CZ suggests that the WSJ article might be politically motivated, aimed at attacking the former President and the cryptocurrency industry. Despite the negative media attention, CZ reiterates his commitment to promoting cryptocurrency globally, including in the United States.

CZ Drops Truth Bomb: Are You Being Played?

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  • CZ warns against chasing quick profits, advocating for long-term crypto investment strategies.
  • He emphasizes backing ethical teams that build for sustainability rather than speculation.
  • His influence remains strong despite his exit from Binance, sparking speculation on his next move.

Changpeng Zhao a.k.a CZ, Binance’s ex CEO, has once again reignited discussions in the crypto world. In his March 9 post, he criticized the obsession of chasing short-term gains, urging investors to focus on ethical teams that build for the long haul.

His statement, “Big money is built slowly with stamina” resonates strongly within the current crypto market where projects with weak foundations often struggle or fail. Such kind of projects focused on quick gains or hype lose momentum when market sentiment shifts.

Therefore his emphasis on “ethical teams” highlights the importance of projects with sustainable development plans, even during tough times.

CZ’s remarks also comes as regulatory crackdowns and market volatility leave many traders scrambling for quick profits. He implicitly criticizes the excessive focus on memecoins and other speculative assets that lack real-world utility. These types of projects often prioritize short-term hype over long-term development, aligning with the “small, quick gains” he cautions against.

CZ
CZ Drops Truth Bomb: Are You Being Played? 6

CZ’s comments highlight a key issue in the industry: the dominance of pump-and-dump schemes, and high-risk leverage trading. While retail traders chase overnight riches, institutional players and long-term builders quietly accumulate wealth through patience and strategic investments.

What’s Next for CZ? A New Venture or Silent Influence?

His words also hint at a broader shift in the market. As major firms like BlackRock enter the crypto space, the focus is shifting toward tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) and sustainable projects rather than high-risk gambling.

Despite stepping down as Binance’s CEO following legal troubles, CZ remains an influential figure in crypto. Speculation is growing over his next move—whether he will launch a new venture or continue shaping the industry from behind the scenes.

For now, his message is clear: short-term profits won’t create lasting wealth. In a market filled with noise, those who play the long game will reap the biggest rewards.