Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has made it clear that a return to Binance isn’t happening. Despite ongoing speculation, the exchange’s former CEO says the company has moved on just fine without him, and he’s comfortable watching from the sidelines.
Speaking publicly, CZ explained that stepping away after seven years was difficult at first, but ultimately the right call.
“I haven’t really needed to go back. I didn’t really want to. I thought it was a pretty good way for me to step down, away from Binance after seven years,”
he said.
“I don’t think it’s good for me to go back. I think we should leave room for other strong leaders to grow.”
While CZ no longer holds an executive role, he confirmed he remains involved as a shareholder, albeit in a very hands-off way.
“I just thought, look; they don’t need a backseat driver today. I’m still a shareholder,”
Zhao said.
“ I’m just a pretty passive shareholder, and today when I want to give them advice, I just write it on Twitter.”
Beyond Binance, CZ also shared his outlook on Bitcoin’s future. Despite recent price weakness, he believes the market could be heading into an unusually strong phase over the next year, potentially breaking away from its traditional cycle.
“Normally, Bitcoin follows four-year cycles…But I think this year, given the US being so pro crypto and every other country is kind of following, I do think we will probably break the four-year cycle,”
CZ said.
According to Zhao, shifting global attitudes toward crypto could set the stage for a prolonged rally, with 2026 shaping up to be a key year for Bitcoin if momentum continues.
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