Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao steps down, pleads guilty

Binance faces a pivotal change as CEO Changpeng Zhao agrees to step down as the company prepares to pay $4.3 billion in fines.

Changpeng Zhao’s decision to step down as CEO of Binance and plead guilty to violating U.S. anti-money-laundering requirements has sparked a complex interaction with U.S. regulatory bodies, particularly in the context of a substantial settlement agreement.

The unfolding situation involves intricate negotiations and exchanges between Zhao, Binance, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), according to sources close to the matter. The core of these discussions revolves around the specifics of the charges against Binance and its CEO, and the implications of the settlement for Binance’s future operations.

Today, I stepped down as CEO of Binance. Admittedly, it was not easy to let go emotionally. But I know it is the right thing to do. I made mistakes, and I must take responsibility. This is best for our community, for Binance, and for myself.

Binance is no longer a baby. It is…

— CZ 🔶 BNB (@cz_binance) November 21, 2023

Under the settlement, Zhao will step down from his role, and Binance, the company he founded in 2017, will plead guilty to charges of anti-money laundering and sanctions violations. Additionally, Binance has agreed to pay fines totaling $4.3 billion, which includes resolving civil allegations brought by regulators. Zhao himself has agreed to pay a $50 million criminal fine, with the possibility of a reduction based on his agreement to pay separate civil penalties.

We’re pleased to share we’ve reached resolution with several US agencies related to their investigations.

This allows us to turn the page on a challenging yet transformative chapter of learning that has helped us become stronger, safer, and an even more secure platform.

— Binance (@binance) November 21, 2023

The plan for Binance’s future following Zhao’s departure includes appointing Richard Teng as the new CEO. Teng, formerly the Global Head of Regional Markets at Binance and with a strong background in financial services and regulatory affairs, is expected to steer the company through a more compliant and transparent phase. This includes enhancing Binance’s anti-money laundering measures and ensuring adherence to global sanctions.

It is an honour and with the deepest humility that I step into the role of Binance’s new CEO.

We operate the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by volume. The trust placed on us by our 150m users and thousands of employees is a responsibility that I take seriously and hold…

— Richard Teng (@_RichardTeng) November 21, 2023

If Binance fails to meet these regulatory expectations, the company faces the risk of more severe penalties, including potential restrictions on its operations. The approved backup plan, in case the company fails to adhere to the settlement terms, involves a more rigorous restructuring of Binance’s operational and compliance procedures.