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Binance co-founder Changpeng \u201cCZ\u201d Zhao said rival crypto exchanges in the United States opposed his pardon request before President Donald Trump granted clemency in October 2025.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Speaking on the Crypto Banter podcast, Zhao said<\/a> some competitors did not want him pardoned because they feared Binance could return to the U.S. market.\u00a0<\/p>\n He said, \u201cThe other crypto exchanges in the US don\u2019t want me to get a pardon.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n <\/p>\n Zhao also said he believed there had been pushback from competitors, but he did not present proof. \u201cI don\u2019t have concrete evidence of any of it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n That makes the claim hard to verify. The statement still adds a new layer to the debate around his pardon, which drew criticism from lawmakers and renewed talk about Binance\u2019s U.S. future.<\/p>\n Moreover, Zhao pleaded guilty in 2023 to failing to maintain an effective anti-money-laundering program. Binance also reached a $4.3 billion settlement with U.S. authorities over violations linked to sanctions and money-transmission rules.<\/p>\n Crypto.news reported that Trump pardoned Zhao on Oct. 23, 2025. The outlet also noted that the decision sparked criticism and questions over Binance-linked business ties involving Trump-related crypto ventures.<\/p>\n Zhao\u2019s comments also came after Binance and Zhao won dismissal of a civil lawsuit brought by victims and relatives of victims of terrorist attacks. Reuters reported<\/a> that a judge found the plaintiffs did not plausibly show culpable involvement or intent by Binance or Zhao.<\/p>\n\n
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Claim lacks public proof<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Binance wins recent court relief<\/strong><\/h2>\n