Who is Changpeng Zhao? CZ Biography: Age, Wife, Children, House, Parents, Education, Private Jet

Biography

Changpeng Zhao, known as CZ, is a renowned Chinese-born Canadian entrepreneur and investor. He is renowned in the cryptocurrency space as the founder of Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange by trading volume.

Born on February 5, 1977, in Jiangsu, China, CZ moved to Vancouver, Canada, with his family in the late 1980s. Early in his career, he held various roles in tech and finance, including developing high-frequency trading systems and working at Bloomberg Tradebook.

CZ‘s interest in Bitcoin led him to establish Binance in 2017, which quickly became known for its fast transactions and extensive cryptocurrency options. However, his career took a turn in 2023 when he stepped down as Binance’s CEO after pleading guilty to money laundering charges in the U.S., resulting in a fine and a four-month prison sentence.

Changpeng Zhao
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Changpeng Zhao
Stage Name:	CZ
Born:	5 February 1977 (age 47 years old)
Place of Birth:	Lianyungang, China
Nationality:	Canadian
Education:	McGill University School of Computer Science, University-Hill Secondary School
Height:	1.7 m
Parents:	Shengkai Zhao
Siblings:	N/A
Spouse:	Yang Weiqing (m. 2003)
Girlfriend • Partner:	Yi He (rum.)
Children:	Ryan Zhao, Rachel Zhao
Occupation:	Businessman • Investor
Net Worth:	$39.6 billion (USD)

Early Life & Education

Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, was born on February 5 in Jiangsu, China. At age 12, he moved with his family to Vancouver, Canada, following his father’s academic pursuits and the political tensions in China after the Tiananmen Square incident. This move profoundly influenced CZ, shaping his identity as both Chinese and Canadian.

CZ‘s ethnicity is Chinese, and while his religious beliefs are not well-documented, his background is rooted in Chinese traditions. His father, Shengkai Zhao, was a professor, and his mother also worked in education, though specific details about her career vary in public records. Little is known about his siblings, suggesting CZ may have kept his family life private or could be an only child, which was common due to China’s one-child policy.

After completing secondary education in Canada, CZ attended McGill University, although details about his specific degree have yet to be widely known. His exposure to a diverse cultural environment in Canada likely shaped his entrepreneurial mindset and approach to business.

Career

Changpeng Zhao, known as CZ, has established a prominent career in the cryptocurrency sector. This culminated in his role as the founder and former CEO of Binance, which became the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. His career reflects a blend of technological expertise, entrepreneurial drive, and a deep-seated interest in finance and trading.

After relocating to Canada in his youth, CZ pursued a degree at McGill University. His career began in technology, working with the Tokyo Stock Exchange and later at Bloomberg LP in New York, where he developed high-frequency trading software. This experience was crucial in shaping his future endeavours in cryptocurrency, where efficiency and speed are essential.

His encounter with Bitcoin’s whitepaper sparked CZ’s entry into the cryptocurrency world. Initially sceptical, he was convinced at a Bitcoin conference in Las Vegas, leading him to sell his Shanghai apartment and invest heavily in Bitcoin, marking his full commitment to the field.

In 2017, CZ founded Binance with the goal of creating a user-friendly, secure exchange capable of handling large transaction volumes. Within 180 days, Binance became one of the top crypto exchanges, reflecting CZ’s vision and strategic execution. His approach involved simplifying trading and expanding the platform’s features, including the launch of Binance Chain and Binance Smart Chain, which strengthened Binance’s role in the blockchain ecosystem.

In 2023, CZ faced a major setback when he pleaded guilty to money laundering charges in the U.S. He resigned from his CEO role at Binance in November 2023 and was sentenced to four months in prison in April 2024. Despite these challenges, CZ remains influential in the cryptocurrency world due to his foundational role in Binance, in which he holds a significant stake.

Throughout his career, CZ has championed transparency, innovation, and the democratization of finance through cryptocurrencies. His vision for Binance extended beyond trading, aiming to create a more inclusive global financial system less dominated by traditional banks. His business approach, shaped by his diverse background and global experiences, emphasizes flexibility, risk-taking, and community engagement, central to the crypto ethos.

Even after stepping down, CZ’s impact on the crypto industry persists through his ownership stake in Binance and his role as a thought leader in blockchain technology. His career, characterized by rapid success and significant legal challenges, continues to be a focal point, mirroring the volatile nature of the cryptocurrency industry.

Social Media

• Instagram: CZ_Binance (@changpengzhao)
• Twitter: CZ BNB (@cz_binance) / X
• LinkedIn: Changpeng Zhao – Binance
• Facebook: Changpeng Zhao

Personal Life

Changpeng Zhao, commonly known as CZ, has been married at least once. While there have been mentions of a “life partner” relationship with Yi He, a co-founder of Binance, it is unclear if this relationship constitutes a legal marriage.

CZ has publicly confirmed his marriage to Yang Weiqing, though the current status of this relationship and specific details may vary. CZ has five children, including Rachel Zhao and Ryan Zhao.

Details about CZ‘s dating history are limited. His relationship with Yi He, which began when they co-founded Binance, is the most documented aspect of his life. Before this, there is little public information about his romantic relationships.

CZ‘s height is not commonly cited in public sources, so no confirmed details are available.

Controversy

Changpeng Zhao, known as CZ and the former CEO of Binance, was sentenced to four months in prison in April 2024. This sentence followed his guilty plea in November 2023 for failing to implement sufficient anti-money laundering measures at Binance.

CZ began his sentence at the Lompoc II low-security facility in California and later moved to a halfway house in San Pedro, California, as part of the final stages of his incarceration. His release is scheduled for September 29, 2024, marking his gradual reintegration into society.

Net Worth

Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, has seen considerable fluctuations in his net worth, largely due to his role as the founder of Binance. As of this year, his net worth was estimated at around $39.6 billion, placing him among the world’s wealthiest individuals, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index. This wealth primarily stems from his substantial stake in Binance, though it does not include his cryptocurrency holdings, which could further increase his net worth.

CZ‘s financial status reflects the volatility of the cryptocurrency market. In 2022, Bloomberg estimated his net worth at approximately $96 billion, ranking him among the top 10 richest people globally. However, CZ has noted that such estimates are speculative and may not accurately represent his liquid assets.

His wealth has been affected by the crypto market’s ups and downs but has rebounded with market recoveries. Despite facing legal challenges and resigning as Binance’s CEO after a guilty plea related to anti-money laundering charges in late 2023, CZ‘s net worth remains substantial, largely due to his significant ownership stake in Binance.