Binance Founder CZ's Release Date Set, But Questions Remain

Binance Founder CZ’s Release Date Set, But Questions Remain

September 16, 2024 Updated June 24, 2025

Teuta Franjkovic

Senior Journalist

Expertise : Cryptocurrency, DeFi, Web3, DAO, Blockchain, FinTech

Teuta is a seasoned writer and editor with over 15 years of expertise in macroeconomics, technology, and the crypto and blockchain sectors. She began her career in 2005 as a lifestyle writer for *Cosmopolitan* before transitioning to business and economic reporting for renowned outlets like *Forbes* and *Bloomberg*. Inspired by thought leaders like Don and Alex Tapscott and Laura Shin, Teuta embraced blockchain's potential, viewing cryptocurrency as one of humanity's most transformative innovations. Since 2014, she has specialized in fintech, focusing on crypto, blockchain, NFTs, and Web3. Known for her strong collaboration and communication skills, Teuta also holds dual MAs in Political Science and Law.

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Highlights

Binance founder CZ is set to be released from prison on September 29th.
His upcoming release have sparked discussions about the future of Binance and potential market impacts.
Speculation is rife within the crypto community about which coins might experience significant price movements.

According to the US Federal Bureau of Prisons website, Changpeng Zhao, commonly referred to as CZ and founder of Binance, is scheduled for release on September 29, 2024.

Registered under the number 88087-510, CZ, a 47-year-old of Asian descent, has made significant contributions to the cryptocurrency industry.

CZ’s Release Looms: What’s Next for Binance and its Founder?

As the founder of Binance, one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges, CZ played a pivotal role in the rise of digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the global crypto sector.

The specifics surrounding CZ’s imprisonment have not been widely disclosed, but it has become a major point of discussion within the crypto community. Both Binance and its founder have been under regulatory scrutiny as governments worldwide tighten their oversight of cryptocurrency exchanges to ensure compliance with the law.

Credit: Bop.gov

CZ’s incarceration highlights that even the most prominent figures in the industry are not immune to legal consequences. It serves as a stark reminder that no one is beyond the reach of regulation, reinforcing the notion that “nobody is too big to fail.”

CZ is scheduled for release from prison on September 29, 2024. While his post-release plans remain uncertain, the crypto community is watching closely to see if he will return to helm Binance. Despite the speculation, a comeback to leadership may not be in the cards. Binance has continued its operations in CZ’s absence, but his departure has sparked ongoing discussions about the exchange’s long-term direction and stability.

The crypto community is also abuzz with speculation about how binance chain coins might perform following Changpeng Zhao’s (CZ) release, with Binance Chain tokens like Binance Coin (BNB), PancakeSwap (CAKE), Venus (XVS), and Fantom (FTM) being eyed for potential substantial gains, thanks to their past performance and strategic importance to the Binance ecosystem.

The Life and Legal Troubles

Born in Jiangsu, China, in 1977, Changpeng Zhao, known as CZ, moved to Vancouver, Canada, in 1989 after his father was exiled during China’s political upheaval. CZ’s early life was shaped by his exposure to different cultures and environments. After studying computer science at McGill University and starting his career in finance and technology, Zhao returned to China in 2005 to establish a consultancy firm.

His interest in cryptocurrencies began after learning about Bitcoin, leading him to invest in the space. In 2017, he founded Binance, which quickly became one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges. However, Binance’s rapid growth attracted regulatory scrutiny.

Over the years, Zhao and Binance faced increasing pressure from global regulators, culminating in legal actions from US agencies like the CFTC and SEC in 2023. These lawsuits allege Binance breached trading rules and misled investors, while the SEC has had difficulty tracking down Zhao himself for court summons. As Binance continues to operate amid these challenges, CZ’s future, both in terms of leadership and legal standing, remains uncertain.