Rumors Hint Changpeng Zhao (CZ) Is Returning to Binance, BNB Shoots 5%

Speculations are ripe that Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) could soon be making a comeback to his company, nearly two years after stepping down in November 2023. Now that the Binance lawsuit is officially over, CZ could be eyeing to take charge of the company once again and steer further growth. BNB Coin reacts to the news with 5% upside and hits a new all-time high at $960 levels.

Changpeng Zhao (CZ) Hints at A Return to Binance

In a strong observation, crypto journalist Wu Blockchain reported that CZ has changed his profile on X platform, changing the description from “ex-@binance” to “@binance.” The move has fueled speculation that Zhao may be preparing for a possible return to the exchange. Interestingly, this development comes at a time when Binance has been nearing a deal with U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) to end compliance oversight on its lawsuit.

Back in November 2023, Changpeng Zhao resigned and pleaded guilty to violating U.S. anti-money laundering laws as part of a $4.3 billion settlement. As part of the deal, CZ had to personally pay a penalty of $50 million.

Since then, he has been banned from managing or operating the exchange, as Richard Teng took charge as Binance CEO. This is the first time that the rumors of CZ’s return surfaced after the Binance lawsuit settlement in May 2025.

The news of Changpeng Zhao’s return coincides with Binance reaching an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to remove the three-year oversight requirement imposed under its 2023 settlement related to Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) violations. It also conincides with BNB price hitting fresh all-time highs at $960.

BNB Rallies Past $960 In Fresh All-Time High

Despite the broader crypto market consolidation, BNB Coin has been an outperformer with 5% gains in the last 24 hours, hitting a fresh all-time high above $960. BNB price is making steady moves over the past month, with its daily trading volumes surging by 37.3% to $3.31 billion.

Furthermore, as per the Coinglass data, the BNB futures open interest has surged 10.5% to more than $1.83 billion, hinting at strong bullish sentiment among traders. Market analysts are now eyeing a breakout past $1,000 for a further rally in the altcoin.