CZ rules out Binance return and eyes Bitcoin supercycle

Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao said he has no intention of returning to the exchange despite a US presidential pardon lifting previous restrictions.

“I haven't really needed to go back. I didn't really want to,”

Changpeng Zhao said, adding that stepping away after seven years allowed room for new leadership to grow.

Zhao pleaded guilty in 2023 to failing to maintain effective anti-money laundering controls at Binance and served a four-month prison sentence.

He said Binance has continued to expand under new leadership, citing growth in users and market share since his departure.

“They don't need a backseat driver today,”

Changpeng Zhao said, noting he remains a passive shareholder who occasionally offers advice publicly.

Zhao predicted Bitcoin could enter a supercycle in 2026, arguing that strong fundamentals and supportive regulation may break the traditional four-year cycle.

“Given the US being so pro crypto and every other country following, we will probably break the four-year cycle,”

Changpeng Zhao said.

At the time of reporting, Bitcoin price was $87,688.50.