Binance co-founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao said rival crypto exchanges in the United States opposed his pardon request before President Donald Trump granted clemency in October 2025.
Summary
- CZ said rival exchanges opposed his pardon, but admitted he had no concrete evidence.
- Binance’s US exit followed a $4.3 billion settlement with American authorities in 2023.
- Recent court dismissals gave Binance fresh legal wins after earlier terrorism-finance allegations in lawsuits.
Speaking on the Crypto Banter podcast, Zhao said some competitors did not want him pardoned because they feared Binance could return to the U.S. market.
He said, “The other crypto…
