Speaking in a May 6 episode of the Farokh Radio podcast, CZ said he “wouldn’t mind” being pardoned and revealed that his legal team had already submitted the paperwork on his behalf. “I’ve got lawyers applying,” he said, explaining that the decision came after Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal reported in March that he was seeking a pardon, amid news of a potential business deal between the Trump family and Binance.US.
Although CZ denied those reports at the time, he told the podcast: “I figured, if they’re already writing this article, I might as well officially apply.”
He also mentioned that Trump’s previous pardon of the three BitMEX co-founders—including Arthur Hayes—inspired him to take the step. According to CZ, the application was filed about two weeks ago.
At the time of the reports by Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal, CZ remarked that “no felon would mind a pardon,” and noted that he is the only person in U.S. history to have served prison time for violating the Bank Secrecy Act.
In November 2023, CZ pleaded guilty to a money laundering charge as part of a deal between Binance and U.S. authorities. Under the agreement, Binance paid a $4.3 billion fine, with CZ contributing $50 million and stepping down as CEO.
CZ was later sentenced to four months in prison and barred from participating in Binance’s operations as part of his plea deal. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a presidential pardon would not erase CZ’s conviction, but it could potentially allow him to return to a management or operational role at Binance.US.
CZ Says He Has No Plans to Return as Binance CEO
Although CZ remains a shareholder in Binance, he stated at Binance Blockchain Week in November that he has “no plans to return to the CEO position.”
“I feel the team is doing well and doesn’t need me back,” he said.
Since completing his prison sentence, CZ has taken on advisory roles in Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan, offering support on cryptocurrency regulation and the implementation of blockchain solutions in both countries.
