Changpeng Zhao, founder of cryptocurrency exchange Binance, is living in Abu Dhabi following the completion of a four-month prison sentence in the United States and a pardon granted by President Donald Trump, according to a report by The New York Times.
The report stated that Zhao retains majority ownership in Binance and maintains a personal net worth exceeding $10 billion. Zhao previously pleaded guilty to violating U.S. anti-money-laundering laws prior to serving his four-month federal prison term.
According to The New York Times, Zhao has aligned himself with influential ruling figures, including leadership in the United Arab Emirates seeking his assistance to build a technology powerhouse, alongside ties with the Trump family network.
Sources
- The New York Times · 2026-10-01



