Crypto entrepreneur Changpeng Zhao has jumped up in the list of the world’s richest individuals. According to Forbes, his estimated net worth is now around $110 billion, placing him 17th on the global rich list.
This sharp rise in his wealth has happened in just the past one and a half years, since getting out of jail.
Changpeng Zhao’s Wealth Surge Driven by Binance Valuation
Changpeng Zhao built most of his wealth through Binance, the crypto exchange he founded in 2017. Today, Binance is valued at around $100 billion, and Zhao is believed to own a large share of the company.
Being one of the largest platforms in the crypto market. Binance in 2024 and 2025 generated about $16–$17 billion in revenue & processed over $30 trillion in trading volume, making up around 38% of global crypto trading.
Thus, most of Zhao’s wealth is still tied to his stake in Binance. Even after stepping down as CEO in 2023, the exchange remains the main source of his fortune.
BNB Chain Ecosystem Adds to Binance’s Business Reach
Beyond the exchange itself, Binance operates a broader ecosystem tied to its blockchain network, BNB Chain.
The network’s native token ecosystem carries a market capitalization estimated at $87.69 billion, supporting decentralized applications, DeFi platforms, and other blockchain services.
This ecosystem has expanded Binance’s influence beyond trading into the broader crypto infrastructure sector.
Crypto Billionaires Enter Global Rich List
Zhao’s wealth now places him ahead of several well-known global business figures, including Bill Gates and Mukesh Ambani, on certain rich-list rankings.
Perhaps, Zhao is not the only crypto figure appearing on global billionaire rankings.
Giancarlo Devasini, Bitfinex exchange CFO and Co-founder of Tether, has an estimated net worth of $89.3 billion. That places him 22nd on global wealth rankings.
Both Zhao and Devasini stand among the few individuals in the top 25 whose fortunes are largely built on the cryptocurrency industry.
Trust with CoinPedia:
CoinPedia has been delivering accurate and timely cryptocurrency and blockchain updates since 2017. All content is created by our expert panel of analysts and journalists, following strict Editorial Guidelines based on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Every article is fact-checked against reputable sources to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Our review policy guarantees unbiased evaluations when recommending exchanges, platforms, or tools. We strive to provide timely updates about everything crypto & blockchain, right from startups to industry majors.
Investment Disclaimer:
All opinions and insights shared represent the author’s own views on current market conditions. Please do your own research before making investment decisions. Neither the writer nor the publication assumes responsibility for your financial choices.
Sponsored and Advertisements:
Sponsored content and affiliate links may appear on our site. Advertisements are marked clearly, and our editorial content remains entirely independent from our ad partners.
