Binance’s Changpeng Zhao (CZ), remains one of the most talked-about figures in crypto space.
He continues to hold major influence, and reports from major outlets and rich lists often estimate his fortune in the tens of billions. However, he has repeatedly pushed back against these claims, and this time has given an important indication of his net worth.
CZ Pushes Back Against Rich List Estimates
The Hurun Research Institute’s “2025 Hengchang Shaofang Hurun Rich List,” ranks CZ in 13th position ,with an estimated fortune of 190 billion yuan, with a 41% increase compared to last year.
However, CZ denied the reports in a latest X post, calling it inaccurate. Reacting to the figures, he wrote, “Nonsense, divide by 100 and that’s about right.” If taken literally, that would place his personal fortune at roughly 1.9 billion yuan (around $260 million), which is a stark contrast to what online sources would claim.
One user sided with CZ, claiming that the Hurun often exaggerates people’s wealth to attract attention and then asks for payment to have the figures adjusted or removed.
A Web3 builder also noted that while CZ’s family office, YZi Labs, reportedly manages around $10 billion in assets and Binance generated $16.8 billion in revenue in 2024, these numbers don’t necessarily reflect his personal fortune.
His wealth would tend to fluctuate depending on the market value of the crypto assets he holds.
A Look at CZ’s Illustrious Journey
CZ founded Binance in 2017, turning it into the world’s largest crypto exchange within a few years. He still holds an estimated 90% stake in the company, along with native BNB tokens.
In November 2023, he stepped down as CEO as part of a major settlement with U.S. authorities. He pleaded guilty to failing to maintain an effective anti–money laundering program. As part of the settlement, CZ paid a $50 million fine and served four months in prison.
However, President Trump recently pardoned CZ, which was widely celebrated by the crypto community. However, it also drew criticism from senators.
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CZ’s Portfolio Reveals Heavy BNB Allocation
According to a Binance Square post earlier this year, CZ’s portfolio is mostly dominated by BNB, which makes up about 98% of his assets. Bitcoin accounted for 1.3% and stablecoins EURI and USDT at 0.17% and 0.03%, respectively.
CZ also holds a major stake in YZi Labs, an investment firm that focuses on Web3, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology.
What’s His Real Net Worth?
Earlier this month, Forbes estimated his net worth at $87.3 billion, after a surge in BNB’s price, while Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index placed him at $65.4 billion. According to Forbes’ real-time rankings as of October 28, 2025, CZ has a net worth of $88 billion, making him the 21st richest person globally.
Despite these figures, CZ maintains that he doesn’t have “anywhere as much”, and today seemed to reveal that it is a million-dollar figure. Although, that estimate remains open to interpretation.
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FAQs
CZ says his actual net worth is far lower than reports suggest, hinting it’s around $260 million—not the tens of billions often claimed.
CZ revealed that about 98% of his portfolio is in BNB, with small amounts in Bitcoin and stablecoins like EURI and USDT.
Yes, CZ resigned in 2023 as part of a U.S. settlement over compliance issues. He paid a fine and briefly served time before being pardoned.
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