CZ Pushes Vision to Turn the U.S. Into the Global Crypto Capital

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, shared his perspectives on a range of topics in exclusive interviews with CoinDesk earlier this month.

CZ has recently stepped back into the spotlight. In two conversations with CoinDesk, he discussed the exchange he built, the direction of the crypto industry in the United States, and his activities following his prison sentence.

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CZ returns to the conversation

Changpeng Zhao remains one of the most recognizable figures in the crypto space. Although he has maintained a relatively low profile in the U.S. since serving a four-month prison sentence in 2024 for violations of the Bank Secrecy Act, he has recently reemerged in the country.

Why it matters

Even though CZ no longer runs the world’s largest crypto exchange, he continues to wield significant influence. He remains the majority shareholder of both Binance and Binance.US, holds investments across the sector, and continues to draw strong public attention at industry events.

Key takeaways

In his interviews, CZ pointed to several factors behind the crypto market downturn in 2026, including capital shifting toward artificial intelligence, global geopolitical tensions, and the typical four-year market cycle.

He also outlined his vision for Binance.US, saying he wants the platform to leverage the liquidity of Binance’s global exchange as part of a broader effort to strengthen the U.S. crypto market.

Regarding his presence in Washington, D.C., CZ said his aim is to resolve any misunderstandings about himself and Binance, adding that his guilty plea did not damage his reputation.

At the same time, he made it clear he has no intention of running another crypto exchange, preferring instead to act as an informal advisor to companies in which he has invested.

Policy watch

There is still little clarity on the status of the crypto-related bill under discussion. The ethics provision remains a key sticking point. According to Politico, White House crypto liaison Patrick Witt confirmed that any agreement would require presidential approval.

Negotiations are ongoing, but no concrete details have emerged. With only 20 working days left before September 1 on the Senate calendar, time for debate and voting is running short.

Meanwhile, lawmakers have already addressed several other priorities, including passing a housing bill that temporarily blocks the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency, as well as a reconciliation funding measure earlier this month.

Outstanding items still include reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, alongside upcoming work on the farm bill and the National Defense Authorization Act.

This week

As of now, no hearings are scheduled.

For feedback or suggestions on future topics, readers can reach out via email or join the ongoing discussion on Telegram.

See you next week.