# Changpeng Zhao By [Jaden](https://paragraph.com/@jaden) · 2023-11-24 --- **Changpeng Zhao, Better Known As CZ, is the Founder and CEO of Binance** ========================================================================= Known by the moniker [CZ](https://coinlaunch.space/influencers/cz_binance/), Zhao has made his name with Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. His company’s aggressive tactics, including alleged use of bots, fake proof of reserves, and opaque financials, have put it on regulators’ radar. But this year, the CEO’s major goal seemed within reach. **Background** -------------- Changpeng Zhao is the founder and CEO of Binance, one of the largest crypto exchanges in the world. Known as CZ, he launched Binance in July 2017 and has since grown the company into one of the most prominent and wealthiest people in cryptocurrency. Despite controversies and allegations over alleged insider trading, CZ remains committed to fair trading procedures on the platform. He also focuses on working closely with governments, which has enabled Binance to grow and expand across different regions while adhering to regulatory standards. During his rise to crypto prominence, CZ has made strategic donations to politicians and media outlets on both sides of the political spectrum. This has earned him widespread support and admiration in the crypto community. On March 27, 2023, the CFTC sued Binance and CZ over alleged trading violations. **Early Life** -------------- Changpeng Zhao was born in Jiangsu province, China. He moved with his family to Canada when he was 12 years old. In his early teens, he worked at McDonald’s and a Chevron gas station. He also served as a volleyball referee to make extra money, per Maclean’s. CZ then attended McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, where he studied computer science. His father bought him a 286 DOS computer that helped ignite his passion for technology. After graduating from college, he started a software company named Fusion Systems in 2005. The firm specialized in developing high-frequency trading software for stock exchanges. In 2013, he was introduced to crypto by a friend and decided to invest all of his financial resources into the new technology. This move would later propel him to the top of the crypto world. **Education** ------------- Changpeng Zhao grew up in an academically inclined household, a background that encouraged his interest in logical and analytical disciplines. After his family moved from Jiangsu to Vancouver, he worked at McDonald’s and gas stations in order to support himself while taking high school courses. He then attended McGill University, one of Canada’s most prestigious institutions. While there, he focused on computer programming classes, and “bashed code into rudimentary Apple desktop computers,” per Maclean’s. He also took on internships at the Tokyo Stock Exchange and Bloomberg Trade Book LLC, developing software to match trade orders. He later joined OKCoin as a technology officer, where his comprehension of the cryptocurrency industry increased. Despite his success, CZ is known to be frugal, preferring digital watches and a Toyota Velfire van over flashy Lamborghinis. **Career** ---------- Zhao, or “CZ,” as he is known in the crypto community, stands at the helm of Binance, which is the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. The company is valued in the billions, but CZ remains a humble figure despite his immense wealth. He worked multiple service jobs in his teenage years, including a stint at a gas station and as a referee for volleyball games to help support his family, per Maclean’s. He then studied computer science at McGill University in Montreal, where he developed a passion for math and programming. After graduating, he began working on financial software and created trading systems for companies such as Tokyo Stock Exchange and Bloomberg Tradebook. This experience gave him crucial insight into the nuances of the trading industry and honed his skills in designing reliable and efficient systems. **Personal Life** ----------------- Changpeng Zhao, better known as CZ, is one of the richest people in the world. He is the founder and CEO of Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange. He has a vast net worth thanks to his ownership stake in the company and other business ventures. He is a global citizen and has spent time living in multiple countries. CZ was born in China and emigrated with his family to Canada in 1989, two months after the Tiananmen Square crackdown on pro-democracy protesters, according to a blog post from last year. He studied computer science at McGill University in Montreal, which he credits with giving him the technical knowledge to launch his own start-ups. He lives in Dubai now, though he previously resided in Singapore from 2019 to 2021, Mustajab said. He is known to be frugal and doesn't own a car or yacht. --- *Originally published on [Jaden](https://paragraph.com/@jaden/changpeng-zhao)*