CZ Submits Presidential Pardon Application: The Beginning of a Historic Comeback in the Crypto Industry?

On May 7, 2025, just a few months after completing a 4-month prison sentence, Binance founder – Changpeng Zhao (CZ) – once again stirred the cryptocurrency community. This time, he officially submitted a petition for a presidential pardon to the United States, hoping that President Donald Trump would dismiss past charges and grant him a second chance. From Financial Prisoner to Favored “Initiator”? CZ was convicted in 2024 for violating U.S. anti-money laundering laws – a shocking case that resulted in a record fine of $4.3 billion for Binance. After the incident, he was forced to resign as CEO and withdraw from many of the platform’s activities. The focus of the case is Binance’s weak anti-money laundering system, which has allowed many suspicious transactions to go unchecked. But now, in the context of Trump’s policies trending towards supporting business and being more open to digital currency, CZ is making a big bet to start over. Filing for clemency is not just a legal action. It is a strategy to reshape public image – from a convicted businessman to a “victim” of a rigid legal system and a pioneering symbol in the blockchain industry. Trump and “Business Spirit” – The Strategic Bridge of CZ In a recent interview, CZ did not hesitate to express his support for President Trump, praising his approach to politics as a business deal – pragmatic, straightforward, and negotiable. “It’s not like traditional geopolitical negotiation. It’s more like a business negotiation – at times high, at times low, and then high again – until a balance point is reached,” CZ said. With the Trump administration becoming increasingly friendly towards the cryptocurrency industry, CZ is clearly taking the opportunity to align himself with the favorable policy wave and find a way back into the field he once dominated. Increasing Controversy: Amnesty or Legalization of Lax Regulation? However, this move is not welcomed by everyone. Many experts believe that granting clemency to CZ could undermine efforts to tighten regulation in the crypto industry, which is facing numerous challenges related to fraud, money laundering, and investor protection. Regulators ( may see this as a dangerous precedent, especially since CZ was just released from prison not long ago. Clearing the charges too early could create the image that “those in power can escape punishment.” Is Sam Bankman-Fried Being Monitored Closely? Not only CZ, but public attention is also focused on Sam Bankman-Fried )SBF( – the former CEO of FTX – who is currently serving a 25-year sentence for fraud and causing billions of USD in losses to retail investors. Some sources say that SBF’s family and legal team are quietly preparing to file for clemency if CZ’s application is approved. However, SBF’s chances are assessed to be much lower due to the level of damage and negative reaction from the community. However, if Trump actually signs a pardon for CZ, it could set an unprecedented precedent in the cryptocurrency industry – where those who have fallen can rise again, as long as they have the right strategy and choose the right political moment. Conclusion Will CZ succeed in “baptizing” and returning to the crypto arena in a rapidly changing world? Or is this just a high-risk political gamble? Regardless of the outcome, this move will surely reshape the power dynamics in the decentralized finance industry in the near future.