Book Title: (Binance Life)
Subtitle: The Rise, Predicament, and Declaration of Freedom of the King of Crypto
Author: CZ (Zhao Changpeng)
Preface
In the wave of cryptocurrency, some chase wealth, some overturn rules, and I just want to create a kind of freedom—allowing everyone to take control of their own money. This is a journey from a rural area in Jiangsu to the pinnacle of global cryptocurrency, a game against regulatory storms, and a redefinition of life and freedom under prison bars. Welcome to my story, a true life about adventure, responsibility, and faith.
Chapter 1: Grassroots Beginnings - From Jiangsu to Canada
In 1977, I was born into an ordinary family in Jiangsu, China. At the age of 12, due to my father's political background, my family was forced to immigrate to Canada. Arriving in a foreign land, with a language barrier and tight finances, I once worked at McDonald's for just 4.5 Canadian dollars an hour. During those days, I learned resilience: working overnight in the dishwashing area, delivering takeout in the cold winter, and devouring books in solitude. The turning point of my fate began with computers - while studying computer science at the University of Waterloo, I discovered the key to change my life. This grassroots experience taught me that 'one secret to success is to be different.' - He Huaihong And my difference lies in choosing to change the world with code.
Chapter 2: The Road of Technology - From Wall Street to Cryptocurrency
After graduation, I joined the Tokyo Stock Exchange, developing stock trading systems; then I joined Bloomberg, writing high-frequency trading software. In 2013, Bitcoin entered my view. At that moment, I realized: 'Cryptocurrency is not a speculative tool, but the next generation of financial infrastructure.' I sold my house in Shanghai and went all-in on Bitcoin, fully committed to this revolution. The collision of technological accumulation and the opportunity of the times paved my way to Binance.
Chapter 3: The Rise of Binance - Building an Empire in 7 Days
In 2017, the cryptocurrency market was surging. In just 7 days, I developed the Binance exchange, launched the BNB token for fee discounts, and crafted an exceptional trading experience. Binance soared like a rocket: from obscurity to the number one global trading volume, with users surpassing 300 million and a valuation of $100 billion. We broke the boundaries of traditional finance, making trading faster and more convenient. 'In the crypto industry, compliance is not a cost, but a moat.' - CZ But at that time, we had yet to grasp the profound meaning of this statement.
Chapter 4: The Storm Arrives - Regulation, Crisis, and Choices
In 2023, Binance faced its biggest crisis ever. The U.S. Department of Justice accused us of violating anti-money laundering regulations, imposing a fine of $4.3 billion, and I was fined $150 million and faced imprisonment. This storm nearly destroyed everything. At the negotiating table, I faced a difficult choice: plead guilty to save the company, or resist, potentially leading to Binance's collapse. In the end, I chose responsibility. 'True freedom is not doing whatever you want, but having the ability to choose your own path and bear the responsibility.' - CZ In court, I said, 'We were wrong, but we will become stronger.'
Chapter 5: Iron Bars of Time - Finding Freedom in Prison
From April to September 2024, I served time in California's Lompoc prison. Going from controlling the world's largest exchange to becoming a prisoner, the disparity in identity was as steep as a cliff. Inside, I learned to find peace: reading, writing, and reflecting. Most of the manuscript for (The Binance Life) was completed during this time. This experience led me to understand: 'The walls of prison cannot confine thought; the darkness of adversity illuminates the inner self.' After my release, I was detained due to visa issues until I received a presidential pardon from Trump in October 2025. Freedom is never taken for granted.
Chapter 6: Rebirth and Future - Compliance, Innovation, and Mission
After my release, I led Binance on a path of rebirth: focusing on stablecoin operations, promoting RWA (Real World Assets on-chain), and exploring the fusion of AI and Web3. In 2025, I will make a high-profile return to Hong Kong and collaborate with traditional financial institutions, fully embracing compliance. 'Great companies are born in the storm, but those that survive are the ones that learn to dance in it.' - CZ Our mission has never changed: 'Increasing the freedom of money is true freedom.' I announce that all proceeds from this book will be donated to charity, giving back to society with wealth.
Chapter 7: The Ultimate Value of Cryptocurrency - Freedom Beyond Money
The essence of cryptocurrency is to break down financial barriers and enable free flow. Whether you're a farmer in Africa, an entrepreneur in South America, or an elite on Wall Street, everyone should have equal access to financial services. The collapse of FTX taught us that the battle between centralized and decentralized systems will define the financial landscape for the next decade. 'We're not creating cryptocurrency; we're rebuilding a fairer financial world.' - CZ Stablecoins will become the cornerstone of the digital economy, RWA will ignite a trillion-dollar market, and AI will reshape the Web3 ecosystem. This is our future, and humanity's future.
Conclusion: The Binance Life, To Be Continued
From the rice fields of Jiangsu to the pinnacle of cryptocurrency, from prison bars to a new compliant journey, my life is an exploration of freedom. 'In the field of cryptocurrency, your past doesn't matter; what matters is what you are creating.' - CZ The story of Binance is still being written, and the revolution of cryptocurrency is far from complete. May every reader find strength in this book: seizing opportunities in transformation, holding on to beliefs in adversity, and not forgetting responsibilities in freedom. This is the Binance life that belongs to each of us.
