What’s Next for Ex-Binance CEO CZ? Passive Investing, DeFi

The ex-CEO of the world’s largest crypto exchange is already planning his next steps in crypto after pleading guilty to U.S. criminal charges and stepping away from one of the most influential roles in crypto: running Binance.

Changpeng “CZ” Zhao said in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that he won’t be leaving the space entirely. “My current thinking is I will probably do some passive investing, being a minority token/shareholder in startups in areas of blockchain/Web3/DeFi, AI and biotech.”

“I am happy that I will finally have more time to spend looking at DeFi,” he added.

He also said that he likely won’t be a CEO of another startup again, but will be open to being a coach or mentor to a small number of upcoming entrepreneurs, privately. CZ noted that he will remain a shareholder of Binance and be available in a consulting role if needed.

CZ, who founded the exchange in 2017, is succeeded by Richard Teng, who previously oversaw the exchange’s regional business outside the U.S.