How Changpeng Zhao Built Binance and Changed Crypto Forever

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Intro – How Changpeng Zhao Built Binance

In the fast-moving world of cryptocurrency, very few names stand out like Changpeng Zhao, better known as CZ. He’s the man who built Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange by trading volume — and in just a few years, he completely changed how people buy, sell, and interact with digital currencies.

But how did CZ do it? What makes Binance so popular? And what advice does he have for beginners? Let’s dive into his journey and discover what we can learn from one of crypto’s most influential pioneers.

Who is Changpeng Zhao?

Changpeng Zhao, better known as CZ, is one of the most influential figures in the cryptocurrency world. Born in Jiangsu, China, in 1977, his family moved to Vancouver, Canada in the late 1980s. Life wasn’t easy — CZ’s parents were academics, but after his father was labeled a “pro-bourgeois intellect,” they had to restart in a new country. As a teenager, CZ helped support his family by working part-time at McDonald’s and gas stations while going to school.

Despite the challenges, CZ excelled academically. He studied computer science at McGill University, one of Canada’s top universities. His early career began in Tokyo, working on trading systems for the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Later, he joined Bloomberg in New York, where he built software for high-speed trading. These experiences gave him deep insight into global finance and high-frequency trading technology — skills that would later shape the success of Binance.

In 2013, CZ stumbled upon a whitepaper about Bitcoin. Fascinated by the concept of a decentralized currency that operated without banks or middlemen, he immediately saw its potential. While many dismissed Bitcoin as a passing trend, CZ went all in — even selling his Shanghai apartment to invest in Bitcoin. It was a bold move, especially when the price was still under $1,000.

That leap of faith marked the start of his crypto journey. CZ went on to work for top crypto firms like Blockchain.info and OKCoin, learning how the industry worked from the inside. By 2017, he was ready to build something of his own — something faster, better, and global: Binance.

The Birth of Binance

By 2017, Changpeng Zhao had spent several years deeply involved in the crypto world. He had already worked at Blockchain.info, one of the earliest Bitcoin wallet platforms, where he rubbed shoulders with industry pioneers like Roger Ver and Ben Reeves. Later, as the Chief Technology Officer at OKCoin, he helped build the technical backbone of one of Asia’s top exchanges. But CZ noticed something troubling — many existing crypto exchanges were clunky, slow, expensive, and confusing for beginners. He believed users deserved something better.

That belief sparked the idea for Binance — a new kind of crypto exchange that would be fast, global, user-friendly, and supportive of new tokens and projects. CZ assembled a small but highly experienced team of developers and launched Binance in July 2017, right in the middle of the ICO (Initial Coin Offering) boom.

Instead of going the traditional route of venture capital, CZ chose to raise funds through an ICO of his own. The Binance team created BNB (Binance Coin) and raised around $15 million in just a few days. Investors believed in CZ’s vision, and it turned out to be one of the most successful crypto fundraisers ever.

The real magic began after the launch. Binance offered lightning-fast trades, low fees, and support for over 100 cryptocurrencies — at a time when most exchanges offered far less. It quickly became known for its 24/7 customer support, regular updates, and reliable security.

In less than six months, Binance was handling more daily trading volume than any other exchange in the world. By 2025, it serves over 160 million users, supports 350+ coins, and facilitates over $65 billion in trades per day. CZ didn’t just launch a company — he launched a global phenomenon.

What Makes Binance Unique?

There are hundreds of crypto exchanges out there, but Binance stands in a league of its own. So, what exactly makes Binance different from the rest — especially for beginners? The answer lies in a mix of innovation, accessibility, and trust.

First, Binance offers one of the most beginner-friendly interfaces in the industry. When you open the app or website, you’re not overwhelmed with complicated charts or technical jargon. Whether you’re buying your first Bitcoin or trying to swap tokens, the platform guides you step-by-step. This simplicity is what drew in millions of new users during the 2020–2022 crypto boom.

Second, Binance charges some of the lowest trading fees in the industry. Standard fees are 0.1%, but if you pay with Binance Coin (BNB), you get an extra discount. For example, if you make a $1,000 trade, your fee could be just $0.075 — far lower than traditional stock brokers or even other crypto apps.

Third, Binance has one of the widest selections of cryptocurrencies. As of 2025, you can trade over 350 tokens, from well-known assets like Ethereum and Solana, to newer coins making waves in the Web3, gaming, and DeFi spaces. They’re also quick to list promising new projects — sometimes before any other exchange does.

But Binance isn’t just about trading. They’ve expanded into a full ecosystem:

• Binance Smart Chain (BSC) powers thousands of decentralized apps (dApps), NFT platforms, and DeFi tools.
• Binance Earn lets users stake coins and earn passive income.
• Binance Launchpad helps fund new crypto startups.
• Binance Academy teaches beginners about blockchain — for free.

And perhaps most importantly, Binance has invested heavily in security and user protection, using advanced tools like AI fraud detection, multi-signature wallets, and Proof of Reserves.

All of this combined makes Binance a one-stop crypto platform — trusted by beginners and pros alike.

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His Top Investments

When it comes to investing, Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has one very clear strategy — and it’s not what you’d expect from a billionaire. Unlike other tech entrepreneurs who diversify across startups, real estate, or stocks, CZ is all-in on crypto, particularly Binance Coin (BNB) and Bitcoin (BTC).

In several interviews, CZ has made it known that he doesn’t hold a wide portfolio of altcoins. He once said:

“I try to avoid having conflicting investments. I don’t own equity in any project other than Binance. Most of my net worth is in BNB and BTC.”

His top investment by far is BNB, the native token of the Binance ecosystem. BNB was launched in 2017 at just $0.10. It started as a utility token used to pay for trading fees on Binance at a discount. But over the years, its role has expanded massively. By 2025, BNB is used for:

• Trading fee discounts
• Participating in Binance Launchpad sales
• Paying transaction fees on Binance Smart Chain
• Earning interest through Binance Earn
• Buying NFTs and more

As a result, BNB has become one of the top 5 cryptocurrencies by market cap, reaching an all-time high of $785 in 2025. CZ, who has held a significant portion of the total BNB supply from the beginning, has seen his net worth rise dramatically — making him one of the richest people in the crypto world, even after stepping down as Binance CEO in 2024.

What makes CZ’s investment strategy unique is his laser focus. He believes that having “skin in the game” helps him align with users and Binance’s long-term success. His approach is simple but powerful: invest in what you believe in deeply — and build it yourself.

CZ’s Advice for Beginners in Crypto

One of the reasons Changpeng Zhao (CZ) is respected across the crypto industry is because he never forgets the beginner. Whether he’s speaking at conferences, hosting AMAs (Ask Me Anything), or tweeting daily advice, CZ constantly reminds newcomers to stay grounded, informed, and careful. His advice is simple, practical, and based on real experience.

1. Start Small and Learn First

CZ’s most famous quote is:

“Only invest what you can afford to lose.”
Crypto markets are volatile. Prices can swing wildly in minutes. For beginners, that can be exciting — but also risky. CZ recommends starting with small amounts, taking time to learn, and not being tempted by overnight success stories.

2. Focus on Education, Not Hype

CZ strongly believes that the future of crypto depends on user education. That’s why Binance launched Binance Academy — a completely free platform that explains topics like Bitcoin, blockchain, NFTs, staking, and security.

“You don’t need to be a tech expert,” he says, “but you need to understand what you’re investing in.”

3. Avoid Meme Coins and Pump-and-Dumps

Every year, the market is flooded with hyped-up coins that promise fast profits. CZ warns against chasing trends or “getting rich quick.” Instead, he advises beginners to invest in projects with real utility and long-term goals.

4. Protect Your Assets Like a Pro

CZ often says:

“If you’re your own bank, you have to be responsible for your own security.”
That means using two-factor authentication (2FA), strong passwords, and secure wallets. For long-term holders, hardware wallets (cold storage) are the safest bet.

5. Be Patient and Think Long-Term

Crypto is still early. CZ reminds beginners that the best opportunities come to those who are patient and consistent — not those chasing fast profits.

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His Prediction About Binance

Even though Changpeng Zhao (CZ) stepped down as CEO of Binance in late 2024, he still plays a key role in shaping the future of the company. And according to him, Binance is just getting started.

CZ has always believed that Binance isn’t just a trading app — it’s a foundational part of the future of global finance. In a 2025 podcast interview, he confidently said:

“Crypto adoption is still at the early stage. Binance will continue to evolve, adapting to new technologies and regulations. The goal is to become the core infrastructure for the Web3 economy.”

So, what does that future look like?

1. From Exchange to Full Ecosystem

CZ predicts that Binance will shift from being just a trading platform to a comprehensive Web3 hub. This includes:

• Supporting real-world tokenized assets (like tokenized real estate or bonds)
• Launching more decentralized applications (dApps)
• Expanding the Binance Smart Chain (BSC) to support more developers
• Partnering with governments for CBDCs (central bank digital currencies)

In fact, by mid-2025, Binance has already begun working with five African nations to create crypto-powered payment systems for unbanked citizens — a real example of CZ’s mission to increase global financial inclusion.

2. Compliance and Global Expansion

After years of regulatory challenges, CZ believes that compliance will be Binance’s competitive edge moving forward. Since settling with U.S. regulators in 2024, Binance has focused on transparency, Proof of Reserves, and building localized, licensed entities in over 30 countries.

3. A Web3 Super App

CZ envisions Binance becoming a “Web3 super app” — combining crypto trading, savings, NFTs, messaging, DeFi tools, and payment services in one secure platform.

As he puts it:

“Binance will be like the financial internet for billions of people.”

Challenges Along the Way

While Binance is now the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, its journey hasn’t been without controversy or hurdles. In fact, some of the toughest moments in its history have shaped it into the resilient platform it is today. Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has always acknowledged these challenges — and faced them head-on.

1. Regulatory Pressure Across the Globe

One of Binance’s biggest challenges has been navigating complex, often unclear, global regulations. Different countries have different rules for crypto — and Binance grew so fast, regulators in places like the U.S., U.K., Japan, and Germany began scrutinizing its operations.

In 2021–2023, Binance was warned or banned in several countries due to lack of licenses or compliance issues. The exchange was criticized for operating in a decentralized way without a clear headquarters, making regulation even harder.

In 2024, Binance agreed to pay a $4.3 billion fine to settle with U.S. authorities over past violations related to anti-money laundering (AML) and sanctions compliance. As part of the deal, CZ personally stepped down as CEO and paid a $50 million penalty — a move that stunned the crypto world but signaled Binance’s intent to move forward cleanly.

2. Technical and Security Threats

Running a global crypto exchange means handling billions of dollars in user assets — and that comes with risks. Binance has faced cyberattacks, attempted phishing scams, and high-stakes wallet migrations.

In 2019, hackers stole over $40 million worth of Bitcoin from Binance. But within hours, CZ reassured users via Twitter, and Binance used its Secure Asset Fund for Users (SAFU) to fully reimburse the losses. That fast response actually increased user trust.

3. Managing Rapid Growth

Handling over 160 million users and daily volumes above $65 billion is no easy feat. Scaling infrastructure, customer service, and compliance at that speed required bold leadership and constant innovation.

CZ’s response to challenges has always been the same: transparency, speed, and user-first decisions.

How to Choose a Crypto App Safely

As more people enter the crypto space in 2025, choosing the right crypto app has never been more important. Whether you’re a total beginner or someone who’s dabbled in Bitcoin, selecting a safe, trustworthy, and beginner-friendly platform can make all the difference in your crypto experience — and in protecting your money.

Changpeng Zhao (CZ), founder of Binance, often gives practical advice for users navigating this crowded space. He emphasizes a simple principle:

“If you choose the wrong platform, nothing else matters. You’re risking everything.”

So, how do you choose a crypto app safely?

✅ 1. Regulation and Licensing

Always check if the exchange is regulated or licensed in your country. For example, Binance has now registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in several regions, including France, UAE, and parts of Asia. This helps ensure basic consumer protections.

✅ 2. Security Features

The app should offer:

• Two-factor authentication (2FA)
• Withdrawal whitelist
• Cold wallet storage for most funds
• Proof of Reserves to show user assets are fully backed
  In 2025, Binance displays its reserves in real time — a major trust signal for users.

✅ 3. Beginner Tools & Education

Look for apps that support learning. Binance offers Binance Academy, Learn & Earn quizzes, and tutorials built into the platform. A good exchange should help you grow your knowledge, not just push you to trade.

✅ 4. Liquidity and Coin Variety

An app with high liquidity ensures fast order execution and fair prices. Binance is known for handling billions in daily trades, making it ideal even during high volatility.

✅ 5. Reputation and Transparency

Does the team show up in public? CZ has always maintained a visible presence through interviews and Twitter — something missing from many shady platforms.

Choosing the right app is like choosing a bank — your financial safety depends on it.

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👥 Real User Case Study: Sarah from California

Let’s take a real-world example of how Binance helped a beginner grow her confidence and crypto knowledge.

Sarah, a 32-year-old web designer from California, started exploring crypto in early 2021. Her first purchase was $200 worth of Bitcoin using the Binance mobile app. Initially, she only bought and held Bitcoin. But over time, as she learned through Binance Academy and Twitter threads, she started using more features.

In 2022, she tried Binance Earn, staking a portion of her Ethereum (ETH) for passive interest. By 2023, she had explored Launchpad, where she participated in a new token presale — and that investment delivered a 10x return in just three months.

She says:

“I love how Binance helps you grow. I didn’t even know what staking meant at first, but their tutorials and community support helped me take baby steps.”

Today, Sarah manages a diversified crypto portfolio using Auto-Invest, tracks her gains, and even helps onboard her friends to Binance. Her story shows that with the right tools and a learning mindset, beginners can go from curious to confident — safely and smartly.

🔍 Quotes from Trusted Sources About Binance

Binance has not only dominated trading volume but has also won the respect of major crypto analysts and global publications.

Here are some recent 2024–2025 quotes from reputable sources:

📌 Forbes (March 2024):

“Binance’s ability to bounce back from regulatory penalties and continue leading innovation cements its role as crypto’s global powerhouse.”

📌 CoinDesk (February 2025):

“While many exchanges struggled to meet compliance, Binance reinvented itself — from a decentralized startup to a trusted Web3 bank-in-the-making.”

📌 Chainalysis (Annual Crypto Adoption Report, 2025):

“Binance ranks first in liquidity, second in Web3 wallet integrations, and leads in retail adoption across Southeast Asia and Africa.”

📌 TechCrunch (2024):

“Binance Smart Chain’s surge in developer activity puts it in the top 3 blockchains globally — thanks to low fees and Binance’s builder incentives.”

These quotes reflect a larger truth: Binance is no longer just an exchange — it’s a full-stack crypto ecosystem that’s influencing governments, shaping regulations, and onboarding millions of users globally.

🧠 My Personal Opinion

In my view, Binance isn’t just the biggest crypto exchange — it’s the most complete crypto ecosystem for beginners and professionals alike. Having personally tested multiple apps like Coinbase, Kraken, and Gemini, I keep coming back to Binance for one key reason: it grows with you.

As a beginner, I found the basic buy/sell interface clean and simple. But as I advanced, features like staking, P2P trading, Launchpad access, and the Binance Smart Chain opened up without needing to switch platforms. I also appreciate Binance’s educational push — especially Binance Academy, which helped me learn how DeFi, cold wallets, and market trends work in plain language.

What sets Binance apart for me is how fast they innovate and adapt. While other exchanges were scrambling during market dips or regulatory heat, Binance introduced Proof of Reserves, onboarded licensed regulators, and continued adding real user value — all without compromising user access.

While no platform is perfect, Binance has earned my trust by consistently offering transparency, strong security features like 2FA and withdrawal whitelisting, and a responsive support team. If you’re just starting, it’s a platform I recommend with caution and education, because in crypto, knowledge is your best investment.

Final Thoughts – What You Can Learn from CZ

Changpeng Zhao — or CZ, as the world knows him — didn’t just build a company. He built a global movement that helped make cryptocurrency mainstream. From humble beginnings flipping burgers in Canada to founding the world’s largest crypto exchange, CZ’s journey is a masterclass in vision, resilience, and user-first thinking.

So what can you, as a beginner or aspiring investor, learn from his story?

1. Take Calculated Risks

CZ sold his apartment in Shanghai to buy Bitcoin when most people had never heard of it. That’s not reckless — it’s a calculated risk based on deep conviction and research. The takeaway? Don’t bet blindly, but have the courage to act when you believe in something long-term.

2. Build for People, Not Just Profit

Throughout his leadership at Binance, CZ always prioritized users. Whether it was reimbursing hacked users with SAFU funds or improving the app’s interface, the focus was clear: build trust, deliver value, and the money will follow.

3. Stay Humble and Curious

Despite being a billionaire, CZ stayed down-to-earth. He tweeted daily, answered user questions, and remained open to feedback. His curiosity led Binance to keep innovating — from launching new DeFi tools to helping governments explore crypto payments.

4. Learn, Then Earn

CZ never pushed beginners to trade big. Instead, he championed education first. He launched Binance Academy because he knew that knowledge builds confidence — and confident users make smarter, safer decisions.

5. Adapt and Evolve

When regulations tightened, CZ didn’t quit — he adjusted. He stepped down as CEO to help Binance mature, showing that great leaders put the mission above their ego.

His story reminds us: In crypto and in life, success isn’t just about timing — it’s about doing the right things consistently, with the right mindset.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Binance safe for beginners in 2025?
Yes. Binance has implemented Proof of Reserves, top-level encryption, and real-time monitoring. It’s considered one of the most secure platforms, but always use 2FA and withdrawal whitelisting.

2. What is BNB and why does it matter?
BNB (Binance Coin) is Binance’s utility token. It gives trading discounts, powers smart contracts on Binance Smart Chain, and is used in Launchpad sales and NFT purchases.

3. How much should I invest to start on Binance?
Start with $10–$100, enough to explore without stress. CZ himself says, “Only invest what you can afford to lose.”

4. Can I trust Binance with my money?
Binance holds user funds in cold wallets, uses AI-driven fraud protection, and has a $1 billion SAFU fund to cover emergencies. It’s one of the most trusted brands, but you should still learn self-custody.

5. Is Binance available in the U.S.?
Yes, through a separate platform: Binance.US, which follows U.S. regulations. It supports fewer coins but remains reliable for most needs.

Ready to begin your crypto journey the smart way?

👉 Start small, start safe — start with Binance.
Open an account on Binance.com and activate 2FA immediately. Deposit a small amount and try beginner-friendly tools like Auto-Invest or Binance Earn.

📘 Want to learn before trading?
Visit Binance Academy — it’s 100% free and beginner-friendly, with step-by-step lessons on Bitcoin, NFTs, staking, and security.

💡 Already using Binance?
Check out our new blog: Best Crypto Apps Better Than Coinbase in 2025 to compare features, fees, and real reviews.

💬 Still confused?
Leave your questions in the comments or tweet us @CryptoTrendd — we’ll help you get started the right way.

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