Changpeng Zhao Rules Out Binance Comeback, Predicts 2026 Bitcoin Supercycle

Changpeng Zhao Confirms No Return to Binance

Changpeng Zhao, co-founder of Binance, has ruled out any return to lead the crypto exchange, emphasizing that his involvement is unnecessary for its current operations. His remarks followed discussions about leadership changes and his recent legal pardon. Zhao clarified that stepping aside was essential for the emergence of new leadership.

Continued Growth Under New Management

Binance has maintained robust growth under CEO Richard Teng and co-founder Yi He. Zhao lauded their leadership, dismissing the notion of needing a 'backseat driver.' The exchange reported a user base of over 300 million and an annual trading volume of $34 trillion.

Legal Context and Investment Role

In November 2023, Zhao pleaded guilty to AML compliance failures, resulting in a four-month prison sentence and a temporary ban from Binance. A presidential pardon lifted these restrictions, yet Zhao remains a passive investor, offering guidance publicly rather than through direct involvement.

Forecasting a Bitcoin Supercycle

Discussing Bitcoin's market trajectory, Zhao suggested a potential supercycle in 2026, driven by favorable crypto policies, especially in the U.S. This supercycle would mark a deviation from Bitcoin's usual four-year cycles, supported by increased global adoption.