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This Is What Binance’s CZ Will Do After His Prison Release

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Binance founder and former CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) exited prison on Friday, two days before the official release date.

The popular crypto executive has not wasted any time sharing what he will be doing post-release, and it does not involve Binance or anything close.

Binance’s CZ Shares Post-Release Plans

Changpeng Zhao began his post by expressing gratitude for the freedom to make personal choices, such as selecting his own meals and enjoying as many fruits as he desires each day. He reflected on his past experiences, acknowledging the lessons learned and looking forward to future opportunities. In light of his release from jail, CZ also shared his plans for what he will be doing next.

First, CZ commits to furthering his education initiative, Giggle Academy. The Binance executive had aggressively promoted the initiative before his arrest. The Binance founder also said he would dedicate time and funding to charity, which aligns with his philanthropic work at Giggle Academy, which offers free education.

As of March 30, the project comprised a team of 10 members, some part-time, while others serving full-time but working remotely. Notably, one of Giggle Academy’s objectives is to teach kids how to avoid rug pulls.

Read more: Who Is Changpeng Zhao? A Deep Dive Into the Ex-CEO of Binance

Zhao also revealed his plans to finish writing his book and attend crypto-related conferences. While he may no longer be directly involved in Binance activities, CZ will remain active in the blockchain space. He highlighted that as a long-term investor, his priority is making a positive impact rather than focusing solely on financial returns.

Further, he observed that Binance was doing well in his absence. Notably, Changpeng Zhao faces a lifetime ban from serving as Binance CEO as part of his plea deal. Nevertheless, he maintains executive rights at the company as its majority shareholder.

These developments suggest CZ does not see himself as a CEO driving a startup again. They also demonstrate contentment with being a one-time entrepreneur and a possible mentor. 

With these, crypto markets can expect to see CZ around, or rather, hear from him, with his X (formerly Twitter) already active two days after release. Based on responses to his social media posts, CZ remains a people-favorite despite the circumstances that led to his arrest.

How Changpeng Zhao Got Here

As BeInCrypto reported, CZ is the wealthiest person ever to serve jail time in the US and the 25th richest man in the world, with a personal fortune of nearly $60 billion. Amid Changpeng Zhao’s post-prison updates, this rear-view mirror shows how the crypto executive made it to jail.

US Department of Justice Investigates Binance

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) started investigating Binance in February 2018, probing the exchange’s compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws and sanctions. Specifically, prosecutors were exploring charges of unlicensed money transmission, money laundering conspiracy, and criminal sanctions violations.

In August 2023, the DOJ considered fraud charges against Binance. However, the authorities expressed concern about the possibility of a bank run and wanted to spare consumers the trouble. To avoid harming customers, they considered alternatives to criminal charges, including fines or non-prosecution agreements.

Charges That Sent Changpeng Zhao To Jail

The US DOJ levied criminal charges related to CZ in November 2023. Among them, were violating US Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws, unlicensed money transmitting, and sanctions violations.

He pled guilty the same month, capitulating to the DOJ and resigning as Binance CEO while introducing Richard Teng as successor. He admitted to making mistakes, saying he would take responsibility, a move intended to be for the sole benefit of the community, Binance, and for himself. Noteworthy, Teng ascended to Binance CEO after serving as Global Head of Regional Markets.

This guilty plea saw him released from custody on a $175 million bond. At this point, he was facing up to 18 months in prison as part of his plea deal with the US Government. 

In addition, CZ and Binance were charged with one of the largest criminal penalties in US history. The exchange paid a $4.3 billion fine while Zhao paid up to $50 million. For CZ, this was a modest amount given his estimated net worth.

Ripple Chief Legal Executive Stuart Alderoty supported the US DOJ’s decision on Binance, saying it was necessary to bring crypto into compliance.

CZ Sentenced To Four Months In Prison

Seattle District Court Judge Richard Jones issued the four-month sentence in April 2024, saying, “There needs to be an effort by this court to impose a sentence that’s appropriate and reasonable.” Key highlights in the court session include CZ’s guilty plea and cooperation with authorities.

The DOJ argued that Changpeng Zhao willfully allowed illegal trades on Binance. He also failed to report thousands of suspicious criminal activities, which attracted profits of around $1.6 billion from such transactions.

The Federal sentencing guidelines set a maximum sentence of 18 months but under normal circumstances, the charge would have carried up to 10 years in prison.

Notably, the DOJ was pushing for 36 months sentence. On the other hand, CZ’s defense pursued five months of probation, while sentencing guidelines suggested 12 to 18 months in prison.

However, Judge Jones ruled a lenient four-month sentence. Character references from colleagues and industry leaders played a significant role in this determination. The judge said he had never seen such a large amount of uniformly laudatory testimonials about a defendant.

Impact of Prison on CZ’s Wealth and Binance Stake

The short answer is none! Changpeng Zhao’s personal fortune has not been affected by the case, save for the modest $50 million fine paid in November. He also reserves majority shareholder rights at Binance, which by Forbes estimates, is a 90% stake.

In 2021, Changpeng Zhao said in a Bloomberg interview he does not own any real estate or much capital in fiat currencies. Rather, his crypto holdings made up nearly 100% of his entire net worth. He also revealed that he sold his house in 2013 to buy Bitcoin, which marked the beginning of his crypto journey.

Read more: Binance Review 2024: Is It the Right Crypto Exchange for You?

BNB Price Performance after Changpeng Zhao release from prison
BNB Price Performance, Source: BeInCrypto

Based on Forbes data, CZ owns 64% of the total supply of Binance Coin (BNB) supply. As traders take profits amid the hype surrounding Zhao’s release, BNB has wiped out some of the gains made over the past 24 hours, dropping from $610.20 to trade for $594.71 as of this writing.

Disclaimer

In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.





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What Fueled Its New High

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Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency, has once again captured the spotlight after rallying to a new all-time high of $109,699. 

With the $110,000 milestone in sight, Bitcoin’s recent price action is being closely monitored by investors. A combination of sustained market conditions and renewed institutional interest has positioned the crypto king for potentially historic gains. 

Bitcoin Investors Are Bullish

Market sentiment has shown a significant shift in recent weeks, particularly through the lens of Coin Days Destroyed (CDD). Late 2024 saw a period of elevated CDD, signaling heavy activity among Bitcoin long-term holders (LTHs) cashing out during the rally. 

However, January has brought a notable cooldown in CDD, indicating reduced selling pressure from these key investors. This trend suggests that most profit-taking among LTHs is complete, paving the way for a more stable price trajectory.

Low CDD is often interpreted as a positive sign for Bitcoin’s recovery. It reflects conviction among long-term investors, who are holding onto their coins rather than selling into the market. Such investor behavior typically builds confidence and supports upward price momentum, providing a favorable backdrop for Bitcoin’s push to $110,000 and beyond.

Bitcoin MVRV Ratio
Bitcoin MVRV Ratio. Source: Glassnode

Bitcoin’s macro momentum has also gained strength, supported by the accumulation activity of smaller investors, often referred to as “Shrimps” and “Crabs.” These holders, who possess less than 10 BTC, collectively added over 25,600 BTC worth approximately $2.71 billion. This surge in accumulation is proof of growing confidence among retail investors.

The Shrimp-to-Crab balance spike indicates a broad base of support for Bitcoin’s price. This demographic’s increasing participation reflects long-term bullish sentiment. Their buying activity often stabilizes the market, acting as a cushion during corrections and amplifying price rallies during bullish phases.

Bitcoin Shrimp To Crab Balance
Bitcoin Shrimp To Crab Balance. Source: Glassnode

BTC Price Prediction: Onto New High

Bitcoin’s recent all-time high of $109,699 was fueled by strong market fundamentals and strong investor sentiment. If momentum continues, the cryptocurrency could breach the $110,000 mark, cementing its position as a high-performing asset in 2025. This milestone would likely attract additional buying interest, reinforcing Bitcoin’s bullish outlook.

To secure its ascent, Bitcoin must establish $105,000 as a strong support level. Currently trading around $105,562, the crypto king appears well-positioned to achieve this. A successful defense of this support zone could propel Bitcoin to new highs, unlocking further upside potential.

Bitcoin Price Analysis
Bitcoin Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

However, failure to maintain $105,000 as support could lead to a retracement toward $100,000. Such a decline would negate Bitcoin’s recent gains and dampen short-term bullish sentiment, raising the risk of prolonged consolidation before a renewed rally.

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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XRP Price Sets the Stage for More Gains: Bulls Hold the Momentum

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Aayush Jindal, a luminary in the world of financial markets, whose expertise spans over 15 illustrious years in the realms of Forex and cryptocurrency trading. Renowned for his unparalleled proficiency in providing technical analysis, Aayush is a trusted advisor and senior market expert to investors worldwide, guiding them through the intricate landscapes of modern finance with his keen insights and astute chart analysis.

From a young age, Aayush exhibited a natural aptitude for deciphering complex systems and unraveling patterns. Fueled by an insatiable curiosity for understanding market dynamics, he embarked on a journey that would lead him to become one of the foremost authorities in the fields of Forex and crypto trading. With a meticulous eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Aayush honed his craft over the years, mastering the art of technical analysis and chart interpretation.
As a software engineer, Aayush harnesses the power of technology to optimize trading strategies and develop innovative solutions for navigating the volatile waters of financial markets. His background in software engineering has equipped him with a unique skill set, enabling him to leverage cutting-edge tools and algorithms to gain a competitive edge in an ever-evolving landscape.

In addition to his roles in finance and technology, Aayush serves as the director of a prestigious IT company, where he spearheads initiatives aimed at driving digital innovation and transformation. Under his visionary leadership, the company has flourished, cementing its position as a leader in the tech industry and paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in software development and IT solutions.

Despite his demanding professional commitments, Aayush is a firm believer in the importance of work-life balance. An avid traveler and adventurer, he finds solace in exploring new destinations, immersing himself in different cultures, and forging lasting memories along the way. Whether he’s trekking through the Himalayas, diving in the azure waters of the Maldives, or experiencing the vibrant energy of bustling metropolises, Aayush embraces every opportunity to broaden his horizons and create unforgettable experiences.

Aayush’s journey to success is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a steadfast commitment to continuous learning and growth. His academic achievements are a testament to his dedication and passion for excellence, having completed his software engineering with honors and excelling in every department.

At his core, Aayush is driven by a profound passion for analyzing markets and uncovering profitable opportunities amidst volatility. Whether he’s poring over price charts, identifying key support and resistance levels, or providing insightful analysis to his clients and followers, Aayush’s unwavering dedication to his craft sets him apart as a true industry leader and a beacon of inspiration to aspiring traders around the globe.

In a world where uncertainty reigns supreme, Aayush Jindal stands as a guiding light, illuminating the path to financial success with his unparalleled expertise, unwavering integrity, and boundless enthusiasm for the markets.



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Donald Trump Unaware of TRUMP Meme Coin’s Success

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In a press conference on January 21, US President Donald Trump responded to questions about his meme coin, TRUMP, admitting that he had limited knowledge of the token despite its market success.

His comments led to a brief dip in the token’s price, which subsequently rebounded.

Donald Trump Talks TRUMP Coin: Price Fluctuates

Speaking from the White House, Trump responded to inquiries about whether he was personally benefiting from the token, stating that he was unsure if he had profited from it.

The conference primarily focused on the announcement of a $500 billion investment in the “Stargate AI” artificial intelligence infrastructure project. President Trump was joined by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Oracle’s Chief Technology Officer Larry Ellison, and SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son.

When asked about TRUMP, the President appeared uncertain about its details. 

“I don’t know where it is. I don’t know much about it other than I launched it, other than it was very successful,” Trump said.

Following his remarks, the token’s value briefly plummeted, prompting reactions from the financial community. Alex Krüger, founder of Aike Capital, highlighted the decline on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

Bloomberg analyst James Seyffart also weighed in.

“Trump just nuked his own memecoin, Seyffart noted on X.

Despite the temporary setback, TRUMP quickly rebounded. At the time of reporting, it was trading at $41.24, reflecting a 15% increase in the past 24 hours.

Trump memecoin
TRUMP price performance. Source: CoinGecko

The meme coin’s market capitalization stood at $8.24 billion. This marked a notable increase as the token’s market cap dropped to $7.5 billion after inauguration day.

When informed that his token generated billions, Trump remarked, “Several billion … that’s peanuts for these guys,” gesturing toward the CEOs accompanying him.

The “Official Trump” token, launched last week, experienced a rapid surge of over 1,100%, rising from $6 to $75 within 36 hours. However, the ownership stake remains unclear, with two entities tied to the Trump Organization controlling 80% of the supply

Notably, the latest Forbes analysis debunked claims of a $58 billion windfall for Trump. The analysis highlighted that these estimates were based on the token’s fully diluted valuation, which factors in non-circulating tokens. With 800 million tokens locked, an 80% stake is estimated at $6.2 billion, though this figure is subject to market fluctuations.

Despite the volatility, the broader market has shown significant interest in meme coins. As BeInCrypto reported earlier, Rex Shares recently filed for meme coin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that include TRUMP, BONK, and DOGE.

Meanwhile, meme coins stay true to their volatile nature, with TRUMP not being the only one experiencing sharp fluctuations. First Lady Melania Trump’s meme coin, MELANIA, hit an all-time high of $13 on January 20 but later dropped to around $4. 

Disclaimer

In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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