Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao Surpasses Bill Gates in Wealth Rankings
Changpeng Zhao's Rise in Wealth Rankings
Changpeng Zhao, the founder of the cryptocurrency exchange Binance, has recently overtaken Bill Gates in the wealth rankings, solidifying his status as one of the wealthiest people globally. As per the latest data from Forbes Real-Time Billionaires, Zhao has joined the elite group of individuals with fortunes surpassing $100 billion. This achievement comes just 17 months after he was released from incarceration following a significant investigation into Binance regarding anti-money laundering compliance.
Despite the challenges he faced, Zhao's financial situation has not only rebounded but has also significantly improved. His current net worth is estimated at approximately $113 billion, placing him 17th on the list of the world's richest individuals. Earlier evaluations had already placed his wealth at $110 billion, surpassing Gates's net worth at that time. Currently, Gates's fortune is estimated at $103.9 billion, ranking him 19th globally. Zhao's wealth also exceeds that of Michael Bloomberg, whose net worth is around $109.4 billion.
The remarkable aspect of Zhao's financial ascent is the speed at which it has occurred. His wealth has more than doubled from $47 billion in 2025 to its current valuation, reflecting the rapid growth of the cryptocurrency sector and Binance's leading position within it.
The Foundation of Zhao's Wealth
The majority of Zhao's wealth is linked to Binance, the cryptocurrency exchange he founded in 2017. It is estimated that he owns about 90% of the company, which is valued at over $100 billion. Even after resigning as CEO in 2023, Binance remains the cornerstone of his financial empire. Comparisons with competitors like Coinbase reveal that Binance is still the largest cryptocurrency exchange worldwide, controlling approximately 38% of the market share.
The platform reportedly handles more than $30 trillion in annual trading volume across both spot and derivatives markets, highlighting its vast scale. In addition to Binance, Zhao possesses around 1,400 bitcoins, valued at roughly $100 million following a recent downturn. He also holds BNB, the native cryptocurrency of Binance, which has seen price variations over the past year.
About Changpeng Zhao
At 47 years old, Zhao is recognized as the mastermind behind the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world. His unique strategy involved operating Binance without a fixed global headquarters. However, in 2023, regulatory scrutiny intensified, leading US authorities to accuse Zhao and Binance of not adequately addressing illicit activities on the platform. As part of a settlement, Zhao paid a $50 million fine, stepped down from his leadership position, and served a four-month prison sentence, being released in September of the previous year.
After his release from a low-security facility in California, Zhao expressed a shift in focus, emphasizing investments that prioritize 'impact' over mere financial gains.