Key Takeaways
- Former Binance CEO sheds light on his plan post-release from prison.
- CZ says Giggle Academy will be his primary focus in the coming years.
- The Binance founder is also reportedly writing a book.
Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) is now a free man after spending nearly four months in prison.
While the crypto community has welcomed his release, Zhao’s return has left many wondering what the future holds, considering that he is barred from returning to Binance’s executive suite.
In a recent statement, Zhao outlined his next steps and shared his vision for the future.
CZ Is Enjoying Little Things in Life; Work Can Wait
Rather than making a splash with a bold announcement or business plan, CZ has been reveling in the simple joys he was denied during his four-month incarceration.
In a Sept. 29 tweet, he thanked his supporters, acknowledged the curiosity surrounding his future endeavors, and emphasized his desire to take a breather.
“The food tastes so good… And what a luxury to be able to have more than one piece of fruit per day!” he wrote, his lighthearted words a departure from the weighty discussions about the future of the crypto industry. “I know some of you may have a lot of questions. I won’t have all the answers.”
CZ’s future role in crypto may be limited due to his plea deal with the Department of Justice (DOJ), which prohibits him from holding a decision-making position at Binance for the next three years.
Moreover, Binance’s current CEO, Richard Teng, has made it clear that CZ will have no role in the company, effectively banishing him for life.
CZ to Focus on Giggle Academy and Philanthropy
Zhao shared that he is moving his attention to philanthropy, with his non-profit education platform, Giggle Academy, taking top billing.
The platform, which debuted in March amidst CZ’s legal troubles, offers a free education curriculum spanning grades 1 to 12, incorporating innovative features like gamification, adaptive learning, and blockchain technology.
The platform validates students’ achievements through “soul-bound tokens,” a novel approach to verifying academic accomplishments.
Zhao also reaffirmed his commitment to investing in emerging technologies, including blockchain and artificial intelligence, signaling a continued interest in the industries.
Binance Out of the Picture?
As for Binance, CZ himself has made it clear that the exchange is doing well without him.
This is despite the current CEO having banned Zhao from returning.
“Oh, Binance seems to be doing well without me back-seat-driving, which is excellent. Every founder’s dream!,” Zhao wrote.
The Binance founder also revealed that he was working on a book and had completed most of the writing process.
Prashant Jha is a seasoned crypto journalist based in Delhi, India, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science Engineering. Passionate about the evolving world of blockchain and cryptocurrencies, he has been a dedicated voice in the industry since 2018. Prashant’s expertise lies in regulatory reporting, where he unravels complex legal and financial developments with clarity and precision. Before joining CCN in 2024, he honed his craft at Cointelegraph, establishing himself as a trusted name in crypto journalism.
His coverage spans major industry events, including the high-profile collapses of FTX, Three Arrows Capital (3AC), and LUNA, offering readers insightful analyses of their regulatory and market implications. Prashant’s technical background enables him to bridge the gap between intricate blockchain technology and its real-world applications, making his work accessible to novices and experts.
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