Binance Eyes U.S. Comeback: CZ May Slash Stake, Courts Trump and BlackRock in Bold Power Play

Binance isn't done with America. The global crypto behemoth is plotting a dramatic return to the U.S. market, and the strategy involves high-stakes political and financial maneuvering that could reshape the regulatory landscape.

The CZ Factor: A Strategic Retreat for a Tactical Advance

Founder Changpeng 'CZ' Zhao is reportedly considering reducing his stake in the exchange. This isn't a sign of weakness—it's a calculated move. By distancing himself, Binance aims to appease U.S. regulators and clear a major roadblock to re-entry. It's the ultimate corporate sacrifice play, turning a founder's legacy into a bargaining chip.

Playing the Political Long Game

The plan extends beyond compliance paperwork. Sources indicate Binance is actively engaging with figures close to former President Donald Trump's camp. The goal? To navigate the upcoming political cycle and potentially secure a more favorable regulatory environment. In crypto, policy is just another asset to be traded.

The BlackRock Gambit: Seeking Legitimacy from the Establishment

Perhaps the most audacious part of the strategy involves courting BlackRock. Aligning with the world's largest asset manager would be a masterstroke, offering instant institutional credibility and a powerful ally against regulatory headwinds. It's the classic move: if you can't beat the traditional finance giants, get them to join your side—for a price, of course.

The entire playbook reads like a hedge fund's dream: leverage political connections, restructure ownership for optics, and partner with the very establishment you once aimed to disrupt. It's a stark reminder that in high finance, revolutionary ideals often get a cozy seat at the capitalist table. Binance's comeback attempt proves that in the battle for market dominance, pragmatism always trumps ideology.

Binance.US Still Blocked in Many States as Comeback Speculation Grows

Zhao no longer holds any formal role at Binance following that plea agreement, which also restricts him from direct or indirect involvement in the company’s operations. Still, his influence remains significant.

Recently pardoned by President Donald Trump, Zhao has emerged publicly as a vocal supporter of the administration’s pro-crypto stance and has repeatedly described the US as central to the industry’s future.

BREAKING: TRUMP pardons Binance founder CZ following lobbying efforts, according to WSJ sources familiar with the matter.#Trump #CZ #Binancehttps://t.co/xduQ7XVO3i

Speaking earlier this month at Binance Blockchain Week, he said it was his “full intention to help make America the capital of crypto,” calling the country an “emerging land” for the exchange after years of retrenchment.

Binance has rejected claims that its global business is behind a planned return to the US market, saying the two entities operate independently and do not share control.

Binance.US did not respond to requests for comment. Neither did Changpeng Zhao, the company’s founder, nor current CEO Richard Teng.

Talk of a possible comeback follows a steep decline for Binance.US, which was once a major player in the American crypto market. Changpeng Zhao previously said the platform controlled about 35% of US trading volume at its peak before a wave of regulatory actions dramatically reduced its presence.

State regulators moved against the exchange on multiple fronts as several states withdrew its licenses, while others, including New York, never granted approval for it to operate.

As a result, Binance.US is still blocked from doing business in more than a dozen states and US territories.

Why Crypto Firms Are Turning Their Attention Back to the U.S.

While bills aimed at clarifying crypto market structure remain stalled in Congress, the broader regulatory mood in Washington has shifted.

Sen. Moreno warns U.S. lawmakers: “No deal is better than a bad deal.” U.S. crypto legislation may be delayed

#Regulation #CLARITYActhttps://t.co/Z9QlO4yiD4

The Trump administration has eased enforcement pressure, dropped several high-profile lawsuits, and advanced legislation such as the GENIUS Act for stablecoins, steps that industry executives say could reshape access to the US market.

That shift is drawing other crypto firms back into focus on America. Exchanges, including Kraken and Gemini, are preparing for potential US listings, while institutional participation has accelerated through spot Bitcoin ETFs.

Gemini, founded by the Winklevoss twins, is targeting a $2.22B valuation in its U.S. IPO.#Gemini #IPOhttps://t.co/VjzVpsCTAm

For global exchanges, the combination of regulatory clarity, institutional acceptance, and the size of the US market has become increasingly difficult to ignore.

Binance Quietly Expands Partnerships With Major Financial Players

Binance has also been strengthening ties with established financial players.

According to people familiar with the matter, the exchange has discussed deeper collaboration with BlackRock, which already offers a tokenized money-market fund used as collateral on Binance.

Talks have included additional products and possible revenue-sharing arrangements, though BlackRock declined to comment.

At the same time, Binance has moved closer to World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture linked to Trump’s family.

@Binance has widened access to the Trump family–linked USD1 stablecoin, adding new fee-free trading pairs.#Binance #Trumphttps://t.co/s0vD9yk357

Internally, Binance has reshuffled leadership to emphasize continuity. Co-founder Yi He, Zhao’s partner, was promoted to co-CEO alongside Teng and has taken on a more visible public role.