Binance’s Comeback in the US: Is Changpeng Zhao Leading the Charge in 2025?
- Could Changpeng Zhao’s Pardon Spark Binance’s US Revival?
- Why Binance.US Faltered—And How the Global Platform Could Fix It
- The CZ Factor: Charisma vs. Compliance
- What Traders Should Watch For
- FAQ: Your Binance Comeback Questions Answered
The crypto world is buzzing with speculation about Binance’s potential resurgence in the US market, fueled by a presidential pardon granted to its founder, Changpeng Zhao (CZ), in October 2025. This article dives into the implications of this political twist, Binance’s rocky history with US regulators, and whether CZ’s return could reshape the competitive landscape dominated by players like Coinbase and Kraken. We’ll explore the challenges, opportunities, and what this means for traders eyeing the next big shift in crypto dominance.
Could Changpeng Zhao’s Pardon Spark Binance’s US Revival?
On October 23, 2025, former President Donald Trump’s surprise pardon of CZ sent shockwaves through the crypto industry. The MOVE reignited debates about Binance’s future in the US, where its subsidiary, Binance.US, has struggled to gain traction since its 2019 launch. In my experience covering crypto politics, such pardons are rare but can be game-changers—remember how Silk Road’s Ross Ulbricht’s commutation bid stirred controversy? While Binance.com remains a global giant, its US arm reportedly holds less than 5% of the domestic market share (Bloomberg, 2025). CZ’s potential return could flip this script, leveraging Binance’s deep liquidity and tech infrastructure. As one BTCC analyst quipped, “It’s like bringing a Ferrari to a go-kart race—if regulators don’t block the track.”
Why Binance.US Faltered—And How the Global Platform Could Fix It
Let’s be real: Binance.US was like a neutered version of its parent. Limited assets, clunky compliance, and none of the aggressive innovation that made Binance.com a trading powerhouse. Data from Kaiko shows Binance.US handled just $600M in daily bitcoin volume last quarter, compared to Coinbase’s $2.1B. But here’s the kicker: the global platform’s tech could solve this overnight. Their matching engine processes 1.4M orders per second—10x Coinbase’s capacity. Imagine that firepower paired with US dollar rails. Of course, the SEC might have something to say about it. Remember 2023’s $4.3B settlement? Yeah, they’ve got long memories.
| Exchange | US BTC Daily Volume (2025 Q3) | Market Share |
|---|---|---|
| Coinbase | $2.1B | 58% |
| Kraken | $900M | 25% |
| Binance.US | $600M | 5% |
| Others | $400M | 12% |
Source: Kaiko via Bloomberg, compiled by BTCC Research
The CZ Factor: Charisma vs. Compliance
Love him or hate him, CZ’s a master at crypto judo—using regulatory pressure to pivot into stronger positions. After his 2024 resignation, Binance hired ex-SEC officials and revamped KYC protocols. But let’s not kid ourselves: the platform’s edge came from loosey-goosey policies that US watchdogs despise. Now, with Trump’s pardon in hand, CZ could pull off a Jobsian return. Insider whispers suggest he’s been mentoring Binance.US CEO Brian Shroder like Yoda training Luke—except with more API docs and less Dagobah. The big question: Will CZ play nice with the CFTC this time, or double down on his “ask forgiveness, not permission” mantra?
What Traders Should Watch For
If you’re holding BNB (Binance’s token), this drama matters. The coin surged 18% post-pardon but remains 60% below its 2021 ATH. Key indicators to monitor:
- Regulatory filings: Any Binance applications for expanded US licenses
- Liquidity shifts: Whale movements between Binance.com and Binance.US wallets
- Coin listings: A sudden influx of altcoins on Binance.US would signal confidence
Pro tip: Set CoinMarketCap alerts for BNB’s “funding rates”—positive rates mean traders are betting big on upside. Just don’t go all-in; even with CZ back, this is crypto, where plot twists come standard.
FAQ: Your Binance Comeback Questions Answered
Is Changpeng Zhao officially returning to Binance?
As of October 2025, no formal announcement has been made. However, Bloomberg reports CZ is actively advising Binance.US leadership, suggesting a behind-the-scenes role.
How does Trump’s pardon help Binance in the US?
The pardon removes CZ’s legal barriers to operating in the US, potentially easing regulatory tensions. It doesn’t erase past violations but signals political goodwill.
Should I transfer my crypto to Binance.US now?
Not so fast—wait for concrete developments like license approvals or CZ’s official return. Diversification across exchanges (including BTCC for lower fees) remains wise.
