CZ Wants America to Become Crypto Capital Despite Binance Fallout

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has backed the US to lead global cryptocurrency innovation, setting the pace for other jurisdictions. CZ disclosed that he will spend more time in the US, revealing plans to introduce a raft of regulatory-compliant digital asset services to consumers in the country.

CZ to spend more time in the US

In a CoinDesk Spotlight interview, CZ revealed plans to move to the US amid a changing regulatory stance toward cryptocurrencies in the country. The Binance founder defended his decision, noting that the US has massive global influence and that relocating will support his long-term ambitions to make money decentralized.

He noted that since the US passed the GENIUS Act into law, several countries have mirrored the move with similar stablecoin regulations. CZ added that the US is more receptive to cryptocurrency service providers given the Trump administration’s stance while subtly criticizing the Biden administration.

Source: a16z

CZ disclosed that a key reason for his decision to spend more time in the US is the steep prices consumers pay to access cryptocurrency services. He noted that there is still work to be done in the US, revealing plans to make the country the world’s crypto capital.

“Personally, I really want to help make the US the capital of crypto,” said CZ. “I want to bring more crypto services into America.”

Currently, CZ resides in Abu Dhabi, moving to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after his prison stint in the US. The Binance founder served four months in federal prison for violating US anti-money laundering rules, with Binance paying a record $4.3 billion in penalties. In 2025, a presidential pardon from US President Donald Trump effectively wiped out his federal conviction. While the move drew wide criticism, the White House noted that the pardon corrected an “excessive enforcement” against the crypto administration.

US exchanges eye Binance with suspicion 

Armed with a clean criminal slate and a positive stance toward cryptocurrencies from the White House, the coast is clear for CZ. There is speculation that Binance could become available to US consumers, with CZ noting that US rivals are pressuring regulators to keep the door shut against the global exchange.

“I respect competition,” said CZ. “But saying things, using policies and regulatory policies unfairly? I don’t think that is very good for consumers.”

In the interview, CZ revealed that the defunct FTX previously “badmouthed” Binance to regulators. CZ noted that he is aware of increased competition among exchanges, previously praising Hyperliquid for its unique offering.CZ also disclosed that a move to the US will bring US consumers closer to the BNB ecosystem for the first time. Already, CZ added that the project is investing in US-based founders, noting that a relocation will allow for increased capital deployment.