Changpeng Zhao’s Optimism on Crypto Regulations Ahead of US Presidential Elections

Ahead of the upcoming US Presidential elections, Changpeng Zhao, the co-founder and former CEO of Binance, is hopeful about the future of global crypto regulations. He stated that the cryptocurrency regulations are heading in a promising direction worldwide during his first public speech since his release from prison in the US.

The former CEO of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange was released from federal prison on Sept. 27, after serving a four-month stint for Anti-Money Laundering violations. CZ made his first public appearance after being released from prison during the Binance Blockchain Week.

CZ Has No Plans To Return To Binance

While he failed to comment on whether his sentencing was fair, he mentioned that he was the only person to go to prison after violating the Bank Secrecy Act. He said he feels slightly relieved that he doesn’t run the exchange anymore and has no plans to return even if allowed. 

Instead, CZ stated that he will focus on other projects, like Giggle Academy, where he aims to provide education to over a billion people who lack access. He revealed that he will also continue to invest in the crypto industry, as well as AI and biotech.

Pro-Crypto Regulations Coming Up?

During an Oct. 31 fireside chat at Binance Blockchain Week, CZ stated:

“Overall [cryptocurrency regulation] is actually moving in a very positive direction… By June, Donald Trump is pro-crypto. By the end of June, both parties are pro-crypto. I’m still sitting in prison, like what the hell happened?”

Zhao implied that shifting views on cryptocurrency suggest growing public demand for digital assets. However, he refused to speculate on the potential outcome of the elections.

Crypto Regulations Take Centre Stage

These comments arrive days ahead of the Nov. 5 US presidential elections, where crypto is a political focal point for the first time in history.

US political parties urge pro-crypto and stablecoin regulation in an open letter. While CZ is optimistic about the future of crypto regulation, it is not the case with others in the industry. 

Paxos CEO Charles Cascarilla wrote an open letter to Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, urging the next president to consider favorable stablecoin legislation to maintain the US dollar’s global dominance and improve the inefficiencies in the traditional banking system.

“Stablecoins or digital dollars—U.S. dollars digitized via blockchain technology—are the crucial upgrades for the payment system that will revolutionize money movement, allow greater participation in the global economy, and ensure the supremacy of the U.S. dollar for years to come. This is not a far-off and hypothetical future. It is happening right now.” the letter stated.