U.S President Donald Trump has granted a full pardon to Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, in a move that could signal a softer approach to crypto regulation and a potential turning point for digital-asset markets.
In a dramatic move that has rippled through the cryptocurrency world, U.S President Donald Trump has granted a full pardon to Changpeng Zhao, the founder and largest shareholder of the global cryptoexchange Binance. The pardon erases Zhao’s 2023 conviction for failing to maintain an adequate anti-money-laundering programme and effectively draws a line under a chapter of tough regulation on crypto firms.
Crypto supporters greeted the decision as a long-awaited reprieve, with Binance’s native token briefly soaring in reaction. The White House characterised the pardon as part of Washington’s renewed “commitment to innovation”, signalling a shift away from what the preceding administration’s aggressive stance on crypto and digtital assets.
Mr. Zhao has served less than five months in prison and paid a personal fine in addition to Binance’s settlement of billions. Now, the pardon clears the way for the company to revisit its U.S ambitions and may possibly pave renewed access to American banking partners and regulatory approvals.
Critics however, responded swiftly. Several senior U.S lawmakers voiced concern over potential conflicts of interest, pointing to previous business discussions between Binance and Trump-affiliated ventures. With the crypto sector’s reputation already under scrutiny, the decision has raised fresh questions about regulatory balance and market integrity.
Why it matters
For traders and investors, the Trump’s pardon of Changpeng Zhao, is more than a headline. It represents a potential turning point in U.S cryptocurrency regulation – one that could accelerate institutional capital flows into digital-asset markets and influence the regulatory landscape for brokers and exchanges.
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