TLDR
- Changpeng Zhao’s fortune is valued at $110 billion by Forbes, securing him the 17th position on the worldwide wealth rankings
- This valuation positions CZ ahead of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, whose wealth stands at $108 billion
- Zhao challenged the assessment publicly, noting that cryptocurrency values plummeted more than 50% during 2026
- The bulk of Zhao’s fortune derives from his approximately 90% equity position in Binance rather than cryptocurrency token portfolios
- Binance commands roughly 38% of worldwide cryptocurrency exchange activity and reportedly earned $16–17 billion between 2024 and 2025
Changpeng Zhao, who established Binance, now ranks higher in wealth than Microsoft’s Bill Gates based on fresh calculations from Forbes. The assessment, released on March 10, values Zhao’s total assets at roughly $110 billion.
This valuation secures him the 17th spot on Forbes’ worldwide billionaire rankings. Gates’ wealth was calculated at approximately $108 billion.
Zhao created Binance, which stands as the planet’s dominant cryptocurrency trading platform. His tenure as chief executive ended in 2023 following his guilty plea to charges of inadequate anti-money laundering program maintenance.
He settled a $50 million individual penalty and completed a four-month sentence at a California correctional facility. Binance corporation settled $4.3 billion in fines through the same agreement.
Although he resigned from leadership, Zhao reportedly maintains approximately 90% ownership of Binance. This substantial equity stake represents the primary source of his calculated fortune.
Market experts appraise Binance at approximately $100 billion. The platform facilitates tens of trillions in yearly transaction volume spanning both spot and derivatives trading.
Binance dominates roughly 38% of worldwide cryptocurrency exchange activity. Market analysts calculate its revenue between $16 billion and $17 billion throughout 2024 and 2025, representing approximately 2.5 times Coinbase’s $6.6 billion yearly earnings.
Zhao contested the Forbes calculation soon after its publication. Through an X platform message posted March 11, he noted cryptocurrency valuations had declined over 50% throughout 2026 and questioned the logic behind increased net worth calculations during such conditions.
“Wish they can apply some common sense and basic logic,” he wrote.
How Exchange Owners Can Gain During a Market Downturn
Cryptocurrency trading platforms generate income through transaction charges independent of price movements. Throughout turbulent market conditions, transaction volumes frequently surge, potentially boosting platform revenues even as digital asset valuations decline.
This mechanism clarifies why Binance’s calculated worth might have maintained stability or expanded despite broader market contraction.
Zhao’s personal cryptocurrency portfolios haven’t experienced similar stability. His reported holdings of 1,400 Bitcoin decreased approximately 25% in worth throughout the preceding year, currently valued near $100 million. This represents a minor fraction of his total estimated wealth.
Certain social platform commentators suggested Zhao generated profits through short positions during October 10’s cryptocurrency market collapse, which sparked massive liquidation events throughout derivatives platforms. Zhao refuted these claims, stating: “Never shorted.”
Where Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP Stand Now
When Forbes published its assessment, Bitcoin traded around $71,000, Ethereum approximately $2,080, and XRP near $1.40.
Binance additionally manages the BNB Chain, a blockchain infrastructure featuring its own native digital asset. This network maintains a market valuation approaching $88 billion.
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