TLDR
- CZ pledges to reinvest $4.3B into US if DOJ fine from 2023 is reversed
- Binance explores merging Binance.US into global platform for US access
- Trump pardon lifts barriers to CZ’s full return to Binance leadership
- BNB token surged 8% after news of Zhao’s presidential pardon broke
Binance is preparing a return to the U.S. market following the presidential pardon of its founder, Changpeng Zhao. With the possibility of the Department of Justice (DOJ) reversing a previous $4.3 billion settlement, Zhao has vowed to reinvest those funds into the U.S., signaling renewed efforts to expand the exchange’s footprint in the country.
Trump’s Pardon Removes Legal Barriers for CZ
President Donald Trump granted a pardon to Binance founder Changpeng Zhao after his 2023 guilty plea. Zhao had admitted to failing to uphold anti-money laundering standards, which led to a $4.3 billion settlement with the DOJ. He also stepped down as Binance CEO and paid a separate $50 million personal fine.
The White House confirmed that legal experts reviewed the decision. Spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt stated it was a response to political targeting by the previous administration, denying any wrongdoing. The move now allows Zhao to resume leadership roles in Binance and its affiliated entities.
According to DGIM Law partner Jonathan Groth, the pardon eliminates restrictions that had kept Zhao from active participation in Binance ventures.
CZ Signals U.S. Reinvestment If Fine Is Returned
Following the pardon, Zhao posted on X that he would reinvest the full $4.3 billion if the DOJ reversed the fine. He confirmed he had not yet requested a refund but emphasized fairness and a willingness to commit to the American market.
“I will invest it all back into the U.S.,” Zhao wrote, adding that he was ready to support web3 growth and help position the U.S. as a leader in crypto.
Binance has not disclosed official steps to reclaim the fine, but Zhao’s statement has already drawn attention in the crypto industry. Legal teams for Binance said any financial transactions related to the pardon would be transparent due to blockchain technology.
Binance Considers Restructuring US Presence
Binance currently operates Binance.US, a separate entity from its global exchange, with limited access to U.S. users. According to Bloomberg, Binance is now evaluating options to either consolidate Binance.US into the global platform or provide direct access for American investors through its main exchange.
Industry experts believe this would give U.S. users access to deeper liquidity and a wider range of trading services. Markus Thielen of 10x Research said that reintegrating Binance.US could better position the platform in the evolving American crypto landscape.
Currently, Binance.US holds less than 1% of the U.S. Bitcoin trading volume, while Binance’s international platform maintains nearly 40% of the global share, according to CoinGecko.
Political Ties and Criticism Intensify
The pardon has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who question the connection between Binance and President Trump’s crypto-linked business, World Liberty Financial. The firm recently launched the USD1 stablecoin, reportedly with technology support from Binance, although Zhao denied direct involvement.
Senator Elizabeth Warren called the pardon troubling and cited financial links between Zhao, Binance, and Trump’s family firm. Congresswoman Maxine Waters labeled the pardon “an appalling reflection” of Trump’s leadership, suggesting it undermines enforcement of crypto regulations.
Despite these concerns, Binance remains focused on re-entering the American market. With growing institutional interest and regulatory changes, the company sees potential to expand its operations and user base across the U.S.
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