TLDR
- Changpeng Zhao’s fortune is valued at $110 billion by Forbes, securing the 17th position on the worldwide wealth rankings
- Bill Gates trails behind with an estimated net worth of $108 billion
- Zhao challenged Forbes’ methodology, noting cryptocurrency valuations plummeted more than 50% in 2026
- The bulk of Zhao’s fortune stems from his approximately 90% ownership in Binance rather than cryptocurrency assets
- The exchange commands roughly 38% of worldwide crypto trading activity and reportedly earned $16–17 billion during the 2024–2025 period
Changpeng Zhao, who established Binance, now appears wealthier than Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates based on Forbes’ latest wealth assessment. The publication’s March 10 report 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 operates as the planet’s most prominent cryptocurrency trading platform. He relinquished his chief executive position in 2023 following his guilty plea to charges involving inadequate anti-money laundering controls.
His settlement included a $50 million individual penalty and a four-month detention period at a California correctional facility. The exchange itself agreed to $4.3 billion in financial penalties under the same agreement.
Though no longer serving as CEO, Zhao reportedly maintains approximately 90% ownership of the platform. This substantial equity position forms the foundation of his estimated wealth.
Industry experts place Binance’s valuation near $100 billion. The platform facilitates tens of trillions in yearly trading transactions spanning both spot and futures markets.
The exchange captures approximately 38% of worldwide cryptocurrency trading activity. Financial analysts project it earned between $16 billion and $17 billion throughout 2024 and 2025, representing roughly 2.5 times Coinbase’s $6.6 billion yearly earnings.
Zhao responded to Forbes’ assessment soon after it gained attention. Through an X platform post dated March 11, he noted that digital asset prices had collapsed by over 50% in 2026 and questioned the logic behind an increased net worth calculation 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 fees independent of price movements. When markets experience turbulence, trading activity typically intensifies, potentially boosting platform revenues despite declining asset valuations.
This mechanism clarifies how Binance’s assessed worth might have maintained stability or increased while the wider cryptocurrency market experienced losses.
Zhao’s personal digital currency portfolio hasn’t followed a similar trajectory. His reported holdings of 1,400 Bitcoin decreased approximately 25% in worth over twelve months, currently valued near $100 million. This represents a minimal fraction of his total estimated wealth.
Certain social media commentators suggested Zhao profited from short positions during the October 10 cryptocurrency market collapse, which caused massive liquidations 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 hovered near $2,080, and XRP was positioned close to $1.40.
Binance additionally manages the BNB Chain, a blockchain infrastructure featuring its own digital token. This network maintains a market value approaching $88 billion.
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