Binance founder Changpeng Zhao now surpasses Bill Gates in wealth, with a net worth of $113 billion, making him the 17th richest person globally.

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao now surpasses Bill Gates in wealth, with a net worth of $113 billion, making him the 17th richest person globally. This remarkable milestone comes just 17 months after Zhao's release from jail following investigations into Binance's anti-money laundering compliance failures. Zhao's wealth has surged dramatically from $47 billion in 2025 to $113 billion today, driven primarily by his 90% stake in Binance, valued over $100 billion. As the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange with 38% market share and handling more than $30 trillion in annual transaction volume, Binance remains the cornerstone of his fortune. Despite stepping down as CEO in 2023, Zhao continues to benefit substantially from the exchange's dominance in the crypto market.