CZ’s first public appearance since release set for Dubai

Former Binance CEO Changpeng ‘CZ’ Zhao will make his first public appearance since stepping down at Binance Blockchain Week in Dubai.

According to Zhao’s Oct. 10 X post, the event is slated to be one of the biggest web3 events of the year, and he has confirmed that he will be attending in a personal capacity.

Zhao’s upcoming appearance has stirred up plenty of chatter in the crypto space with key figures and projects curious about what he might share. Tron founder and CEO Justin Sun joined others in welcoming the Binance co-founder:

Zhao’s upcoming appearance will be his first public engagement since pleading guilty to violating U.S. anti-money laundering regulations and paying a $50 million fine. Binance itself was fined $4.3 billion, one of the largest corporate settlements in U.S. history.

As a part of the settlement, Zhao resigned from his role as the CEO of Binance and served four months in prison. He has now been barred from managing the company for life.

However, he still retains a 90% ownership stake in Binance, keeping him among the wealthiest in the crypto space with an estimated net worth of $61 billion.

Binance Blockchain Week

Binance Blockchain Week 2024, set for Oct. 30-31, is expected to be one of the biggest Web3 events this year, building on the success of last year’s Istanbul edition. 

According to the official announcement, the event’s theme centers around “Momentum,” focusing on the ongoing progress in the crypto industry despite challenges. It will explore the current state of the sector, its hurdles, and the direction it is heading.

Held at the Coca-Cola Arena, the event will feature discussions on how the crypto industry can maintain its decentralized values while adapting to evolving regulations.  Attendees will have the chance to participate in interactive sessions and workshops designed to engage with new blockchain tools and platforms.

Besides Zhao, the event also boasts a lineup of several key industry players who’ll be making appearances. Notable speakers include Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire, Nansen CEO Alex Svanevik, Dubai Future Foundation CEO Khalfan Belhoul, and Sotheby’s Vice President of Digital Art Michael Bouhanna.

What’s next for Zhao after Binance?

Zhao’s departure from Binance marked the end of a momentous chapter in his career, with speculation growing around what his next move would be.

The former CEO has stated his intention to shift focus away from the crypto sector. At a hearing earlier this year, Zhao said he plans to dedicate his next chapter to “providing opportunities for youth,” particularly through educational platforms for underprivileged children. 

A website called Giggle Academy has been created for this initiative, but it remains in its early stages.