Changpeng Zhao defends Binance market share and announces major philanthropy

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has defended the exchange's market dominance, attributing its growth to a focus on user protection rather than profit maximization at the expense of clients. Addressing recent scrutiny regarding system glitches during market volatility in October 2025, Zhao stated that safeguarding user interests remains the company's primary concern.

In addition to his business commentary, Zhao is launching a major philanthropic initiative. He has pledged to donate between 90% and 99% of his wealth to charitable causes. This includes directing all royalties from his 2026 memoir, ‘Freedom of Money’, to Giggle Academy, a non-profit initiative designed to provide free educational resources to children in underserved communities worldwide.

Zhao’s recent philanthropic efforts include a $10 million BNB donation to open-source biotech projects in June 2025 and $1.5 million for earthquake relief in Myanmar and Thailand in April 2025. Since stepping down as Binance CEO following a settlement with US authorities, Zhao has shifted his focus toward ventures such as Giggle Academy and YZi Labs.