The Fate of Changpeng Zhao: A Look at the Next Executive’s Prison Sentence

Former Binance chief executive Changpeng Zhao is set to learn his fate next week as he faces sentencing for failure to protect against money laundering. US prosecutors have painted Zhao as someone who took a calculated approach to compliance with US law, and his punishment is expected to reflect that.

Zhao pleaded guilty last November to the charges, and his exchange, Binance, agreed to pay a record $4.3bn in fines for money laundering and breaching sanctions. In addition to the fines, Zhao was forced to step down as chief executive.

The Department of Justice has made it clear that they are seeking a 36-month prison sentence for Zhao, along with a $50mn personal fine. They argue that anything less would not reflect the gravity of his offense.

Comparisons have been drawn to Sam Bankman-Fried, who recently started a 25-year sentence for fraud relating to the collapse of FTX. The disparity in sentencing has raised questions about the consistency in the treatment of crypto-related crimes.

The difference in treatment between Zhao and Bankman-Fried can be attributed to Zhao’s more pragmatic approach and willingness to cooperate with authorities. While Bankman-Fried chose to contest the charges against him, Zhao quietly accepted his fate.

As the sentencing date approaches, the crypto community is watching closely to see what message Zhao’s punishment will send. Will it deter other bad actors in the industry, or will it be seen as just another cost of doing business in the world of crypto?

Stay tuned for updates on Zhao’s sentencing and other developments in the crypto world. And don’t forget to share your thoughts on CZ’s fate with us at scott.chipolina@ft.com.