Changpeng Zhao, Founder-CEO of leading cryptocurrency exchange Binance, resigned from his post after being found guilty of violating US anti-money laundering laws. According to reports, as part of the agreement, Zhao will not be allowed to take any management positions at the company for the next three years. Changpeng ZhaoBinance’s head of global regional markets, in his announcement via X Richard Teng will take over as CEO. explained.
#Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao admitted to the accusations. CZ will also resign from his position as CEO!
NEWS CONTINUES BELOW— KoinFinans (@KoinFinans) November 21, 2023
I’m pleased to announce that our former Global Head of Regional Markets, @_RichardTeng, has been appointed as the new CEO of Binance today. Richard is a highly qualified leader and, with over three decades of financial services and regulatory experience, will lead the company through its next period of growth. He will enable Binance to deliver on our next phase of security, transparency, compliance and growth.
Today, I stepped down as CEO of Binance. Admittedly, it was not easy to let go emotionally. But I know it is the right thing to do. I made mistakes, and I must take responsibility. This is best for our community, for Binance, and for myself.
NEWS CONTINUES BELOWBinance is no longer a baby. It is…
— CZ 🔶 Binance (@cz_binance) November 21, 2023
Who is Richard Teng?
Binance Richard Teng, a long-time executive at the company, was appointed global president of regional markets earlier this year.
According to Zhao’s tweet, before joining Binance, Richard served as CEO of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority at Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM); He served as Chief Regulatory Officer at the Singapore Exchange (SGX) and as Director of Corporate Finance at the Monetary Authority of Singapore. “With Richard and the entire team, I am confident that the best days are ahead for @Binance and the crypto industry,” Zhao commented.
In his post on X, Richard Teng signaled that he will begin his role as Binance CEO with “honor and deepest humility.”
We operate the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by volume. The trust placed in us by our 150 million users and thousands of employees is a responsibility that I take seriously and value. With the support of CZ and our leadership team, I accepted this role so that we can continue to meet and exceed our stakeholders’ expectations while achieving our core mission of monetary freedom.
Richard Teng stated that he is aware of the crisis and lack of trust in the industry and said: “The foundation on which Binance stands today is stronger than ever. “To ensure a bright future, I plan to use everything I have learned over the past three decades of financial services and regulatory experience to guide our exceptional, innovative and committed team.” added his comment.
Teng said, “My focus is 1) reassuring users that they can be confident in the financial strength, safety and security of the company; “2) collaborating with regulators globally to maintain high standards that encourage innovation while providing important consumer protections; and 3) working with partners to drive the growth and adoption of Web3.”
It is an honor and with the deepest humility that I step into the role of Binance’s new CEO.
We operate the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by volume. The trust placed on us by our 150m users and thousands of employees is a responsibility that I take seriously and hold…
— Richard Teng (@_RichardTeng) November 21, 2023
In his article about Richard Teng’s appointment, Zhao also explained that the company “will be ready with his past knowledge as a shareholder and former CEO” and “will provide consultancy when necessary in accordance with the decisions taken by US officials.” However, CZ underlined that he did not feel ready to establish a new venture.