Binance CEO Denies Being a Billionaire: Claims Net Worth is Lower Than Reported – Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, the CEO of cryptocurrency exchange Binance, has refuted claims that he is worth $28.2 billion, as stated on Bloomberg’s rich list. CZ took to Twitter to clarify that the information on the list was inaccurate, stating that he does not have “anywhere near as much” money as reported.
He implied that his net worth should fall somewhere between Dan Gilbert’s $19.4 billion and Uday Kotak’s $13 billion, although he did not provide an exact figure. CZ also used the opportunity to welcome new exchanges into the space, and stressed that he did not view the collapsed FTX exchange as a competitor.
This is not the first time CZ has taken issue with mainstream media reports on his company. He has previously criticized both Forbes and Bloomberg for publishing inaccurate information, and has accused them of creating fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) within the industry.
In February 2023, CZ hit back at Forbes for alleging that Binance had made a “backroom maneuver” involving a $1.8 billion transaction. The CEO argued that Forbes did not understand how an exchange works. He has also denied a Bloomberg report claiming that Binance was considering cutting ties with its US business partners.