Binance founder Changpeng "CZ" Zhao said reviving Binance.US represents one possible route for restoring American crypto traders' access to the deepest global liquidity pools, remarks that signal a potential comeback bid for the embattled domestic exchange two years after its struggles began.
Market Context
The comments came during Consensus Miami 2026 as U.S. crypto policy has undergone significant shifts following regulatory changes in recent months. Binance.US has been plotting its return under CEO Stephen Gregory, planning expansion beyond spot trading into derivatives and prediction markets. The potential revival comes as institutional interest in digital assets continues growing, with major corporations accumulating cryptocurrency treasuries.
Analysis
CZ argued that U.S. consumers currently lack access to the best crypto prices due to fragmented domestic liquidity. "The best liquidity in crypto is outside of the U.S.," he said at the conference. "Crypto is one of the very few markets that U.S. don't have access to the best prices." The Binance founder emphasized his exchange ecosystem offers superior liquidity and expressed willingness to provide American users with world-class pricing through either a revitalized Binance.US or alternative arrangements.
The remarks carry particular weight given CZ's complicated history with U.S. regulators. He resigned as Binance CEO in 2023 after pleading guilty to numerous federal charges, served four months in prison, and was later pardoned by President Donald Trump last year. CZ noted that improved U.S. crypto policies have prompted him to re-engage with American builders, regulators, and policymakers more actively.
On the technology front, CZ positioned BNB Chain as optimal infrastructure for AI agent transactions, arguing blockchains are better suited than traditional finance rails for automated cross-border payments. "Credit cards don't have an API," he observed. "The most native thing for the agent to use is obviously a blockchain." He stated that BNB Chain should serve as "the money for agents," though acknowledging this market remains in early stages.
Key Numbers
- Binance.US planning expansion beyond spot trading into derivatives and prediction markets under CEO Stephen Gregory
- YZi Labs (formerly Binance Labs) launched $1 billion fund specifically for BNB Chain projects
- Many U.S. developers previously left for Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, and Singapore—now returning amid policy shifts
- CZ served four months in prison after 2023 guilty plea; pardoned by President Trump last year
- CLARITY Act cited as key market structure legislation improving U.S. crypto environment
What to Watch
Binance.US regulatory approvals for new product lines will be critical to any revival attempt. BNB token's institutional adoption trajectory, given its historical underrepresentation in U.S. exchange-traded products compared to other layer-1 blockchains. YZi Labs deployment of its $1 billion fund and resulting ecosystem development on BNB Chain. CZ's continued engagement with U.S. policymakers as crypto legislation progresses through Congress.