Changpeng Zhao Memoir Coming in February With Prison Story Revealed

TLDR

• CZ’s 300-page memoir will be self-published in English and Chinese.
• The book includes full details of CZ’s four-month prison sentence.
• All proceeds from the memoir will be donated to charity.
• The Chinese title may be “币安人生” but is not linked to any memecoin.

Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao is set to release his long-awaited memoir by late February or early March 2026. The 300-page book will offer a complete account of his personal and professional journey, including never-before-shared details about his four-month prison sentence. Self-published in both English and Chinese, the memoir will have all proceeds donated to charity, marking Zhao’s latest step after stepping down from his role at Binance.

Simultaneous English and Chinese Release

Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao has confirmed that his memoir will be released between late February and early March 2026. He announced the release window in a social media post on January 25, stating, “There is nothing to hide. More details in the upcoming book.”

The 300-page memoir contains around 97,000 words and will be self-published in both English and Chinese. CZ chose not to use traditional publishers to avoid delays in releasing the book. He explained that while publishers could assist with distribution, the process would take too long.

Book to Cover Prison Sentence and Early Binance Journey

CZ confirmed the memoir will include full details about his time in prison. A follower asked on social media if the book would discuss the matter, and he responded, “Yes, it’s all in there.”

Zhao was sentenced in late 2023 after pleading guilty to violating U.S. anti-money laundering rules. He served four months at the Federal Correctional Institution, Lompoc I, and was released in September 2024. A presidential pardon was granted in October 2025 by Donald Trump.

The book will also describe events before Binance’s creation, during its rise, and after Zhao stepped down as CEO.

No Profit Motive, All Earnings to Go to Charity

CZ emphasized that the memoir is not for profit. In his statement, he said, “Not trying to make money from the book.” He confirmed that all proceeds will be donated to charity.

This marks another step in his post-Binance focus. Since leaving his CEO role, Zhao has focused on philanthropy and education projects, staying away from Binance’s operations.

Chinese Title and Memecoin Clarification

The Chinese version may be titled “币安人生,” which can translate to “A Life with Binance” or “Binance Life.” CZ clarified the name is unrelated to any cryptocurrency token or memecoin.

“Just to get this out there publicly… This is not related to any meme tokens or listings,” he posted in early January. He also said he does not hold any memecoins linked to the title and has no plans to acquire them. However, he acknowledged enjoying meme culture, calling the name “sticky” and memorable.

Zhao also reserved the right to change the title before release.

Final Edits and Previously Undisclosed Content

Work on the memoir began in early 2025. The initial draft was 114,000 words, but it was trimmed during the editing process. CZ said the writing took longer than expected and required extensive rewrites.

One section may touch on the industry’s past controversies, including rumors linking FTX and the Terra/LUNA collapse. However, Zhao said he did not have hard evidence and avoided speculation in the book.

The memoir is expected to offer new information that Zhao could not share during recent interviews, including at the 2026 Davos Forum.

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