Following a high-profile Trump pardon, binance us expansion plans are back in focus as Changpeng Zhao outlines a renewed push to position the US as a crypto leader.
Summary
Changpeng Zhao relaunches US ambitions after Trump pardon
During Binance Blockchain Week in Dubai on December 3-4, Changpeng Zhao detailed a new strategy to grow Binance’s presence in the United States. His comments, made in the wake of a pardon from President Donald Trump, framed the US as central to the next phase of the exchange‘s global development.
In a press conference at the event, Zhao said he was “very appreciative of the pardon from Trump,” underscoring how the decision removes a key obstacle to cross-border activity. Moreover, he argued that the move opens the door for Binance to operate more freely in the US and other major markets.
Zhao reiterated his ambition to help turn America into what he called the “capital of crypto.” However, he also acknowledged that achieving this goal will require both regulatory clarity and a reversal of earlier retrenchment from the US market.
From retreat to renewed focus on the US market
According to Zhao, the United States had been a difficult environment for Binance, particularly under the Biden administration. The exchange previously attempted to scale back in the country, pausing new investments and reducing operations in response to mounting scrutiny.
That said, the pardon has shifted his outlook. Zhao now describes the US as an “emerging land” for Binance, signaling an intent to unwind the earlier pullback. He framed this shift as part of a broader effort to align the company’s long-term strategy with the world’s largest capital markets.
For Zhao, binance us expansion is not just about market share, but also about anchoring major crypto businesses in the American economy. He noted that while many leading digital asset firms serve US customers, they are often headquartered elsewhere due to regulatory uncertainty.
Binance US operations and regulatory headwinds
The exchange’s American affiliate, Binance US, launched in September 2019 to provide a compliant platform for US residents. Despite that milestone, the unit has remained a relatively small business compared with the global exchange, constrained by licensing demands and enforcement pressure.
In 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a lawsuit against Binance US. As a result, the platform lost access to key banking services and saw some state-level licenses suspended. However, Zhao insists the US still represents a vital growth opportunity.
He highlighted that the country is home to a large pool of technology and blockchain talent, which he sees as essential for the sector’s long-term future. Moreover, he expressed a clear desire to see large exchanges and infrastructure providers build a more permanent base on US soil.
Regulation, the GENIUS Act and the CLARITY Act
Zhao stressed that regulatory clarity will be critical to unlocking the next stage of crypto adoption. He said Binance is already working with more than a dozen countries to help design and implement digital asset rulebooks that balance innovation with consumer protection.
In his view, the US is starting to take a leadership role in setting these standards, even if the process remains at an early stage. However, he cautioned that uncertain or fragmented policies can still deter investment and slow institutional engagement with cryptocurrencies.
Zhao pointed to the recent passage of the GENIUS Act, which focuses on stablecoins, as an example of constructive progress. He also referenced ongoing work on the CLARITY Act, legislation aimed at defining digital assets more precisely within the US legal framework.
He argued that such measures can help integrate crypto firms more deeply with traditional financial systems, from banks to payment processors. Moreover, he believes this integration is necessary if cryptocurrencies are to achieve truly mainstream use and support higher volumes.
Legal history, prison term and commitment to crypto
Addressing his own legal history, Zhao discussed the prison sentence he received in April 2024. He served four months after pleading guilty to violating US money laundering laws, a case that drew global attention to both Binance and its founder.
Zhao insisted that, despite the conviction, users suffered no losses. “I went through a lot of challenges… but I know no one got hurt,” he said, adding that the absence of direct harm to customers or the broader market gave him some personal reassurance.
He emphasized that the charges did not involve fraud or misappropriation of client funds. However, he acknowledged that the episode underlined the need for stronger compliance across the industry, including more robust controls on anti-money laundering and sanctions screening.
Despite the setback, Zhao said his resolve to build out Binance’s global footprint remains intact, with a renewed emphasis on the United States. Moreover, he framed his experience as a lesson that could help the company engage more constructively with regulators and policymakers in key jurisdictions.
Outlook for Binance and the US crypto sector
Changpeng Zhao’s remarks at Binance Blockchain Week in Dubai signal a clear strategic reset. With the Trump pardon behind him, he views the US as a cornerstone market for future innovation, talent and capital formation in digital assets.
That said, success will depend on how quickly US regulators finalize frameworks like the GENIUS Act and the CLARITY Act, and whether enforcement agencies provide consistent guidance. If that happens, Zhao believes Binance and its peers can help establish America as a true global hub for cryptocurrency.
In summary, Zhao’s latest comments combine a renewed focus on US expansion with a pragmatic acceptance of tighter oversight. The coming years will test whether that balance can deliver the growth he envisions for Binance and the wider crypto ecosystem.
