CZ’s first public appearance since release set for Dubai

Former Binance CEO Changpeng ‘CZ’ Zhao will make his first public appearance since leaving his post at Binance Blockchain Week in Dubai.

According to Zhao’s post on October 10, the event is planned to be one of the biggest web3 events of the year, and Zhao confirmed that he will personally attend.

I will personally attend Binance Blockchain Week in Dubai on October 30-31. One of the biggest web3 events of the year. See you there. ✊

— CZ 🔶 BNB (@cz_binance) October 10, 2024

Zhao’s upcoming appearance sparked many conversations in which he sparked curiosity about what notable names and projects in the crypto space might share. Tron founder and CEO Justin Sun joined others in saluting the Binance co-founder:

Great! I’m happy to be there!

— HE Justin Sun🌞(recruiting) (@justinsuntron) October 10, 2024

Zhao’s upcoming appearance will be his first public appearance since pleading guilty to violating US anti-money laundering regulations and paying a $50 million fine. Binance was fined $4.3 billion, one of the largest corporate settlements in US history.

As part of the agreement, Zhao resigned as Binance CEO and served four months in prison. He is now banned from running the company for life.

But he still holds a 90% stake in Binance, making him among the richest in the crypto world with an estimated net worth of $61 billion.

Binance Blockchain Week

Binance Blockchain Week 2024, to be held from October 30-31, is expected to be one of the largest Web3 events this year, building on the success of last year’s Istanbul event.

According to the official announcement, the theme of the event revolves around “Momentum”, focusing on continued progress in the crypto industry despite challenges. It will investigate the current state of the industry, its obstacles and the direction it is heading.

The event, held at the Coca-Cola Arena, will discuss how the crypto industry can protect its decentralized values ​​while adapting to evolving regulations. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in interactive sessions and workshops designed to engage with new blockchain tools and platforms.

In addition to Zhao, many important players who will participate in the industry will also attend the event. Notable speakers include Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire, Nansen CEO Alex Svanevik, Dubai Future Foundation CEO Khalfan Belhoul and Sotheby’s Vice President of Digital Art Michael Bouhanna.

What awaits Zhao after Binance?

Zhao’s departure from Binance marked the end of a significant period in his career, and speculation was growing as to what his next move would be.

The former CEO stated his intention to shift the focus away from the crypto industry. At a hearing earlier this year, Zhao said he planned to devote his next chapter to “providing opportunities for young people” through education platforms, especially for poor children.

A website called Giggle Academy has been created for this initiative but it is still in its early stages.