Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the founder of crypto exchange Binance, revealed in a recent interview that he has formally applied for a presidential pardon from Donald Trump, despite previously denying reports about the effort.

Speaking on the Farokh Radio podcast, CZ said he “wouldn’t mind” receiving a pardon and disclosed that his lawyers had submitted the relevant documents on his behalf.

He explained that the decision came after Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal reported in March that he was seeking a Trump pardon and that Binance.US had held business talks with Trump’s family. CZ had initially dismissed the reports but admitted on the podcast:

“Since they already wrote the article, I figured I might as well go ahead and submit [the request] officially.”

According to CZ, the application was submitted about two weeks ago. He noted that Trump previously pardoned three BitMEX founders, including Arthur Hayes, which inspired him to pursue the same.

At the time of the Bloomberg report, CZ had commented that “no one who has been convicted would object to being pardoned” and asserted he was the only person in U.S. history jailed for violating the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA).

In November 2023, Binance pleaded guilty and agreed to pay over $4 billion to settle U.S. Department of Justice charges related to BSA violations, operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, and breaches of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. CZ, who was CEO at the time, also pleaded guilty to failing to maintain an adequate anti-money laundering program.

As part of the settlement, CZ stepped down as CEO, was banned from holding any management role at Binance, and in April 2024 was sentenced to four months in prison, which he served until his release in September 2024.

While a pardon wouldn’t erase CZ’s conviction, it could open the door for him to regain a role in managing Binance.US. However, CZ stated at a November 2023 event that he had no plans to return as CEO, expressing confidence in the current leadership team. He remains a shareholder in Binance.

Since his release, CZ has focused on promoting blockchain adoption and advising governments on digital asset policies. He recently met with the Prime Minister of Malaysia to discuss national digital asset strategies and signed an MoU with the Kyrgyz Republic to provide regulatory and technical support. He also joined Pakistan’s crypto committee as a strategic advisor to help expand crypto infrastructure, education, and adoption.