At Consensus Miami2026, Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao discussed potential strategies to improve access for American crypto traders to global liquidity. He highlighted the possibility of reviving Binance.US as a means to achieve this after years of limited market engagement in the U.S.
“The best cryptocurrency liquidity lies outside the U.S.,” Zhao remarked, emphasizing that Americans are missing out on optimal pricing in one of the few markets where they lack access. “Binance offers unparalleled liquidity within our ecosystem,” he added, expressing a desire to provide these advantages through either a reinvigorated Binance.US or another method that delivers top-tier liquidity and prices for U.S. consumers.
These comments follow Zhao’s resignation as Binance CEO two years ago after pleading guilty to several charges in the U.S., resulting in a four-month prison sentence. He was released in 2024 and received a pardon from former President Donald Trump last year.
Currently, under CEO Stephen Gregory, Binance.US is considering an expansion beyond spot trading into derivatives and prediction markets. Zhao noted recent shifts in U.S. crypto policy over the past year and a half, which have encouraged him to engage more with U.S. builders, regulators, and policymakers. He pointed out that the U.S. now leads globally in crypto policies, referencing legislative measures like the CLARITY Act.
Despite these advancements, Zhao stated that the U.S. still lacks access to the most profound liquidity levels, although developers and firms are returning after years of regulatory challenges. “Numerous individuals departed,” he observed, “moving to places like Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, Singapore. Now they’re coming back.”
Zhao also highlighted BNB Chain’s underrepresentation in the U.S., despite its recent developments including a builder house in New York and increased investment activities through YZi Labs. Rebranded last year with Zhao taking an active investment role, YZi Labs introduced a $1 billion fund for projects on BNB Chain.
“BNB hasn’t been widely marketed or integrated into community building efforts in the U.S., unlike other layer 1 blockchains,” he stated. He noted that U.S. institutions had limited access to BNB until recently, which could represent an opportunity as institutional interest grows.
Zhao also discussed AI agents’ need for crypto infrastructure to facilitate transactions, arguing that blockchain technology is better suited than traditional financial systems like credit cards or bank rails for automated cross-border payments. “Credit card APIs are non-existent,” he explained, suggesting BNB Chain should serve as the payment backbone for AI agents, although he acknowledged this market is still nascent.