TLDR
- Changpeng Zhao receives a $110 billion net worth estimate from Forbes, securing the 17th position on the worldwide wealth rankings
- Bill Gates trails behind with an estimated fortune of $108 billion
- Zhao challenges the valuation, citing cryptocurrency price declines exceeding 50% during 2026
- Zhao’s fortune derives primarily from his approximately 90% ownership in Binance rather than digital asset holdings
- Binance commands roughly 38% of worldwide cryptocurrency trading volume, producing estimated revenues between $16–17 billion throughout 2024–2025
Changpeng Zhao, who founded Binance, now appears higher on the global wealth rankings than Bill Gates based on recent Forbes analysis. The publication released its assessment on March 10, valuing Zhao’s fortune at roughly $110 billion.
This valuation positions him at number 17 on Forbes’ worldwide billionaires ranking. Gates received an estimated valuation of approximately $108 billion.
Zhao created Binance, which operates as the planet’s leading cryptocurrency exchange platform. His tenure as CEO ended in 2023 following his guilty plea to charges related to inadequate anti-money laundering program maintenance.
He settled his personal obligation with a $50 million fine and completed a four-month sentence at a California correctional facility. Binance separately settled with authorities for $4.3 billion in financial penalties.
Zhao maintains ownership of approximately 90% of Binance despite his departure from the CEO role, according to widespread industry understanding. This substantial ownership stake forms the foundation of his estimated fortune.
Industry experts place Binance’s valuation around $100 billion. The platform facilitates tens of trillions of dollars in yearly trading activity spanning spot markets and derivatives.
Binance maintains approximately 38% of worldwide cryptocurrency exchange market share. Expert estimates indicate the platform produced between $16 billion and $17 billion in revenue during 2024 and 2025 combined, representing roughly 2.5 times Coinbase’s $6.6 billion yearly revenue.
Zhao responded to the Forbes valuation shortly after its public circulation. Writing on X on March 11, he highlighted that cryptocurrency valuations had declined more than 50% throughout 2026 and challenged the logic of increasing wealth estimates during such conditions.
“Wish they can apply some common sense and basic logic,” he wrote.
How Exchange Owners Can Gain During a Market Downturn
Cryptocurrency exchanges generate income from trading fees independent of price direction. Volatile market conditions frequently drive increased trading activity, potentially boosting exchange revenues even as digital asset prices fall.
This mechanism offers insight into how Binance’s valuation may have maintained stability or expanded while broader market conditions deteriorated.
Zhao’s personal cryptocurrency portfolio has experienced different trends. His estimated holdings of 1,400 Bitcoin decreased in value by roughly 25% during the previous year, currently worth approximately $100 million. This represents a minor fraction of his total estimated wealth.
Several social media commentators suggested Zhao profited from short positions during the October 10 cryptocurrency market crash, which caused massive liquidations throughout derivatives trading platforms. Zhao refuted these claims directly, stating: “Never shorted.”
Where Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP Stand Now
When Forbes published its wealth assessment, Bitcoin traded near $71,000, Ethereum hovered around $2,080, and XRP exchanged hands near $1.40.
Binance additionally manages the BNB Chain, a blockchain infrastructure supporting a dedicated token. The network maintains a market capitalization approaching $88 billion.
