This article was first published on The Bit Journal.
Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ and the co-founder of Binance, has confirmed that he would not be returning to head the exchange following his pardon from U.S. President Donald Trump.
CZ has also spoken about his perspective on Bitcoin, sharing that in 2026, he thinks a Bitcoin supercycle could happen as worldwide crypto policy trends begin to align.
His views were shared during a CNBC interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, stressing both his personal perspectives and expectations for Bitcoin’s future.
CZ Says He Will Not Go Back to Binance
For seven years, Changpeng Zhao was the face of Binance, building it into the world’s biggest crypto exchange by trading volume. However, after CZ pleaded guilty in November 2023 to not having had a sufficient Anti-Money Laundering (AML) program, he stepped down and was banned from working in Binance.
He spent four months in prison before being pardoned by President Trump in October 2025.
While the pardon may have relieved his legal restrictions, CZ said he was never coming back to run Binance.
“I haven’t really needed to go back. I didn’t really want to. I thought it was a pretty good way for me to step down, away from Binance after seven years,” he said.
“At the time, it was very painful. I didn’t like it. But after, you get used to it. I don’t think it’s good for me to go back. I think we should leave room for other strong leaders to grow,” he had said on CNBC’s Squawk Box.
He said stepping back would make room for new leadership to come on board and that it didn’t bother him being a passive shareholder who contributes advice from time to time.
Current Binance management, including Co-CEOs Richard Teng and Yi He, stated there are over 300 million users and $34 trillion worth of products traded in the last year, buoying the fact that the exchange is doing just fine without CZ at the controls.
Understanding the Bitcoin Supercycle 2026 Statement
CZ had predicted in the same interview that Bitcoin could enter what he referred to as a supercycle in 2026; an elongated phase of outperformance that deviates from past cycles.
In the past, the price of Bitcoin has tracked a four-year cycle influenced by what is known as halving events, where new crypto supply is cut in half and tends to come before market peaks.
CZ explained this historic pattern stating:
“Normally, Bitcoin follows four-year cycles, if you look at historic data every four years there’s an all-time high, and then there’s a drop.”
But he said the current environment, especially a more “pro-crypto” stance in the United States and other countries could change that rhythm. “I do think we will probably break the four-year cycle,” he said.
A supercycle idea goes beyond fleeting price speculation, it is a longer and steadier ride based on fundamental demand and structural moves, like institution adoption and regulation, that support long-term growth.
Why Bitcoin Supercycle 2026 Is Being Discussed Now
For one, regulatory progress in the U.S. have offered more clarity and prompted investors and institutions to establish longer-term positions around digital assets.
Also, the role of Bitcoin as a base crypto asset is still developing. Bitcoin’s capped supply and expanding use as a corporate treasury asset, settlement infrastructure and part of the global digital finance system brings structural depth that doesn’t exist in previous market cycles.
Though CZ didn’t specify price targets, analysts in the space have put forward the supercycle thesis on expanded institutional adoption and tighter regulations.
Finally, CZ explained that though he does not deal in short-term predictions; “If you look at today or tomorrow, there’s no way I can predict; If you look at a five- or ten-year horizon, it’s very easy to predict, we’re going up,” he said.
Industry and Market Reaction
CZ’s remarks have prompted reactions in the crypto world. There has been some talk regarding the Bitcoin supercycle, noting that not every analyst or market watcher holds high confidence in its timing or impact.
Still, CZ’s status as a leading industry figure, and his long-term holding style in general that he’d rather hold Bitcoin and Binance’s own BNB token rather than trading, lends weight to the conversation.
CZ also denied speculation that his presidential pardon is related to business dealings with U.S. political figures, and consistently dismissed reports of him having a personal relationship with President Trump, noting that his pardon followed purely legal processes and did not involve direct political influence.
Conclusion
Changpeng Zhao’s vow not to return to Binance even after being legally cleared reveals his intention to allow new leadership to dictate the path of the exchange.
His forecast for a Bitcoin supercycle in 2026 also hints that Bitcoin’s growth may be more far-reaching, rising in a sustained pattern rather than staying within the historical four-year cycle.
CZ’s remarks made on a world stage at Davos emphasize that regulatory progress and long-term integration are two major components of his perspective.
Glossary
Bitcoin supercycle: The concept of Bitcoin is undergoing a long-term sustained growth, extending beyond the original measure of its four-year cyclical pattern, driven by market and regulatory structural changes.
Four-year cycle: The market trend in Bitcoin has seen price peaks and subsequent corrections after every halving, which occurs every four years.
Pro-crypto policy: Policies from governments and regulators that promote use cases for digital assets and innovation, which are usually viewed as an encouragement to institutions.
Binance: One of the world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchanges, founded by Changpeng Zhao.
Pardon: Official forgiveness of a crime and cancellation of the relevant penalty, by a government authority.
Frequently Asked Questions About CZ’s Comeback and Bitcoin Supercycle 2026
What was CZ’s comment about going back to Binance?
CZ has stated that he does not intend to go back as Binance’s leader, adding, his departure was deliberate and he thinks that the exchange should be managed by new leadership.
What does it mean when Bitcoin enters a supercycle?
The term Bitcoin supercycle describes an extended stretch of strong market expansion that doesn’t align with the usual price cycles, typically caused by major institutional onboarding and regulatory support.
Did CZ give a price target on Bitcoin?
No, CZ did not provide a specific short-term price target. He emphasized long-term vision and structural changes, as opposed to daily price predictions.
Is the supercycle prediction widely accepted?
Views vary. Some market commentators are certainly in favor of the idea, though not everyone agrees that it would be a great move.
References
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