Donald Trump has granted a presidential pardon to former Binance CEO Changpeng "CZ" Zhao, erasing his federal conviction under the Bank Secrecy Act. This high-profile clemency act clears Zhao's record of his 2023 conviction for failing to maintain an adequate anti-money-laundering program at Binance. The pardon allows Zhao to re-enter the United States without restrictions, apply for business licenses, and engage with US-regulated entities, restoring his civil rights and eligibility for executive roles in US companies. Zhao had served a four-month prison sentence and paid a $50 million fine. Despite the pardon, Binance remains under separate regulatory agreements that limit Zhao's direct involvement. However, the pardon rehabilitates his status in global finance, potentially reopening opportunities for new ventures and partnerships. Zhao's conviction stemmed from a plea deal in 2023, where he admitted to compliance failures at Binance, resulting in a $4.3 billion corporate penalty for the company.