CZ's Sentencing: Binance Co-founder He Yi Assures 'Optimal Outcome' Amid Regulatory Concerns

Binance co-founder He Yi has offered reassurance about former CEO Changpeng Zhao's situation ahead of his sentencing in the United States, describing it as "largely peaceful" and suggesting that past regulatory pressures were anticipated internally. Speaking at a Binance Chinese Meetup at the Token2049 conference in Dubai, Yi indicated that CZ's current circumstances represent the "most optimal outcome" given the situation. Zhao faces sentencing on one felony charge, with potential implications including a prison term of up to 10 years, although sentencing guidelines recommend a shorter period. Following a settlement in November, which also involved Binance forfeiting $4.3 billion and CZ resigning as CEO, he remains free on a $175 million bond with travel restrictions. The exchange has been undergoing changes since Zhao's departure, with Richard Teng taking over as CEO and emphasising a different approach under his leadership. Additionally, Binance reportedly received a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) licence in Dubai, with CZ relinquishing voting rights in the local entity as a licensing condition, though Binance has not officially commented on this claim.