Binance Founder CZ Reveals How Bitcoin Survived 15 Years of Government Suppression

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) delivered a bullish assessment of Bitcoin and blockchain in a wide-ranging interview, arguing Bitcoin’s 15-year climb (from $0.05 to $80,000) occurred largely despite government opposition and limited institutional support. He sees blockchain as essential infrastructure for a coming AI-driven economy of billions of microtransactions, boosting long‑term demand for crypto. CZ’s personal legal saga—76 days in prison for a unique Banking Secrecy Act violation, a $150 million personal fine, and Binance’s $4.3 billion payment followed by a pardon—frames his emphasis on stronger compliance and strategic structuring (he regrets not separating Binance US earlier). He now focuses capital on AI, biotech, education, and BNB Chain, and frames crypto as underpriced relative to its potential. Overall the piece reinforces a bullish narrative for Bitcoin and broader blockchain adoption while underscoring regulatory lessons that could affect market structure and institutional flows.