Binance Founder CZ Surpasses Bill Gates in Global Wealth Rankings

Shift in Billionaire Rankings

Forbes’ latest billionaire rankings show Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, known as CZ, now ahead of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. CZ holds an estimated net worth of $110 billion, securing the 17th position globally. Gates follows at 19th with $108 billion.

Earlier figures from other reports placed CZ at $107.7 billion in 18th place and Gates at $105.9 billion in 19th. The numbers vary slightly across updates but confirm the same order.

Sources of CZ’s Wealth

CZ’s position stems largely from his ownership stake in Binance. The exchange has kept its leading role in spot and derivatives trading even after past regulatory issues. In 2023, CZ stepped down as CEO following a settlement with U.S. authorities but kept his shares.

This decision let him benefit from the company’s later recovery and steady operations. Forbes notes that Binance’s overall business value drives most of his fortune, more than short-term token price changes.

CZ also holds significant amounts of Bitcoin and BNB, which add to his total. These assets have gained value alongside broader market movements.

Bill Gates’ Position

Bill Gates has seen his net worth decrease over time due to large-scale philanthropy. His donations through foundations have reduced his personal fortune while supporting global health and development projects. Gates remains one of the top billionaires from the traditional technology sector.

Broader Context

The ranking change points to the growing role of cryptocurrency infrastructure in wealth creation. Binance has maintained strong trading volumes and market share despite challenges. Its recovery after the 2023 settlement helped increase the estimated company value.

Traditional tech fortunes and those built in crypto now appear side by side at the top of wealth lists. Private company valuations and digital asset prices both move quickly, which can lead to frequent shifts in these rankings.

CZ has commented on the fast-moving nature of such estimates, noting that figures for private firms and crypto assets adjust constantly.

Impact of Past Events

After the 2023 U.S. settlement, CZ left the CEO role but stayed as a major owner. Binance continued operations and later stabilized its position in the market. This continuity supported the growth in its valuation that now shows in Forbes data.

Gates’ wealth path differs through consistent giving, which has lowered his listed net worth over the years while keeping him among the richest individuals.