- CZ, Co-founder of Binance has expressed that freedom of speech is a basis for other freedoms. This formed a strong foundation for his investment in X.
- He sat down with macro-analyst Raoul Pal at Token2049 in Dubai, a crypto-focused conference to discuss all things crypto.
- CZ remains a prominent figure in the crypto industry following his release from a controversial 4-month prison sentence in September of 2024.
Changpeng Zhao (CZ), Co-founder and former CEO of Binance has sat down for a fireside chat with macro-analyst Raoul Pal, Founder and CEO of Real Vision. The pair discussed all things crypto in Dubai during the Token2049 conference.
Respected figures CZ and Raoul Pal discussed a number of factors regarding the crypto industry including CZ’s decision to invest in X. During 2022 Binance invested US$500 million (AU$780 million) in X.
CZ mentioned that one of the underlying reasons for the investment was a core philosophy of X being a defender of freedom of speech, which is the basis for many freedoms.
X was a different type of philosophy. I think freedom of money is important, but to have freedom of money, you have to have freedom of speech. Freedom of speech is kind of the bottom line. If you don’t have that, nothing, no other freedom kind of works.
CZ Binance, Co-founder and former CEO of Binance.X has been praised as a proponent of free speech, particularly in comparison to other social media platforms. However, concerns remain about a double standard, as X continues to censor content, including during the 2023 Turkish elections and the 2025 protests.
CZ and Pal also discussed crypto policy where CZ was critical of Europe’s approach towards the crypto industry, while he highlighted a more forward-thinking approach from Dubai and Bhutan.
What is Token2049?
Token2049 claims to be the world’s largest crypto event and brings together leading voices from the crypto industry. The conference is taking place in Dubai at the moment and runs from the 30th of April until the 1st of May.
Related: Analysts Say Bitcoin “Remarkably Strong”, Yet Next Few Weeks Crucial
Further Context Surrounding CZ
CZ is a longstanding and well-known figure who has supported the crypto industry for many years. He was largely known as the face behind Binance, the largest centralised exchange which CZ founded.
CZ pled guilty to charges of money laundering in 2024 and was released from a 4-month prison sentence at the end of September 2024. Many perceived CZ’s sentence as a witch hunt by the previous administration who pursued a regulation by enforcement stance towards the crypto industry.
CZ is now working with a crypto learning platform named Giggle Academy, while also serving as a Strategic Advisor for the Pakistan Crypto Council. He is still a dedicated supporter of the BNB chain.
Related: Fidelity Sees Opportunity in Ethereum’s Slump, Says ETH May Be Undervalued
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