Response to Musk Investment and Competitor Criticism
In an interview held in Dubai, Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) first responded to rumors regarding Elon Musk's $500 million investment in platform X, though he did not disclose specific details. When asked about attacks from other crypto projects, CZ described them as 'too immature,' urging the industry to focus on building rather than disparaging each other.
Regulatory Reflection: Would Block US Users If Given a Second Chance
Reflecting on past clashes with US regulators, CZ admitted that his previous strategy of 'it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission' was a mistake. He stated that if he could turn back time, 'I would simply block the entire US market.' This shift indicates a more pragmatic regulatory stance. Regarding Greece's refusal to grant a MiCA license to Binance, CZ called it a 'lose-lose' outcome—damaging both Binance's European compliance efforts and Greece's ability to attract crypto innovation.
Prison Experience and AI Tool Choice
CZ briefly touched on his time in prison, saying it gave him more room for reflection. He revealed that his most frequently used AI tool is the free version of Kimi, and noted that AI can significantly improve code security but must be applied cautiously to avoid introducing new risks. He reiterated that cryptocurrency will become the core infrastructure for global payments, and called on the industry to engage with regulators in a more mature manner.