Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, known as CZ, released his 457-page autobiography “Freedom of Money” on April 8, 2026, marking his first extended public narrative since pleading guilty in a landmark federal case. The book arrives as BNB trades near $599 and the broader crypto market sits deep in Extreme Fear territory.
Key Takeaways
- CZ published “Freedom of Money,” a memoir and manifesto now available as a Kindle e-book on Amazon, with paperback and hardcover editions expected shortly.
- BNB dropped roughly 2.7% in the last 24 hours, trading at $599.37 with an $81.8 billion market cap amid broad market weakness.
- The Fear & Greed Index reads 14 (Extreme Fear), signaling elevated caution across crypto markets as CZ re-enters the public conversation.
CZ’s “Freedom of Money”: What Was Announced and Why It Matters
A PRNewswire release dated April 8 confirmed that Zhao published the book, describing it as both a memoir and a manifesto covering the rise of Binance.
“Freedom of Money is my chance to tell that story in my own words and recount the rise of Binance.”
— Changpeng Zhao, via PRNewswire
The Kindle edition is already live on Amazon. Paperback and hardcover formats are expected in the coming days, according to the same release.
Cointelegraph independently confirmed the publication, reporting the book runs 457 pages. The autobiography lands at a moment when Binance’s legal history remains front of mind for regulators and investors alike.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced in November 2023 that Binance and Zhao pleaded guilty in a resolution valued at over $4 billion. That case reshaped compliance expectations across centralized exchanges. According to unconfirmed reports, CZ was later granted a presidential pardon, though this claim remains unverified.
The memoir’s release adds a personal narrative layer to a story that, until now, has been told primarily through court filings and press coverage. For the broader industry, CZ’s willingness to revisit the Binance saga publicly could influence how exchanges approach transparency going forward, a topic that echoes recent debates around congressional efforts to pass clearer crypto regulations.
BNB and Market Snapshot: What the Numbers Show
BNB traded at $599.37 at press time, down 2.68% over the prior 24 hours. The token’s market cap stood at approximately $81.8 billion, with 24-hour trading volume reaching roughly $1.09 billion.
The broader market reflected a cautious tone. The Fear & Greed Index sat at 14, deep in Extreme Fear. That level of risk aversion typically correlates with reduced spot buying and elevated hedging activity.
Bitcoin itself has shown fragile recovery signals, with geopolitical risks around the Strait of Hormuz continuing to weigh on sentiment. Institutional flows tell a mixed story: Morgan Stanley’s Bitcoin ETF drew $34 million in day-one inflows, suggesting selective institutional appetite even amid fear.
Other Top Crypto Headlines From the Last 24 Hours
U.S. regulatory momentum continues. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged Congress to advance the Clarity Act, a framework that would define which digital assets fall under SEC versus CFTC jurisdiction. The push reflects growing bipartisan urgency to establish clear rules before the next market cycle peaks.
Institutional Bitcoin products gained traction. Morgan Stanley’s newly launched spot Bitcoin ETF recorded $34 million in first-day inflows, a notable figure given the Extreme Fear reading across the market. Early institutional demand during fear-driven markets has historically preceded broader recovery phases.
Geopolitical risk remained a market overhang. Tensions near the Strait of Hormuz kept energy and risk-asset markets on edge, contributing to the cautious tone in crypto. Bitcoin’s rebound from recent lows appeared fragile, with traders watching shipping lane developments for potential escalation.
In the next 24 hours, watch for follow-up commentary from CZ on social media around the book launch, any shifts in BNB trading volume as the autobiography generates discussion, and updates on the Clarity Act’s legislative progress in Congress.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency and digital asset markets carry significant risk. Always do your own research before making decisions.
