Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, commands a significant stake in Binance Coin (BNB), holding approximately 64% of its circulating supply, totaling around 94 million tokens. This revelation comes from a detailed analysis by Forbes, highlighting CZ's profound influence over BNB's market dynamics and governance within the Binance ecosystem.

Originally, 80 million BNB tokens were allocated to the Binance founding team, with the company still retaining control of 46 million of those tokens. Combined, Binance and CZ jointly hold a substantial 71% of the current 147 million BNB tokens in circulation.

Forbes estimates CZ's net worth at an impressive $61 billion, placing him as the world's 24th richest individual. His wealth derives primarily from his holdings in Binance, including his substantial stake in BNB and other valuable crypto assets.

BNB serves as the native token of the Binance platform, facilitating transaction fees, rewards, and ecosystem incentives. With a maximum supply capped at 200 million tokens, more than 153 million BNB are currently circulating in the market, underlining its pivotal role in the Binance ecosystem.

Despite legal challenges and regulatory scrutiny, CZ has remained a pivotal figure in the cryptocurrency industry. In 2023, amidst allegations of violating sanctions and money laundering laws, CZ resigned as CEO of Binance, following a plea deal with U.S. prosecutors that included significant fines for both him and the company.

BNB has demonstrated robust market performance, experiencing a remarkable surge from around $290 per token in January 2024 to a peak of $724 in June, reflecting its widespread adoption and utility within the Binance platform.

CZ's substantial ownership of BNB underscores his central role in shaping Binance's operations and its influence on the broader cryptocurrency landscape. Despite challenges, CZ continues to be a key player, navigating regulatory hurdles while steering Binance and its associated tokens towards continued growth and adaptation in the evolving digital economy.