Most Influential 2021: Changpeng Zhao

Changpeng Zhao (often simply called “CZ”) may be the world’s richest person. As founder of cryptocurrency behemoth Binance, he’s not only the largest shareholder in the world’s most active crypto exchange, but has also had the opportunity to amass a significant binance coin (BNB) and bitcoin position. Binance, founded in 2017 and currently without a legal headquarters, is estimated to be worth $300 billion and has few outside investors. After years of resisting legal scrutiny, CZ has taken steps this year to work with regulators for all corners of the world.

Inevitable: Binance published a list of “fundamental” crypto rights – including the ability to self-custody, data privacy and reliable security – that ought to apply to all people living through this seismic technological and economic revolution. The final point made in this crypto constitution reads, “Regulation is inevitable.”

The Complete List: CoinDesk’s Most Influential 2021