As of May 2025, Richard Teng serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. He assumed this role in November 2023, succeeding the company's founder, Changpeng Zhao (CZ), who stepped down following legal challenges.
Richard Teng: A Seasoned Leader in Financial Services
Born in Singapore in 1971, Richard Teng has amassed over three decades of experience in the financial services and regulatory sectors. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Accountancy from Nanyang Technological University and a Master's Degree in Applied Finance from the University of Western Australia.
Teng's career includes significant roles such as Director of Corporate Finance at the Monetary Authority of Singapore and Chief Regulatory Officer at the Singapore Exchange. He also served as CEO of the Abu Dhabi Global Market, enhancing its reputation as a leading international financial center.
Leadership at Binance
Joining Binance in August 2021 as CEO of Binance Singapore, Teng quickly advanced to Regional Head of Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa by April 2023. His appointment as global CEO in November 2023 marked a pivotal moment for Binance as the company sought to strengthen its compliance and regulatory frameworks.
Changpeng Zhao: From Founder to Advisor
Changpeng Zhao, commonly known as CZ, founded Binance in 2017, rapidly growing it into a dominant force in the cryptocurrency market. However, in November 2023, Zhao resigned as CEO after pleading guilty to charges related to money laundering violations in the United States. He was subsequently sentenced to four months in prison, which he served until his release in September 2024.
Despite these legal challenges, Zhao's influence in the digital assets sector remains significant. In April 2025, he was appointed as a strategic advisor to the Pakistan Crypto Council, and in May 2025, he became an advisor to the President of the Kyrgyz Republic on the development of digital assets.
Binance's Ongoing Evolution
Under Richard Teng's leade
rship, Binance continues to navigate the complex and evolving landscape of cryptocurrency regulation. Teng's extensive background in financial regulation positions him to guide Binance toward enhanced compliance and sustainable growth in the global market.
