Former "Binance" CEO "Changpeng Zhao", known as (CZ), shared insights into his recent prison experiences and future ambitions, during an interview at the "Binance Blockchain Week" conference.

In his Interview with "WuBlockchain" Podcast, CZ, who faced legal challenges leading to a plea agreement with U.S. authorities last November, noted that he was the first individual to receive jail time for a single violation of the Banking Secrecy Act, comparing his situation with that of TD Bank, which received a $1.8 billion fine without any individuals being charged.

Zhao also opened up about his time in prison, stating that the lack of human connections was the most difficult aspect of his incarceration.

While addressing his current status with Binance, Zhao clarified that he remains a significant shareholder in the company, but has stepped down from operational roles. He also emphasized that he has no intention of returning to an operational position at Binance, even if permitted.

Looking ahead, Zhao outlined his focus on two major ventures: Giggle Academy, his flagship project, which aims to provide digital education to approximately 1.2 billion individuals worldwide, and investments in blockchain, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology.

Regarding the cryptocurrency landscape, Zhao expressed optimism about the industry's long-term prospects, despite short-term volatility. He also highlighted historical Bitcoin performance patterns and reiterated the importance of continued infrastructure development within the crypto sector.

On the regulatory front, Zhao noted encouraging developments in cryptocurrency legislation across various jurisdictions, observing that larger countries typically progress more slowly in implementing comprehensive regulatory frameworks.

CZ's saga began when U.S. authorities investigated Binance for alleged violations of the Banking Secrecy Act, focusing on the exchange's practices surrounding anti-money laundering regulations. As the scrutiny intensified, Zhao engaged in negotiations with regulators, leading to a plea agreement in November 2023.

This agreement required him to acknowledge his role in the violations, pay a significant financial penalty, and forgo his operational role at Binance, effectively marking a turning point in his leadership of the exchange.