Binance explores relaunching Binance US through recapitalization talks, aiming to reduce CZ’s stake and address regulatory challenges.
Binance has reopened discussions around reviving its U.S. subsidiary, Binance US, amid shifting regulatory and political signals. Although discussions are still at a preliminary stage, there is now internal focus on ownership restructuring. Consequently, investor attention has shifted back to the role and power of Changpeng Zhao in the American market.
Ownership Structure Emerges as Central Regulatory Challenge
According to Bloomberg, Binance is considering a possible recapitalization of Binance US. This move would decrease Changpeng Zhao’s controlling stake. Executives believe his majority ownership is an important hurdle in regulatory approvals in several states.
According to Bloomberg, Binance is exploring options to relaunch its U.S. subsidiary Binance US, including a potential recapitalization that would reduce CZ’s ownership stake. CZ’s status as a controlling shareholder has been a key obstacle to the company’s expansion in several…
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) December 17, 2025
Previously, Zhao had pleaded guilty in 2023 in failures in maintaining adequate anti-money laundering controls. Following that outcome, he resigned from the global Binance chief executive. However, despite his departure, regulators kept associating Binance US with his influence.
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As a result, Binance US struggled to grow operations and resume services across the country. Market share went down drastically in this period. Therefore, ownership dilution is seen as a strategic necessity by an increasing number of executives who do not perceive it as a symbolic change.
Importantly, Binance US is operated as an independent entity from Binance Global. Nevertheless, regulations are often evaluated holistically by regulators in terms of governance. Hence, Zhao’s position as the owner has been a persistent issue in the licensing talks.
Meanwhile, sources point out that discussions are still fluid with no final decision reached. Still, decreasing Zhao’s stake seems to be at the core of any conceivable relaunch strategy. Consequently, recapitalization talks have become heated internally.
Political Shifts and Strategic Reset Shape Binance US Plans
Recently, Zhao has once again kicked up a stir, praising President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto stance. This new visibility came after his presidential pardon, which some consider eased important legal barriers. Therefore, Zhao’s capacity to reengage has become re-important.
Although the pardon does not eliminate previous violations, it can blunt regulatory perceptions. As a result, restructuring talks took momentum. Binance US executives reportedly see good conditions for negotiation and reentry.
The earlier this year, Binance US re-enables some U.S. dollar service in February 2025. Subsequently, the platform turned around to institutional clients. This strategic shift was to regain credibility and stabilize trading volumes.
However, competition became more intense as rivals added compliance-focused offerings. Consequently, Binance US had a hard time recovering its previous position. Market participants now consider structural reform to be the key to any sustained comeback.
Zhao has made it publicly known that he intends to help make America the global center of crypto innovation. While symbolic, these remarks are consistent with the overall messaging of Binance. Still, executives remain sensitive to regulatory issues.
Additionally, Binance is still evaluating capital injection options that can diversify ownership. Such moves can be of outsiders or internal restructuring. Therefore, recapitalization is still under active consideration.
Despite renewed optimism, uncertainty remains. Regulatory approval processes are complicated and state specific. Moreover, enforcement actions that have taken place continue to affect oversight attitudes.
Ultimately, Binance US is in a delicate position where it wants to use Zhao’s industry stature to its advantage without provoking too much friction with regulators. For now, discussions go on without resolution. However, the outcome may have a major impact on Binance’s position in the US crypto market in the long term.