- CZ refutes allegations published by WSJ.
- Claims challenge the credibility of WSJ coverage.
- Ongoing media tension impacts crypto sector view.
Changpeng Zhao, founder of Binance, denied claims by the Wall Street Journal of acting as a “fixer” for World Liberty Financial on May 23, 2025.
Claims in the WSJ article highlight ongoing media scrutiny on cryptocurrency leaders, affecting industry perception.
Bold denials were issued by Changpeng Zhao regarding his alleged involvement in facilitating introductions for World Liberty Financial. He strongly refuted claims of being a “fixer”. Allegations suggest connections made for WLFI, linked with political figures, but CZ asserts no such actions were taken.
Zhao’s response highlights his meeting with Bilal Bin Saqib happened only once in Pakistan. He emphasized Saqib’s pre-existing connections with the WLFI team. CZ suggested intentions to discredit crypto leaders, citing anti-crypto influences in the United States.
“I am not a fixer for anyone. I did NOT ‘connect Mr. Saqib with the WLF team.’ They had known each other way back, whereas I only met with Mr. Saqib for the first time in Pakistan.”
Reports like the one from WSJ potentially influence public perception, impacting investor sentiment. Zhao’s challenge to the WSJ article raises questions about media reliability. It underscores potential biases against the cryptocurrency sector, influencing regulatory and market dynamics.
Reactions in the crypto community underscore the need for balanced reporting. Continued scrutiny may provoke regulatory reviews, reshaping the landscape. Long-term, this may influence technological and financial innovation.