Global crypto exchange Binance has announced a major leadership change, appointing its co-founder Yi He as co-CEO alongside current CEO Changpeng Zhao, also known as Richard Teng. The decision introduces a dual-leadership structure, marking a strategic moment for one of the world’s largest digital asset platforms.
Yi He is no stranger to the company. She co-founded Binance in 2017 and has played a central role in shaping its brand, marketing strategy, ecosystem growth, and community engagement. Her elevation to co-CEO formalises responsibilities she has long influenced from behind the scenes.
The appointment comes as Binance continues to recalibrate its global strategy amid regulatory scrutiny, expanding markets, and growing competition. By pairing Teng, known for his regulatory and institutional background — with Yi He’s product and community expertise, Binance appears to be aiming for balance: compliance on one side, innovation and user engagement on the other.
Under the new leadership model, Yi He is expected to focus on product development, ecosystem expansion, and strengthening ties with Binance’s global user base. This includes enhancing user experience, supporting new Web3 initiatives, and ensuring Binance remains competitive as global crypto adoption grows.
The move is also significant from a representation standpoint. Yi He becomes one of the most prominent women leading a global crypto exchange, in an industry where executive leadership has historically been male-dominated. This could influence how Binance approaches diversity, talent development, and community building across its platforms.
For markets like Africa, the leadership change may have practical implications. Binance is one of the most widely used exchanges on the continent, supporting crypto trading, P2P payments, education programs, and developer initiatives. A stronger focus on user-centric innovation and local engagement could lead to better-tailored products and deeper participation in regional ecosystems.
The co-CEO model also suggests Binance is thinking long-term. Rather than reacting to immediate market cycles, the exchange is positioning itself to operate as a global Web3 infrastructure company, one that must meet regulatory expectations while continuing to innovate at scale.
As the crypto industry enters a more mature phase, leadership decisions like this underscore how large platforms are evolving. For Binance, bringing Yi He to the forefront is both a strategic and symbolic move, reinforcing its ambition to remain a dominant force in the global digital asset economy.
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