In the world of cryptocurrency, few figures have played as significant a role in shaping the industry as Yi He, the co-founder of Binance—the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. While many know Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the public face of Binance, Yi He has quietly but powerfully guided the company behind the scenes, playing a key role in its success and shaping its culture. Now, in a significant shift for Binance’s leadership, Yi He has been appointed co-CEO, taking on a more prominent role in the company alongside Richard Teng, who had stepped in after Zhao’s legal challenges in 2023.
This article dives into Yi He’s journey at Binance, her impact on the company, and her evolving role in the cryptocurrency industry during a time of both immense growth and regulatory scrutiny. From her early days in the crypto world to her rise as a key figure at Binance, Yi He is emerging as a pivotal player in the future of global digital finance.
A Powerful Partnership: Yi He and Changpeng Zhao
Yi He’s connection to Changpeng Zhao goes beyond just business. The two have been life partners since they first met in 2014 at a public blockchain event. At the time, Yi He was working at OKCoin, one of the first major cryptocurrency exchanges, and she played a significant role in recruiting Zhao to join the team. Their partnership blossomed both personally and professionally, eventually leading to the creation of Binance in 2017.
Although Changpeng Zhao became the face of the company, it was Yi He who helped shape its early direction and vision. Her experience in the cryptocurrency space and her deep understanding of the market allowed her to influence key decisions at Binance from the very beginning. While Zhao handled the public-facing aspects of Binance, Yi He focused on internal operations, especially around customer service, marketing, and investment.
A Quiet Force Behind Binance’s Growth
Yi He is often referred to as a “Crypto Queen” for her role in shaping Binance’s massive influence. While she has kept a relatively low public profile, particularly compared to Zhao, those who know her well recognize her as an influential force within the company. Yi He’s leadership in the company has largely been focused on marketing, investment strategies, and customer service, where she implemented innovative approaches that helped Binance grow its global user base.
Her Chief Customer Service Officer role at Binance saw her implement systems that prioritized users, ensuring Binance’s platform catered to the needs of its community. She played a fundamental role in shaping Binance’s vision and its approach to innovation, focusing on user needs. Under her guidance, Binance adopted a user-first approach, fostering trust and loyalty among its growing audience.
A New Leadership Structure: Yi He as Co-CEO
In 2025, Yi He’s role at Binance expanded dramatically when she was named co-CEO of the company. This appointment came shortly after Richard Teng took over the position of acting CEO following Changpeng Zhao’s legal issues. Zhao, who had been indicted on charges related to money laundering in 2023, was later pardoned by the U.S. government in a controversial move during President Donald Trump’s administration. However, despite his legal troubles, Zhao remains involved in the company, with Yi He stepping in to share leadership responsibilities with Teng.
As co-CEO, Yi He is expected to guide Binance through a critical phase in its evolution, particularly as the company faces increasing regulatory scrutiny from global authorities. Her insider status and longstanding ties to the company give her a unique perspective on its growth and challenges. This partnership between Yi He and Teng, both bringing different skills and perspectives, positions Binance for continued success as the crypto exchange navigates new global regulations.
The Personal Side of Yi He: A Life Beyond Business
While Yi He’s professional accomplishments are impressive, her personal life has also contributed to her influence at Binance. Not only is she Changpeng Zhao’s partner in both business and life, but the couple also shares three children together. Yi He has always maintained a strong balance between her professional and personal lives, and in her letter defending Zhao during his legal troubles in 2024, she emphasized her deep understanding of his character. She described herself as Zhao’s business partner and the mother of his children, revealing the personal bond they share.
In the letter, Yi He expressed how she knows Zhao on a level that many others overlook. She described their long-standing relationship and emphasized how they had built Binance together, with her vision and support as pivotal components of its success. Despite the many challenges the company has faced, Yi He’s unwavering support for Zhao has always been evident.
Binance’s Legal and Regulatory Challenges: Yi He’s Role in Overcoming Adversity
Binance has faced intense regulatory scrutiny over the years, particularly from U.S. authorities. In 2020, U.S. prosecutors sought records from Binance regarding anti-money laundering (AML) compliance and the establishment of Binance’s U.S. entity. Yi He was mentioned in the legal inquiries, which brought her role within the company into the spotlight.
Despite these challenges, Yi He has remained a steadfast leader, guiding Binance through tough times while also defending its position in the cryptocurrency world. Her belief in the legitimacy of the cryptocurrency industry, and Binance’s role in it, has led her to advocate fiercely for the company. She has consistently highlighted that Binance’s growth and compliance practices were crucial to the development of the digital finance ecosystem, particularly during the 2024 trial of Zhao.
Binance’s Future: Yi He’s Vision for Global Expansion
As co-CEO, Yi He is now in a position to shape the future of Binance, guiding it through an era of global growth and innovation. She envisions Binance expanding its global presence responsibly while continuing to drive sustainable innovation. Her recent public statement emphasized the complementary nature of her and Teng’s leadership, noting that together, they bring diverse perspectives to the company. Yi He’s long-term strategy is centered around further developing Binance’s global footprint and deepening its commitment to both users and innovation.
Her focus on regulatory compliance and user-centered design suggests that Binance is preparing to lead the way in creating a secure and transparent cryptocurrency marketplace. As the industry matures, Yi He’s leadership will be key in positioning Binance as a leader in the evolving global financial system.
The Future of Yi He and Binance: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities
Yi He’s appointment as co-CEO signals a significant shift in Binance’s leadership structure, one that prioritizes continuity and stability during a time of increasing scrutiny. With her extensive experience in the cryptocurrency space and her deep connection to the company, Yi He is poised to lead Binance into its next chapter.
Looking ahead, Yi He will play a central role in navigating the evolving landscape of global crypto regulations, user trust, and innovative blockchain technologies. Her insights and leadership will be vital in maintaining Binance’s position as a global leader in cryptocurrency exchanges.