Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) published his 366-page memoir 'Freedom of Money' on April 8. The book received recommendations from BlackRock CEO Larry Fink and Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio.

This book primarily covers the journey of CZ from his rural beginnings in China to establishing the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange while writing it during his four-month imprisonment in the U.S. and reaching a $4.3 billion settlement with the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Wall Street moguls support the most controversial figure in the cryptocurrency space

Pink, who manages about $10 trillion in assets at BlackRock, described CZ as a pioneer of blockchain adoption.

“CZ realized before others that blockchain and digital assets can provide real opportunities to countries ready to embrace the future. His story shows a steadfast belief in conviction, resilience, and the power of technology.” – Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock.

Dalio praised CZ's life path, which has gained global influence from poverty, in a more personal tone.

“I have great respect for CZ, who courageously contributed to providing alternative currencies to almost everyone. He clearly articulated his life story. If you're interested in CZ's exciting journey from a quiet start to making a significant impact on the world or making Binance a cornerstone of a new monetary order, you should definitely read it.” – Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates.

In addition, the King of Bhutan, Haidilao founder Zhang Yong, and early Bitcoin (BTC) investor Matt Rojeck left recommendations. Binance co-founder and co-CEO Yi He wrote the preface.

These recommendations were announced at commercially strategic points for both sides. BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) currently has a daily trading volume of $16 billion to $18 billion and is competing directly with Binance for cryptocurrency liquidity.

BlackRock also linked a BUIDL tokenized fund to Binance as collateral in November 2025.

Compliance issues, casting a shadow over CZ's 'Freedom of Money'

However, this book was published at a time when new compliance concerns about Binance were being raised.

A few weeks before publication, Bloomberg reported that Binance's Chief Compliance Officer Noah Perlman began discussions about resigning after being hired during the compliance agreement implementation process in 2023.

In recent months, at least four senior compliance officers have left or been fired.

The more serious point is that Fortune reported in February 2026 that Binance fired at least five compliance officers who found evidence of transfers exceeding $1 billion related to Iranian entities from March 2024 to August 2025.

Senator Richard Blumenthal initiated a Senate investigation into the matter, and nine Democratic senators demanded an investigation by the DOJ and the Treasury Department.

Binance denied the fact that it fired the investigator who reported the investigation.

Binance stated that it found 'no evidence' of violations of sanctions laws related to the activity.

All royalties from the book will be donated to CZ's educational nonprofit, Giga Academy. However, the recommendations from the world's most influential asset management firms have another power that cannot be offset by donations.