The United Arab Emirates has officially claimed the title of ‘the center for money’, according to Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ). Zhao stated that the UAE has effectively ‘stolen the crown’ from the United States. He blamed restrictive American policies for the shift.
The statements were made in Dubai on May 4, 2026, where Zhao was promoting his memoir ‘Freedom of Money’. Following his speech, the Binance Coin (BNB) saw a 1% price surge.
The move of money and talent away from the US is the result of years of strict regulation and domestic focus. Zhao’s own legal battle with the US government, which led to a $4 billion settlement and a short prison stint, served as a turning point for the industry. He received a pardon in October 2025. However, the Binance Founder noted that by then, the damage to investor trust in the country was already done.
He compared the two nations to cities building airports. While one city is stuck in legal fights, the other has already opened for business. This has led to a huge move of capital toward the UAE, where rules are clear, and founders feel safe. Data shows the UAE now holds roughly $40 billion in Bitcoin, which is double the amount held by the US government.
While Washington focused on lawsuits, Dubai and Abu Dhabi built a solid system for crypto to grow. Dubai created the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to provide companies with legal protection without slow paperwork. By 2023, thousands of blockchain firms were already working in Dubai. Zhao praised this balanced approach that protects users while helping new ideas grow.
Current market trends show that the crypto world is recovering. Bitcoin prices have moved back toward the $80,000 mark after a dip earlier in 2026. However, Zhao’s main point is that the future of money is no longer tied to a single country but to places that offer the most freedom for innovation.
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The UAE’s rise shows that clear rules are more valuable than old reputations. If the US does not pass helpful laws soon, it risks becoming a simple buyer of tech rather than the place that builds it. For traders, it means looking toward the Middle East for the next big wave of financial growth and institutional support.
Note: At press time, $1= 3.67 United Arab Emirates Dirham