Binance unveils dual-CEO structure with Yi He and Richard Teng
On December 3, 2025, Binance announced that co-founder Yi He will now serve as co-CEO alongside Richard Teng. This new dual-leadership structure marks an important strategic step aimed at strengthening the company’s governance and executive direction. The announcement was made during Richard Teng’s keynote address at Binance Blockchain Week in Dubai, highlighting the significance of the leadership shift.
The purpose of this update is to enhance Binance’s compliance standards, improve operational efficiency, and accelerate global expansion. According to the company, the dual-CEO model will bring greater clarity and speed to decision-making and execution. Yi He will focus on brand building, strategy, and global growth, while Teng will continue leading regulatory matters and operational leadership.
Why it matters
Binance, one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges, has spent the past two years strengthening risk and compliance programs following U.S. enforcement actions in 2023. Executives framed the co-CEO model as a way to pair user-centric growth with tighter controls and institutional partnerships.
What’s new in leadership
Yi He, a co-founder and longtime executive, steps up from senior customer and brand roles to become co-CEO.
Richard Teng retains his CEO remit, sharing top-level responsibilities under a dual structure.
Binance’s official channels characterized the move as positioning the company for “global growth and user-centric innovation.” Binance+1
Context on Binance governance
Teng became CEO in 2023 after founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) pleaded guilty to U.S. money-laundering violations and later served a short prison term. In October 2025, CZ received a presidential pardon, a development that continues to draw scrutiny from policy watchers and market participants.
Binance Blockchain Week, Dubai
The announcement aligned with Day 1 of Binance Blockchain Week 2025, hosted at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena (Dec. 3–4). Binance highlighted new product updates and institutional partnerships, reinforcing the UAE’s status as a regional hub for digital assets.
Strategy shift under the Binance dual leadership structure
Binance describes the co-CEO model as an operating upgrade aimed at:
Scaling customer support and product velocity
Deepening institutional relationships
Maintaining a proactive posture on global compliance regimes
Building infrastructure for future-proof growth
These priorities were emphasized across Binance’s statements and event messaging.
How the Binance dual leadership structure could affect users and partners
Near-term implications may include clearer leadership lines between compliance/market strategy and user/product initiatives, potentially accelerating new launches while tightening risk controls in regulated markets. (Analytical inference based on company statements and recent product announcements.)
Context & Analysis
Dual-CEO structures are uncommon in crypto but can work when roles are clearly delineated. With Binance courting institutions and operating from a UAE base, pairing Teng’s regulatory background with Yi He’s user-focused leadership could help balance growth and oversight. Execution risk remains around jurisdictional licensing and ongoing scrutiny tied to historical U.S. enforcement.
Conclusion
Binance’s shift to a dual-CEO structure officially establishes a leadership partnership that the company believes will strengthen its ability to grow responsibly and in line with global regulations. With two executives sharing authority, Binance aims to improve oversight, streamline decision-making, and reinforce its long-term strategic direction.
The real challenge, however, will emerge in how effectively both leaders divide and execute their roles in the months ahead. Their performance will be judged through upcoming product launches, regulatory reviews, and licensing efforts. How well these responsibilities are managed will determine whether the new leadership model truly delivers the results Binance expects.
FAQs
Q : Who are Binance’s co-CEOs now?
A : Yi He and Richard Teng serve as co-CEOs under a dual leadership model.
Q : When was the change announced?
A : Dec. 3, 2025, during Binance Blockchain Week in Dubai.
Q : Why adopt a dual-CEO model?
A : Binance cites global growth, user-centric innovation, and stronger compliance.
Q : What is Yi He’s background at Binance?
A : She is a co-founder and longtime executive, previously overseeing customer and brand functions.
Q : What happened to founder Changpeng Zhao?
A : He pleaded guilty in 2023, served a short sentence, and was pardoned in Oct. 2025.
Q : Where is Binance headquartered today?
A : Binance operates heavily from the UAE and holds a Dubai license, positioning the region as a strategic hub.
Q : Does this affect users immediately?
A : No immediate changes were announced; Binance says the move is organizational, focused on scale and compliance.
Facts
Event
Appointment of Yi He as co-CEO, creating a dual leadership structureDate/Time
2025-12-03T12:16:00+05:00Entities
Binance; Yi He; Richard Teng; Changpeng Zhao (CZ)Figures
CZ paid $50 mn fine; served ~4 months (2024); presidential pardon in Oct. 2025 (U.S.). Reuters+1Quotes
“Yi has been an integral part of the executive leadership team since the launch of Binance,” Richard Teng (keynote). ReutersSources
Reuters (article), Binance (press/official channels)