CZ: Reflecting on the decision to exit FTX investment in 2021 On February 10, 2026, CZ shared the background of Binance’s decision to exit its investment in FTX during an interview on the All-In Podcast. He mentioned that due to SBF’s remarks in Washington and the hiring of VIP managers at 5x the salary, Binance decided to sell its equity. Despite having veto rights on financing, CZ chose to exit directly, with the transaction completed in July 2021. He emphasized that this was a year and a half before the FTX crisis; as a passive investor competing in the contract business, he did not review financial statements and was unaware of internal issues.