Meet Yi He – Crypto’s ‘Most Powerful Woman’ & the New Co CEO Leading Binance’s New Crypto Compliance Era
Key Points:
- Yi He has been formally appointed as co-CEO of Binance, working alongside current CEO Richard Teng
- Her appointment is a strategic move to solidify leadership, accelerate global expansion, and enhance the firm’s focus on Crypto Compliance and regulatory resilience
- Yi He co-founded Binance in 2017 and previously held key roles as Chief Marketing Officer and head of Binance Labs, the company’s powerful venture capital arm
Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has formally appointed co-founder Yi He as its new co-CEO. The decision was announced at the Binance Blockchain Week 2025 in Dubai.
Already regarded by many as “crypto’s most powerful woman,” her elevation alongside CEO Richard Teng signals a renewed, focused drive on maturity, global expansion, and strict Crypto Compliance within the company.
The Co-Founder’s Journey: From TV Host to Crypto Queen
Yi He’s journey to the top of the global crypto hierarchy is a story of shrewd business acumen and grassroots marketing mastery. Born in Sichuan province, China, she began her professional life as a television travel-show host, an experience that honed her public-facing skills and understanding of mass appeal.
Her journey in finance began in 2014 when she co-founded the cryptocurrency exchange OKCoin (now OKX). She quickly gained notoriety for pioneering aggressive, user-centric marketing strategies that helped OKCoin secure a dominant market share in China, even during a bear market.
In 2017, she joined forces with Changpeng “CZ” Zhao to launch Binance. Within just six months of its founding, Binance became the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world by trading volume, a feat widely credited to Yi He’s robust community-building and product-marketing vision. She famously required every new hire to spend time in customer service, cementing a user-first philosophy deep into the company’s culture.
A New Leadership Structure for a New Era
The appointment of Yi He as co-CEO on December 3, 2025, is a measure that formally expands her role following a period of significant transition for the exchange.
This dual leadership model positions Yi He, the original architect of Binance’s rapid growth and user base, with Richard Teng, a veteran of traditional finance and regulatory markets. Teng, who took over as CEO following CZ’s departure in 2023 amid a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice, brings decades of experience with regulators in Singapore and Abu Dhabi.
Yi He emphasized the complementary nature of the partnership, stating: “I am honored to build alongside Richard, who brings decades of experience in regulated financial markets… Together, we bring diverse perspectives and are confident in leading the future of the industry during this pivotal time, as we responsibly expand our global presence and drive sustainable innovation.”
Influence Beyond the Exchange
Yi He’s influence within the crypto ecosystem extends far beyond the main trading platform. Since 2022, she has headed Binance Labs, the company’s multi-billion-dollar venture capital and incubation arm.
Under her leadership, Binance Labs manages over $10 billion in assets, investing in hundreds of innovative blockchain and Web3 projects. This role has solidified her status as a vital gatekeeper and trendsetter, directly shaping the direction of the entire Crypto Compliance industry. Her investment focus centers on infrastructure and projects that provide real-world solutions, driving the ecosystem toward mass adoption, reported by FX News Group.
Furthermore, she is reported to own at least 10% of a Cayman-registered holding company associated with Binance, exercising broad influence over the firm’s strategic operations.
Focus on Regulatory Resilience and Crypto Compliance
This leadership reshuffle directly addresses the global regulatory challenges facing the entire crypto industry. The co-CEO structure is intended to strengthen Binance’s regulatory compliance framework and accelerate global expansion while ensuring accountability.
Richard Teng noted on Linkedin that the goal is to make Binance, “a trusted and responsible global platform,” a mission Yi He’s community focus and strategic vision will now formally drive. Her continued involvement in core areas like product development and community growth is viewed as critical to reaching the company’s ambitious goal of securing one billion users worldwide.
