Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has been under intense scrutiny from regulators around the globe for its alleged violations of anti-money laundering, sanctions, and securities laws. The pressure finally reached a breaking point on Tuesday, when Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao announced his resignation and his guilty plea to a $4.3 billion settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice.

The settlement, which is the largest ever in the crypto space, resolves a years-long investigation into Binance’s attempts to circumvent U.S. regulations and facilitate illicit transactions for its customers. As part of the deal, Zhao will personally pay $50 million and will be barred from any involvement in Binance or any other crypto-related business in the U.S. for at least 10 years.

Zhao’s departure marks the end of an era for Binance, which was founded in 2017 and quickly rose to prominence as the most popular and innovative platform for crypto trading, offering a wide range of products and services, from spot and futures trading, to decentralized finance, to token launchpad, to charity. Zhao, who was once ranked as the richest person in crypto by Forbes, was known for his charismatic and visionary leadership, as well as his defiant and rebellious attitude towards regulators.

However, Zhao’s resignation also opens up a new chapter for Binance and the crypto industry as a whole, as they face the inevitable reality of increased regulation and oversight. Binance has already taken steps to improve its compliance and governance, such as hiring former regulators and bankers, establishing regional headquarters, applying for licenses, and limiting its services in certain jurisdictions. Binance has also stated that it will cooperate with authorities and seek to become a regulated financial institution.

While some may see Zhao’s resignation as a sign of weakness or surrender, others may view it as a necessary sacrifice and a strategic move to preserve Binance’s future and reputation. By stepping down, Zhao may be able to appease regulators and avoid further legal actions, while also paving the way for a more professional and experienced management team to take over and steer Binance through the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Moreover, Zhao’s resignation may also have a positive impact on the crypto industry as a whole, as it signals a shift towards more compliance and transparency, which could ultimately benefit both consumers and investors. By adhering to the rules and standards of the financial system, crypto companies may be able to gain more trust and legitimacy, attract more institutional and mainstream adoption, and foster more innovation and growth.

In conclusion, Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao’s resignation and guilty plea to money laundering charges is a historic and unprecedented event in the crypto space, which marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. While it may seem like a setback or a loss for Binance and the crypto industry, it may also be a catalyst and an opportunity for more regulation and transformation, which could ultimately lead to a more mature and sustainable crypto ecosystem.