Binance Appoints Co-Founder Yi He as Co-CEO Amid Push for 1 Billion Users
Binance names co-founder Yi He as new Co-CEO

In a significant leadership reshuffle, Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has elevated its co-founder Yi He to the position of co-chief executive officer. The announcement was made during the Binance Blockchain Week event, as the platform is on the cusp of a major milestone: 300 million registered users worldwide.

A Natural Evolution in Leadership

The move establishes a shared leadership model at a time when Binance is navigating both rapid global expansion and increased regulatory scrutiny across the digital asset sector. CEO Richard Teng framed the appointment as a logical progression for the company's governance.

"Yi has been an integral part of the executive team since the launch of Binance. Her innovative and user-focused approach has helped shape our vision, culture, and bottom-up business strategy," Teng stated. "She will continue to guide the organisation from strength to strength."

Teng also underscored the company's wider ambitions to enhance compliance and foster stronger relationships with regulators globally. He highlighted Yi He's critical role in community growth and product innovation, especially as Binance sets its sights on an ambitious new target: reaching one billion users.

Yi He: From Co-Founder to Co-CEO

Yi He's new title formalises a leadership influence she has long wielded within Binance. Known for her hands-on, community-oriented style, she is recognised for prioritising direct user engagement and customer service, which have become cornerstones of the company's internal culture.

Her journey to the pinnacle of the crypto world is noteworthy. Hailing from a rural village in China's Sichuan Province, Yi He pursued higher education and worked as a television host before entering the blockchain industry. This path through early crypto skepticism instilled in her a focus on building robust infrastructure rather than following fleeting trends.

In her statement, Yi He expressed honour in building alongside Richard Teng, citing his 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," she said, emphasising a commitment to responsible global expansion and sustainable innovation with users at the core.

Strategic Focus on Web3 and Regulatory Alignment

This leadership transition signals a strategic shift for Binance as it deepens its focus on next-generation Web3 infrastructure. With nearly 300 million users across numerous jurisdictions, the exchange is positioning itself to shape a future where digital assets are seamlessly integrated into the broader financial ecosystem.

The appointment reinforces Binance's long-term commitment to:

  • Regulatory alignment and compliance across global markets.
  • User-centric product innovation and community growth.
  • Building the foundational infrastructure for a Web3 future.

Yi He's expanded role is both a recognition of her foundational impact and a calculated step to ensure continuity. It aims to maintain momentum as Binance seeks to lead the next wave of global cryptocurrency adoption, balancing aggressive growth with increased transparency and responsible practices.