Forbes’ 2026 Billionaires List ranks Binance founder Changpeng Zhao above Bill Gates in global wealth. The list estimates Zhao’s net worth at $111.1 billion, largely from his stake in Binance and BNB holdings, while Gates’ is listed at $105.7 billion. Zhao has publicly disputed the figures, questioning the methodology as cryptocurrency prices fell significantly that year.
Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has reportedly surpassed Bill Gates in wealth according to a recent billionaires list. CZ placed 17th with an estimated net worth of $111.1 billion, while Gates ranked 19th at $105.7 billion.
The data suggests Zhao’s wealth grew due to his Binance-linked crypto holdings. In contrast, Gates’ fortune has remained stable, tied to Microsoft shares and philanthropic giving.
Zhao directly challenged the report’s accuracy on social media. “Didn’t read the Forbes article, but if you just look at the little chart 👇, you know it’s wrong,” he stated.
He questioned how his net worth could increase while crypto prices fell over 50% in 2026. Zhao also compared ByteDance‘s valuation to its former CEO’s net worth, suggesting the calculations were “way off.”
The ranking was based on stock prices and exchange rates from March 1, 2026. Wealth estimates consider stakes in public and private companies, real estate, and other assets.
For Zhao, most wealth is believed to originate from his roughly 90% ownership stake in Binance. He also holds a significant amount of BNB tokens, having previously shared his crypto portfolio is 98.5% BNB.
Gates’ fortune has historically been tied to his stake in Microsoft. However, his ownership is now below 1% after years of donations and diversification.
He has given over $59 billion to the trust funding the Gates Foundation. This philanthropy has reduced his overall net worth and affected his placement on the list.
