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In Forbes’ September 2026 snapshot, Changpeng Zhao (CZ), Binance’s founder and former CEO, is the leading crypto-associated fortune shown: Forbes estimated his net worth at $114.6 billion as of September 15, 2026. That is a dated estimate, not a statement of cash on hand or a complete crypto-only ranking.
Who is the richest crypto billionaire?
Forbes estimated Zhao’s net worth at $114.6 billion as of September 15, 2026, and its real-time billionaire tracker snapshot from September 16 placed him 18th among billionaires worldwide. A global rank is not the same as a rank among people whose wealth is tied to crypto.
Forbes attributes Zhao’s fortune chiefly to his estimated 90% ownership of Binance and his BNB tokens. Those are estimates of business equity and token holdings, not necessarily liquid assets. See Forbes’ Changpeng Zhao profile and the Forbes real-time billionaire tracker.
Crypto-associated fortunes with dated Forbes estimates
| Person | Forbes estimate | Estimated wealth source | Global rank information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Changpeng Zhao (CZ) | $114.6 billion as of September 15, 2026 (Forbes profile) | About 90% of Binance and BNB tokens, as estimated by Forbes | 18th worldwide in the September 16, 2026 tracker snapshot |
| Brian Armstrong | $8.4 billion as of September 10, 2026 (Forbes profile) | About 19% ownership of Coinbase, as estimated by Forbes | Exact position in a crypto-only ranking is not established by the cited profile |
Forbes identifies Armstrong as Coinbase’s chief executive and cofounder. His estimate is from a different date than Zhao’s, so the figures are useful context rather than a synchronized comparison. Forbes’ Brian Armstrong profile gives the estimate and ownership figure.
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Why this is not a complete crypto-billionaire top ten
The available Forbes figures establish a leading name and a useful comparison, but they do not establish a complete current crypto-only list or a consistent valuation method across all potential candidates. Extending this table into a numbered top ten would imply ranks and comparable valuations that these sources do not support.
Rankings also depend on what qualifies as a crypto fortune. A person may hold exchange equity, other company equity, tokens, or a mix. Comparing candidates fairly requires the same valuation date, a clear inclusion rule, and estimates built on a consistent basis. Private-company stakes and volatile token prices can change estimates and ordering.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to interpret billionaire wealth estimates
Forbes publishes estimates, not audited statements of personal wealth. A net-worth estimate can include stakes in companies and tokens whose values fluctuate; it should not be read as the amount a person could immediately spend. The profile dates matter: Zhao’s figure is dated September 15, while Armstrong’s is dated September 10, 2026, and real-time tracker values can move.
Zhao has described the volatility plainly: “We need to respect the market, with a level of caution too. It goes up and down in cycles. And especially the fact that it doesn’t always make sense.” The statement appears in his Forbes profile.
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