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Binance co-founders use Simpsons aliases in internal meetings
CoinDesk says Changpeng Zhao and Yi He have used “Homer” and “Marge” in Binance meetings, and it notes CZ left as CEO in November 2023 after a U.S. DOJ Bank Secrecy Act case.
CoinDesk reports that Binance co-founders Changpeng “CZ” Zhao and Yi He adopted Simpsons-style aliases for internal use, with Yi using the name “Marge” and Zhao using “Homer” during company meetings and internal chats across Binance and its subsidiaries.
The outlet says the playful pseudonyms were first reported by HKET, and that screenshots showing Yi using “Marge” were shared with CoinDesk. It also states that someone close to Zhao confirmed he used the “Homer” alias.
CoinDesk adds that the aliases tie back to Binance branding, citing a claim that the yellow of the Simpsons characters references the exchange’s corporate color in its logo and marketing. It also describes the pair as long-time business partners, with Yi having recruited Zhao as chief technical officer at OKCoin, now OKX, before they founded Binance in 2017.
The story further notes that Zhao resigned as Binance CEO in November 2023 after the U.S. Department of Justice alleged he violated the Bank Secrecy Act, and that he later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four months in prison in April 2024. It says he received a presidential pardon in October 2025, and that CoinDesk cites Forbes for Zhao’s reported net worth estimate.