Yi He: The Most Influential Woman in Cryptocurrency
In the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency, few figures have emerged as influential as Yi He, co-founder of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. As of 2025, Yi He stands as a symbol of resilience and leadership, having transformed her life from humble beginnings to becoming a multibillionaire and a celebrated figure in the crypto community.
Yi He’s journey started in the 1980s in rural Sichuan province, China, where she faced significant hardships, including the loss of her father at a young age. These experiences instilled in her a strong work ethic and determination. Today, she holds a reported 10% stake in Binance, a company she helped build from the ground up alongside co-founder Changpeng Zhao, who faced legal challenges in the past year. Zhao’s plea deal, which involved a $4 billion settlement, created substantial challenges for both him and Yi He, especially considering their personal and professional ties.
Despite these obstacles, Binance has maintained its position at the forefront of the cryptocurrency market. After Zhao completed his sentence, the exchange continued to thrive under the leadership of CEO Richard Teng, who has implemented new compliance measures to adapt to the regulatory landscape. Yi He has played a pivotal role in this transition, taking on a more public-facing position within the company.
“My personal life is independent from my professional life. My achievements and capabilities as cofounder are often overlooked with my personal life in question,” Yi He stated, highlighting her commitment to her role at Binance.
Yi He’s dedication extends to her customer-first approach, which has been crucial in Binance’s success. She actively engages with customers across various platforms, ensuring their concerns are addressed. This hands-on strategy is exemplified by her personal intervention in a case where she successfully recovered funds for a university student who mistakenly sent crypto to the wrong wallet—a gesture that resonated deeply with the student.
Her background and experiences allow Yi He to relate to Binance’s diverse user base. Unlike in some Western cultures where narratives of overcoming adversity are celebrated, Yi He has faced criticism in China for her success. However, her response to detractors has been empowering: she encourages others to pursue their own successes regardless of their backgrounds.
As Binance navigates the complexities of the cryptocurrency landscape, Yi He’s leadership style has been compared to that of Sheryl Sandberg at Facebook, where she combines strategic insight with a commitment to employee support. Binance’s culture, described as a “founder culture,” emphasizes the drive and innovation that characterized its early days, even as the company has matured and adapted to new regulatory challenges.
Looking ahead, Yi He envisions a future where cryptocurrency and traditional finance become increasingly integrated. She predicts that advancements in blockchain technology will accelerate this convergence, transforming the financial landscape in ways akin to the advent of the internet.
In a world where technological advancements continue to reshape our daily lives, Yi He remains a prominent figure in the crypto sphere, embodying the potential for transformation from adversity to success. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, illustrating that with determination and vision, significant barriers can indeed be overcome.
For more insights on Yi He and the cryptocurrency industry, visit Fortune.
