Richard Teng is a prominent Singaporean business executive and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. He is widely recognized for his extensive background in financial regulation, having held senior leadership roles in some of the most influential regulatory bodies and financial institutions in Asia and the Middle East. Teng’s appointment as CEO of Binance in November 2023 marked a significant transition for the company, signaling a strategic shift toward institutional compliance and global regulatory engagement. Born in Singapore in 1971, Teng pursued a career path rooted in finance and governance. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accountancy with first-class honors from Nanyang Technological University and a master’s degree in applied finance from the University of Western Australia. Furthermore, he completed the Executive Leadership Programme at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Before entering the private sector, Teng dedicated over three decades to the financial services industry, largely within regulatory and oversight capacities. Teng’s professional trajectory began in the public sector, where he spent 13 years at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). During his tenure at the central bank, he served as the Director of Corporate Finance, among other senior positions, where he was deeply involved in formulating and implementing policies across the banking, insurance, and capital market sectors. His regulatory expertise led him to the Singapore Exchange (SGX) in 2007, where he served for seven years in various capacities, ultimately becoming the Chief Regulatory Officer. In this role, he oversaw the regulation of listed companies, members, and clearing houses, ensuring market integrity and transparency. In 2015, Teng moved to the United Arab Emirates to become the CEO of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) at the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). Under his six-year leadership, the ADGM became a leading international center for financial services, fintech, and digital assets, earning global acclaim for its progressive and well-structured regulatory framework. This period solidified his reputation as an innovative regulator capable of balancing technological advancement with consumer protection. In August 2021, Teng transitioned to the private sector, joining Binance as the CEO of its Singapore operations. His role within the exchange expanded rapidly; he was appointed as the Regional Head of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in 2023, eventually taking on the responsibility of Global Head of Regional Markets. When Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao stepped down in November 2023 following a landmark settlement with the United States Department of Justice, Teng was appointed as the new CEO. Since assuming the top role at Binance, Teng has focused on transitioning the company from its startup-centric roots toward a model defined by regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and long-term sustainability. His mandate involves navigating complex legal landscapes, fostering stronger relationships with global regulators, and rebuilding institutional trust. His leadership is widely viewed as a pivotal effort to align one of the world's largest digital asset platforms with traditional financial standards, reflecting his lifelong commitment to market integrity and responsible innovation in the financial services sector.