Donald Trump has pardoned the founder of the world's biggest cryptocurrency exchange - amid allegations of a conflict of interest.

Changpeng Zhao spent almost four months behind bars last year after admitting that Binance had failed to maintain an effective anti-money laundering programme.

Prosecutors in the case had alleged that inadequate checks had meant criminals could move illicit funds using crypto - including child sex offenders, drug traffickers, terrorists and sanctioned countries.

Image: White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has spoken about Changpeng Zhao's pardon. Pic: AP

Mr Trump's decision to offer clemency has attracted criticism from some ethics experts, given the president's business empire includes several crypto ventures.

White House Press Secretary Karolin

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