Binance Founder CZ Says Crypto Will Be AI Era’s Core Currency, Sees Bigger Role for BNB Chain
Summary
- Changpeng Zhao said cryptocurrency will become AI’s native currency in the age of artificial intelligence.
- Zhao said he hopes BNB Chain will become a major network for AI-related token transactions and mentioned the introduction of tokens linked to computing resources.
- BNB Standard, a Nasdaq-listed company, holds about $383.5 million worth of BNB and said it plans to expand into blockchain-based businesses as well as payments and AI agents.
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Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance, said cryptocurrencies will become a major means of payment in the age of artificial intelligence, and voiced optimism that BNB Chain will play a larger role.
The Block reported on October 26 that Zhao made the remarks at a press briefing after the opening-bell ceremony for BNB Standard at the Nasdaq in the US a day earlier. “Crypto will be the native currency for AI,” he said.
Zhao said AI could use not only Bitcoin and existing stablecoins for payments, but also tokens that AI companies may issue in the future. He said he hopes BNB Chain will become a major network for such transactions, though hurdles remain before that vision is realized.
He also mentioned the possibility of introducing tokens linked to computing resources on BNB Chain. He did not disclose specific business plans or a launch timeline.
BNB Standard, which participated in the event, is a Nasdaq-listed company that changed its name from CEA Industries. It currently holds more than 515,400 BNB worth about $383.5 million, making it the listed company with the largest BNB holdings.
Alex Odagiu, chief executive officer of BNB Standard, said the company plans to go beyond simply holding BNB and build blockchain-based businesses. It will first operate its own validator, then expand into payments and AI agents.
Zhao also stressed that cryptocurrency payments must become easier to use. He said he tries to make as many payments as possible with crypto, but the process is still cumbersome. He advised startups to target underbanked markets or cross-border remittances before trying to compete directly with Apple Pay and Google Pay in the US.
Separately, BNB Standard settled a management control dispute with its largest shareholder, YZi Labs, in June and restructured its board. The company’s shares traded at about $5.36 on October 26, down about 17% from the start of the year.
