Changpeng Zhao, better known as CZ, has long maintained a low profile despite being one of the most powerful figures in the crypto world. But in a rare and revealing interview with Anthony Pompliano, the former Binance CEO opened up about his journey, the bold risks he took, and his bullish outlook for the future of crypto.
From Humble Beginnings to Billion-Dollar Bets
CZ’s entry into crypto was anything but glamorous. He reminded viewers that he once sold his house and quit a secure job to go all-in on the nascent crypto industry. That leap of faith became one of the most iconic success stories in crypto history.
While CZ didn’t disclose his exact net worth during the interview, Forbes estimates it at $65.1 billion, largely tied to his substantial holdings of BNB, the native token of Binance. It’s believed he controls about 64% of BNB’s total supply.
But CZ made it clear: money is no longer the goal. “Money is not the limiting resource,” he said. “Time and energy are.” He now chooses projects based on passion and long-term impact, not financial returns.
Bitcoin vs. Real Estate and Caution on Treasury Strategies
CZ also weighed in on Bitcoin’s value trajectory, stating that Bitcoin will soon be worth more than an average American house. While he’s bullish on Bitcoin’s long-term value, he cautioned companies against blindly adding Bitcoin to their treasuries without proper risk assessment. According to CZ, corporate adoption needs strategy, not just hype.
Institutional Adoption, ETFs, and XRP’s Role
The conversation wasn’t just about reflection. CZ said the crypto industry is entering an “extremely bullish” phase, driven by institutional interest.
He highlighted the growing wave of crypto ETFs, corporate treasuries embracing Bitcoin and Ethereum, and even traditional stock exchanges integrating digital assets.
Notably, CZ also addressed XRP. He explained why Binance continued to list XRP even during its legal troubles, emphasizing that XRP remained one of the top-traded coins on the platform, generating massive trading volume and fee revenue.
AI, Blockchain, and the Next Wave of Innovation
Looking ahead, CZ is particularly excited about the intersection of AI and blockchain. He envisions AI-powered crypto tools and governments adopting blockchain for digital IDs, tax systems, and public services.
“Just nine months ago, I wouldn’t have said this,” CZ admitted, “but now I see a new wave coming.”
Final Thoughts
From sacrificing stability for vision to shaping the future of digital finance, CZ’s story is a reminder that the crypto space is still evolving and the next chapter might just be the most revolutionary yet.
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