- Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao believes cryptocurrency could become the native currency for artificial intelligence, with BNB Chain playing a major role.
- BNB Standard holds more than 515,400 BNB worth approximately $383.5 million and plans to expand beyond treasury holdings by operating a blockchain validator.
- Zhao identified AI agents, tokenized computing resources and cryptocurrency payments as potential opportunities for BNB Chain.
Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao believes cryptocurrency could become the primary currency used by artificial intelligence systems as AI adoption continues expanding.
Speaking at a Monday media briefing following BNB Standard’s Nasdaq opening bell ceremony, Zhao outlined his vision for the growing relationship between blockchain technology and artificial intelligence.
Zhao, widely known as CZ, suggested that AI systems could eventually use Bitcoin, existing stablecoins or new digital tokens issued by AI companies.
He also expressed interest in positioning BNB Chain as a major blockchain network supporting those transactions.
“We hope to make the BNB Chain the major one, but that’s still to be done,” Zhao said.
CZ Sees BNB Chain Supporting AI Payments
Zhao believes artificial intelligence could create new demand for cryptocurrency as autonomous systems increasingly interact with digital services.
AI agents could potentially use blockchain networks to transfer funds, purchase computing resources and complete transactions without relying entirely on traditional payment infrastructure.
He also revealed that he had discussed tokens representing computing resources earlier in the day.
Zhao expressed interest in bringing these types of assets onto BNB Chain, although he did not provide details about specific projects or launch timelines.
The comments highlight his broader ambition to expand BNB Chain’s utility beyond cryptocurrency trading and decentralized finance.
However, Zhao acknowledged that significant development is still needed before the network can become a major payment infrastructure provider for AI systems.
BNB Standard Plans Active Blockchain Strategy
BNB Standard, formerly known as CEA Industries, is also expanding its involvement in the BNB ecosystem.
The Nasdaq-listed company recently adopted its new name and appointed Alex Odagiu as CEO.
Despite the rebranding, the company continues trading under the BNC ticker.
BNB Standard currently holds more than 515,400 BNB, valued at approximately $383.5 million, making it the largest publicly traded corporate BNB treasury holder.
Odagiu said the company intends to build an operating business on BNB Chain rather than simply accumulating tokens.
“We’re not here just to hold the asset,” Odagiu said during the Nasdaq ceremony.
Its first planned initiative involves operating a validator on BNB Chain.
The company is also exploring potential opportunities involving payments and AI agents, although Odagiu emphasized that BNB Standard is not currently a payments business.
CZ Highlights Challenges Facing Crypto Payments
Despite his optimism, Zhao acknowledged that cryptocurrency payments remain difficult for everyday users.
He pointed to problems involving token compatibility and differences between cryptocurrencies held by consumers and those accepted by merchants.
“I try to pay everything in crypto, and it’s pretty clunky,” Zhao said.
Rather than immediately competing with established payment services such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, Zhao suggested that cryptocurrency startups should initially focus on underserved markets and international remittances.
Meanwhile, BNB Standard continues implementing changes following a governance dispute with its largest shareholder, YZi Labs.
In June, the company reached an agreement that added Odagiu, Ella Zhang and Matthew Roszak to its board.
BNB Standard shares traded around $5.36 on Monday, remaining down nearly 17% year-to-date.
The company’s next steps will center on developing its validator operations and identifying additional opportunities within the BNB Chain ecosystem.
