- CZ is bullish on AI + blockchain, saying AI is a natural post-blockchain tech stack.
- He believes DeSci (decentralized science) will accelerate fields like drug discovery and human biology.
- He expects RWA and ETF-driven sectors to grow rapidly due to major institutional adoption.
In a recent interview, Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) opened up about the crypto sectors he’s most optimistic about right now. Far from just hype, CZ’s picks reflect a deeper conviction in the long-term convergence of blockchain with emerging technologies and institutional finance. From AI to real-world assets, his comments offer a window into what may define the next major cycle.
AI and Blockchain: A Symbiotic Relationship
CZ didn’t hesitate to spotlight artificial intelligence as one of the most promising sectors—particularly when paired with blockchain. In his view, AI and crypto aren’t just compatible; they’re destined to integrate.
“AI is a post-blockchain technology,” CZ said, implying that future AI systems will operate natively on decentralized infrastructure. He sees a strong need for blockchain in validating and coordinating AI outputs—ensuring auditability, transparency, and ownership rights in an age where synthetic data and decision-making will grow exponentially.
DeSci Could Be the Long Game Winner
Beyond AI, CZ voiced long-term confidence in DeSci, the decentralized science movement aiming to disrupt how research is funded, published, and rewarded.
He acknowledged that science doesn’t offer the instant gratification of meme coins. “Solving scientific problems tends to take a long time,” he said. “Obviously, memecoin traders won’t be too interested in that.”
But for those with patience, the upside could be massive. CZ believes crypto tools like smart contracts can be used to fund science projects on a milestone or time-based schedule. This structure, he noted, could “accelerate drug discovery and breakthroughs in human biology.” It’s not flashy, but it could reshape one of the most critical sectors in human progress.
RWA and ETFs: The Institutional Wave
CZ also mentioned that real-world assets (RWAs) are an “obvious” sector to watch, largely due to the recent involvement of traditional financial giants like BlackRock. Tokenizing physical assets such as real estate, bonds, and equities on-chain opens up liquidity and access, and big players are already making their move.
He also commented on the ETF surge, specifically in the U.S. market. While ETFs have been instrumental in bringing institutional capital into crypto—especially Bitcoin—CZ pointed out that the phenomenon remains largely U.S.-centric for now.
“These ETFs are heavily for the U.S. market,” he said, “but because they’re Bitcoin-based, we’ve already seen prices rise.”
Final Thoughts
CZ’s sector picks offer a blend of vision and realism: AI and blockchain as a technological stack, DeSci as a slow burn with high payoff, and RWAs/ETFs as signals of institutional adoption. It’s not just about chasing the next meme pump—it’s about betting on where the infrastructure of the next internet will be built.
