At a recent BNBDay event in Tokyo, Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) outlined his bullish outlook on the future of crypto, highlighting the rise of decentralized exchanges (DEXs), AI-powered trading, and real-world assets (RWAs).
Zhao predicted that DEXs could eventually surpass centralized exchanges (CEXs) as decentralized finance (DeFi) adoption grows. He noted that if he were starting fresh today, he would build a privacy-focused perpetual DEX alongside a simple AI trading agent, emphasizing that artificial intelligence will play a key role in the evolution of DeFi.
“AI trading agents combined with sustainable, privacy-preserving DEXs will define the future. One day, DEX trading volumes will overtake CEXs. DeFi is the future,” Zhao stated.
His comments come as platforms like Hyperliquid have already outpaced major CEXs such as Coinbase and Bybit in daily trading volume, signaling a shift in market dynamics. Rising demand for self-custody and trustless systems, together with stablecoin adoption and RWA protocols, continues to boost DEX growth.
Beyond exchanges, CZ also stressed the potential of real-world assets (RWAs) such as securities, treasuries, and commodities, although he acknowledged ongoing hurdles around regulation, liquidity, and KYC compliance. To address these challenges, BNB Chain is investing heavily in supporting RWA-focused projects and working closely with builders in the ecosystem.
Zhao further noted the importance of digital asset treasury (DAT) companies, which make crypto investment more accessible to institutions and the public. He pointed out that single-asset models—like MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin treasury or CEA’s BNB holdings—remain the most straightforward approach.
Regarding his personal role, CZ downplayed his direct involvement in BNB Chain, calling himself more of a “cheerleader” who motivates the community while much of his wealth remains tied to BNB.
