CryptoCurrency
Changpeng Zhao Highlights Crypto’s Role in Tokenization and AI
TLDR
- Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao highlighted the success of crypto exchanges and stablecoins at the World Economic Forum.
- Zhao emphasized the importance of stablecoins for maintaining stability in the volatile crypto market.
- Tokenization is a key frontier for digital assets, with Zhao discussing talks with governments on asset tokenization
- Zhao sees the convergence of traditional payment systems and crypto, driving adoption for crypto payments.
- AI-driven transactions will use crypto as the native currency, according to Zhao, as AI grows more autonomous.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao, shared insights into crypto’s growth and future. Zhao highlighted the proven success of exchanges and stablecoins. He also discussed the next frontiers for digital assets, including state-level tokenization, crypto payments, and AI-driven transactions.
Exchanges and Stablecoins Proven Success
During his speech, Changpeng Zhao emphasized that two areas have proven successful in the crypto space, exchanges and stablecoins. “These are large businesses now,” he said, noting their growth. Exchanges provide a secure environment for trading, while stablecoins offer a less volatile medium for crypto transactions.
.@cz_binance on what’s working in crypto – and what’s next – at @wef Davos 🔥
What’s proven at scale: exchanges & stablecoins.
The next frontier:
> State-level tokenization of assets
> Crypto as the invisible payment rail
> AI agents transacting autonomously, using crypto as… pic.twitter.com/PG3eoNBMRV— YZi Labs (@yzilabs) January 22, 2026
Stablecoins have become essential for many users, providing stability in an otherwise volatile market. The ability to maintain a consistent value has made stablecoins an attractive option for traders. Zhao pointed out that both sectors will continue to play a central role in the industry’s development.
The Next Frontier: Tokenization, Payments, and AI Transactions
Changpeng Zhao also spoke about the future of crypto, identifying tokenization as a major frontier. “I’m talking with probably a dozen governments about tokenizing some of their assets,” he revealed. Tokenization could unlock financial gains for governments and allow them to develop markets and industries.
He also highlighted the convergence of traditional payment methods with crypto. Through systems like swipe cards, crypto could be used behind the scenes for transactions, with merchants receiving traditional currencies. Zhao believes that this bridge could significantly drive crypto adoption for payments.
Zhao also addressed the role of AI in crypto. “The native currency for AI agents will be crypto,” he stated. As AI systems grow more autonomous, they will likely use crypto to execute transactions and manage financial activities, without relying on traditional payment methods.
