admin 
At the Token 2049 conference held in Abu Dhabi, Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) appeared on the “Faro Radio” podcast, delivering striking insights into the future of the crypto industry, Bitcoin predictions, the memecoin frenzy, his prison experience, and Donald Trump’s pro-crypto policies.
Having emerged from prison with a more cautious outlook but unwavering commitment to the industry, CZ reiterated his belief in decentralization and the long-term potential of crypto. Here are the key highlights from the interview.
CZ’s Bitcoin Predictions: A Peak Between $500,000 and $1 Million
CZ made a bold prediction about Bitcoin’s price trajectory in this cycle. Highlighting the role of ETFs and institutional investments in driving Bitcoin’s price upward, he forecasted a peak between $500,000 and $1 million:
“Bitcoin is rising because most ETFs are Bitcoin-based. I think in this cycle, the price will be somewhere between $500,000 and $1 million.”
He noted that government purchases of Bitcoin are positive for price action but could undermine the spirit of decentralization. CZ advocated for small investors to acquire Bitcoin before governments, stating, “As early adopters, we want governments to come in last. We’d prefer the little guys to hold Bitcoin first.”
What Did CZ Experience in Prison?
CZ described his four-month prison stint last year as “extremely tough” and “frightening.” He shared a cell with a double murderer serving a 30-year sentence:
“My first cellmate had a 30-year sentence for killing two people.”
Despite the harsh environment, CZ noted that most inmates were polite, and he faced no issues. Prison reminded him of the importance of health and family, he said. In an environment without internet access, he could only track Bitcoin prices through messages from his family. CZ emphasized that his prison experience made him more cautious and more attuned to geopolitical issues.
Memecoin Frenzy: Short-Term and Risky
Addressing his interest in memecoins, CZ admitted to initial curiosity but quickly recognized their risks. He argued that 99.999% of memecoins are doomed to fail, stating, “CoinMarketCap tracks 13-14 million tokens. You can imagine how many will fail.”
CZ engaged with memecoin communities on the BNB Chain but has no plans to trade them. He expressed concern that memecoins divert attention from utility-driven projects, potentially harming the industry.
Centralized vs. Decentralized Exchanges: Coexisting Tools
Discussing the debate between centralized exchanges (CEX) and decentralized exchanges (DEX), CZ argued that the two are not rivals but complementary tools providing access to blockchain. While CEX platforms are user-friendly, he predicted that DEX platforms will eventually dominate:
In the future, DEX will be bigger than CEX.
CZ highlighted Binance’s investments in DEX and blockchain development, underscoring their commitment to the decentralization vision. While Binance listings are seen as a “top signal” by short-term speculators, he stressed that they mark a starting point for long-term builders.
Donald Trump and Crypto: A Major Opportunity for the Industry
CZ hailed Donald Trump’s pro-crypto stance as a turning point for the industry. He praised Trump for understanding crypto like a “people’s person” and suggested that this shift could encourage other countries to buy Bitcoin:
The U.S. doing a 180 to become pro-crypto will lead other countries to follow.
CZ recalled watching Trump’s pro-crypto rhetoric on television while in prison, expressing optimism about the industry’s prospects under this policy. However, he clarified that he has no personal communication with Trump and avoids political donations.
You can also freely share your thoughts and comments about the topic in the comment section. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on our Telegram, YouTube, and Twitter channels for the latest news and updates.