In the fast-paced world of crypto, few figures command as much attention as Changpeng Zhao, better known as CZ, the former CEO of Binance. Recently, a viral tweet from Web3 influencer Annie (@web3annie) captured a clip from a podcast where CZ expressed his ultra-bullish stance on BNB, the native token of the Binance ecosystem. With BNB hitting a new all-time high of $1000, CZ quipped that this target was "not that low," implying even greater heights ahead. But what's the story behind this bold prediction, and how does it tie into the meme token scene we're all obsessed with here at Meme Insider?
Let's break it down. The tweet, posted on September 18, 2025, showcases a video clip of CZ reflecting on BNB's journey. Starting as a simple ERC-20 token on Ethereum back in 2017—essentially a way for Binance to raise funds during its ICO days—BNB has evolved into a powerhouse. Today, it's the fuel for multiple chains like Binance Smart Chain (BSC), Greenfield for decentralized storage, and opBNB for optimized performance. This expansion has birthed a massive financial ecosystem, including decentralized exchanges (DEXs like PancakeSwap), derivatives trading, lending platforms, and stablecoins.
CZ admits in the clip that for the past eight years, most of his energy went into building Binance, the centralized exchange giant. But now, post his time away (including a brief stint dealing with legal matters in the US), he's ready to pivot. "I'm paying a bit more attention to BNB," he says, highlighting how underdeveloped the ecosystem still is despite its growth. He points out that BNB isn't just tied to Binance anymore—it's a multi-chain asset powering decentralized apps, with room for way more innovation.
Why does this matter for meme tokens? BSC has been a hotbed for meme coin mania thanks to its low transaction fees and high speed, making it easier for retail traders to jump in without getting rekt by gas costs. Think about hits like Dogecoin clones or newer sensations—many thrive on BSC. If CZ is doubling down on BNB and its chains, we could see enhanced tools, better liquidity, and more launchpads that supercharge meme token projects. Imagine smoother integrations for community-driven tokens, or new features in Greenfield that let meme creators store and share viral content decentralized.
CZ himself chimed in on the thread two days later, on September 20, clarifying that the podcast was recorded when BNB was around $800. He even asked for the full episode link, showing his genuine interest. This interaction sparked replies from the community, with some hyping BNB's long-term hold potential—"8 years holding one BNB beats swapping a thousand others," one user noted—while others tied it to emerging projects like $GIGACHADBNB or $W.
Of course, crypto is volatile, and predictions are just that. Remember BNB's 2021 peak at $690 followed by a dip to $200 in 2022? Milestones like $1000 are exciting, but they come with corrections. Still, CZ's shift signals big things for BNB holders and the broader ecosystem, especially for meme enthusiasts building on these chains.
If you're diving into meme tokens, keep an eye on BSC developments. With CZ's renewed focus, the next wave of viral memes might just launch from there. Stay tuned to Meme Insider for more updates on how blockchain giants like BNB are shaping the meme meta.