In the fast-paced world of crypto, few voices carry as much weight as Changpeng Zhao, better known as CZ, the founder of Binance. Recently, on X (formerly Twitter), CZ posted a casual query about his follower growth stalling at 10 million, even as he believes we're in a bull market. This sparked a thread from decentralized AI researcher @S4mmyEth, who pointed out the intriguing disconnect: BNB is hitting new highs, while much of the market lingers in sideways action. Could this be the "new normal" in crypto, influenced by traditional finance (TradFi) creeping in? Let's break it down.

CZ's original post (view it here) reads: "Dumb question about X. My followers grew quickly from 9-10m, in a bear market. Then slowed to a halt after 10m, even in this bull market. Followers grew fast in previous bull markets. Lost correlation? Is this normal? or something wrong with X? or am I being 'too KOL'? 😂" It's a lighthearted take, but it subtly affirms his view that we're amid a bull run—something not everyone agrees on given the uneven price action across the board.

@S4mmyEth chimed in with: "CZ thinks we’re in a bull market; BNB continues to surge into price discovery. Meanwhile, the rest of the market has chopped with minor price pumps, but nothing like previous cycles. Is this the new normal given structural changes / tradFi alignment?" (original thread). This highlights BNB's standout performance. As the native token of the Binance ecosystem, BNB has been on a tear, benefiting from Binance's robust infrastructure and growing adoption. Price discovery here means BNB is charting new all-time highs, defying the broader market's hesitation.

For context, in past bull cycles—like 2017 or 2021—altcoins (alternative cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin) often exploded in unison, driven by retail hype and FOMO (fear of missing out). Memecoins, those fun, community-driven tokens like Dogecoin or Shiba Inu, rode these waves to massive gains. But this time feels different. Bitcoin and Ethereum have seen solid uptrends, yet many alts—including popular memecoins—are stuck in ranges or experiencing only fleeting pumps. Why? @S4mmyEth suggests structural shifts, particularly the alignment with TradFi.

TradFi refers to traditional finance institutions like banks, hedge funds, and ETFs entering the crypto space. Think BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF or institutional staking on Ethereum. This influx brings stability and liquidity but also tempers the wild volatility that fueled past altcoin frenzies. Institutions prioritize blue-chip assets like BTC, ETH, and now BNB (given Binance's dominance), leading to a more stratified market. Memecoins, often seen as high-risk plays, might not get the same love unless they tie into real utility or viral narratives.

Replies to the thread echo this sentiment. One user noted, "It seems there will no longer be periods when all the coins in a row grow," while another speculated on institutional inflows favoring "sure, slow but steady" returns over 1000x moonshots. For meme token enthusiasts, this could mean adapting strategies—focusing on projects with strong communities, integrations with major chains like BNB Smart Chain, or even AI-driven memes that align with emerging tech trends.

At Meme Insider, we track how these macro shifts impact the meme ecosystem. If this is indeed the new normal, memecoins might thrive in niche bull runs, sparked by cultural moments or tech innovations rather than blanket market euphoria. BNB's surge could indirectly boost memes on its chain, as lower fees and faster transactions attract more builders and traders.

Keep an eye on CZ's insights—they often signal broader trends. Whether you're holding BNB or hunting the next big meme, understanding this evolving landscape is key to navigating crypto's next phase. What's your take? Is the bull market here, but just wearing a suit and tie thanks to TradFi?