Binance Founder CZ Exposes $33 Trillion Secret at Davos Post-Pardon

TLDR

• Changpeng Zhao’s appearance at Davos 2026 signals the rise of stablecoins as key financial infrastructure.
• Stablecoin transactions now total $33 trillion annually, growing beyond crypto trading.
• Binance founder CZ’s Davos talk highlights the institutional adoption of blockchain.
• Stablecoins could reach up to $4 trillion by 2030, reshaping global finance.

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Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the pardoned founder of Binance, made a significant appearance at the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos. This marked his first official slot at the event since his 2025 pardon following a legal settlement with U.S. authorities. Zhao, who had previously faced serious legal challenges, used the platform to reveal the growth of stablecoins and tokenized assets—two key components of blockchain technology that have gained massive traction in the global financial system.

A New Era of Financial Infrastructure

Zhao’s participation at Davos was not only a personal milestone but also an indication of the increasing relevance of blockchain-based financial systems. He spoke about how stablecoins have moved beyond speculative crypto assets and have become crucial components of the global payment infrastructure.

These digital currencies, which are pegged to traditional assets like the U.S. dollar, are now used for cross-border transactions, settling payments and storing value across borders. As Zhao stated, “Stablecoins are no longer just a crypto asset class but have grown into an important financial network layer.”

According to Artemis data, the annual transaction volume of stablecoins now approaches $33 trillion. This figure positions stablecoins alongside traditional payment systems like Visa, illustrating their scale and significance. The growing reliance on these assets signals a shift in the global financial landscape, where blockchain technology is playing an increasingly integral role in payments and financial services.

Institutional Adoption of Blockchain

During the session titled “Where Are We on Stablecoins?”, Zhao’s words highlighted the importance of compliance infrastructure in achieving mainstream adoption of blockchain technology. His appearance at Davos was not just a victory for crypto enthusiasts but a signal that blockchain products, particularly stablecoins, are now indispensable for major financial institutions.

This shift, Zhao explained, means that regulated entities now need to work with blockchain technology, as seen in the growing use of tokenized U.S. Treasuries and other financial instruments.

Since Binance’s 2023 settlement with U.S. authorities, the company has been operating under stringent compliance measures, including independent monitorships. Zhao’s role on various national advisory boards, such as Pakistan’s Crypto Council and a stablecoin initiative in Kyrgyzstan, further cements his position as a key player in the future of digital finance. His presence at Davos symbolized a wider trend where blockchain operators are now seen as partners in the mainstream financial system, subject to regulatory oversight.

Stablecoins and Tokenized Assets Shaping Future Markets

The future of stablecoins and tokenized assets is not just about the technology itself but how these financial products will be regulated and governed. Forecasts predict that stablecoins could reach anywhere from $1.2 trillion to $4 trillion by 2030.

This growth is contingent upon developing strong legal frameworks and ensuring the stability of these digital assets. Similarly, the tokenization of financial assets, such as real estate and government bonds, is expected to reach a value of up to $11 trillion by 2030.

However, the success of these products depends largely on how legal systems enforce smart contracts and whether traditional financial institutions integrate tokenized assets into their operations. With governments and regulators closely monitoring the growth of these markets, the future of stablecoins and tokenized assets will likely depend on their ability to comply with global financial regulations.

A Turning Point for Crypto and Traditional Finance

Zhao’s speech at Davos represents a crucial turning point in the relationship between cryptocurrency and traditional finance. It is no longer a question of whether cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies belong in the financial system; rather, it’s about which parts of these technologies will be adopted and regulated by institutional players.

As blockchain products like stablecoins and tokenized assets move into the mainstream, the global elite can no longer ignore their impact on the financial system.

Zhao’s return to the world stage underscores the growing importance of these digital technologies. Their integration into the broader financial system is inevitable, and the debate is now focused on how they will be governed and who will set the rules. As the market for stablecoins and tokenized assets continues to expand, the world will be watching how these new financial instruments reshape global economic policies.

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