CZ Year-End Q&A Summary: In addition to Giggle Academy, what other projects is he working on?

Original Author: Chain Research, Crypto KOL

Editor's Note: On the evening of December 18, Binance founder CZ participated in the year-end AMA hosted by BNB Chain. During the event, he shared his views on topics such as pardons, investment philosophy, stablecoins, RWA, and more. This article is a summary compiled by crypto KOL Chain Research, and the original article is as follows:

Is CZ back? Not quite.

After stepping down as Binance CEO, CZ made a rare appearance at the recent BNB Chain annual AMA. Without the CEO title, he was even more candid.

About 2026, AI payments, and his current "freedom" life, there was a lot of information shared.

I have summarized the 7 most crucial insights, with the last point hitting home for entrepreneurs.

1. On Retirement Life: Freedom is the Ultimate Luxury

CZ openly expressed that his greatest feeling now is freedom. Although retired, he has not stopped working. Far from being idle, his energy is mainly devoted to four things:

1. Giggle Academy: A completely free education platform, which is also his current pet project.

2. YZi Labs: Acting as a mentor and coach, helping entrepreneurs navigate pitfalls (not just providing funding).

3. BNB Chain: Although not involved in technical details, he still steers the overall direction.

4. Government Advisory: This is quite interesting; he is helping design regulatory frameworks for over a dozen countries in the Middle East, Pakistan, and more. And the personal share is non-negligible.

CZ also mentioned that he still maintains a disciplined life, sticking to about 30-40 minutes of exercise every day and trying more outdoor activities.

From building an empire to setting rules, this transition is quite smooth.

2. The Stealth Growth of BNB Chain

Many people think BNB Chain is not as glamorous? The data might prove otherwise:

· Trading volume has increased by 600% year-on-year

· Daily Active Users (DAU) surpassed 2 million.

· Even with CZ's retreat, Binance's user base still exceeded 300 million.

The BNB ecosystem's value is like that of a Nasdaq-listed company, far surpassing the Nasdaq exchange platform itself.

Despite significant growth in the crypto market, crypto assets account for less than 1% of global wealth penetration, indicating potential for several orders of magnitude growth in the future.

CZ's insightful summary of the past: Boxing in a marathon. It requires both endurance for the long run and the ability to maintain high-frequency combat power. This is much more challenging than simply chasing short-term rankings.

3. Prediction Markets: Diverse Growth, Not a Horse Race

Prediction markets have been very popular recently (PolyMarket nailed the U.S. election outcome). Many competitors have also emerged on the BNB Chain. CZ's attitude is not to engage in internal competition. Labs will not only bet on one player but allow the market to compete naturally. It is still too early to discuss who the winner is; expanding the pie is the priority.

4. Stablecoins 2.0: Yield Is King

If stablecoins do not generate interest, they are a relic of the 1.0 era (like Tether). CZ believes that the core of Stablecoins 2.0 is: interest + ease of transaction. Models like Ethena (USDe), which can earn interest and circulate, are the future. With compliance taking root, stablecoins will see more opportunities, and the ultimate winner will be determined by users and the market.

5. AI + Crypto: The Most Definite Alpha

This point is crucial! CZ believes that AI Agents will be the largest user group for crypto payments. The logic is simple: robots cannot open a bank account, pass KYC, or use a credit card. Crypto is AI's only economic means of interaction. A blockchain payment network designed specifically for AI presents tremendous opportunities.

6. RWA: National-Level Entry

When we talk about RWA (Real World Assets on-chain), CZ is already in discussions with heads of state. Many resource-based countries (oil, rare earth) are wealthy but lack liquidity. The tokenization of national resources is becoming a serious topic. This is not just financing; it is about activating the liquidity of national-level assets. The narrative level of this track has changed.

7. Advice for Entrepreneurs: Don't Be Speculators

CZ's current investment criterion is now only one: Mission-driven.

Thinking of making a quick 10 million and running? ❌ He doesn't value that kind of person now.

Switching tracks every few months? ❌ Lack of perseverance.

For tech experts looking to transition, his advice is also very straightforward: First, excel in technology, then work on your emotional intelligence (EQ). Because at the core of business, it's all about networking. (8/9)

Summary: Crossing the Cycle

After listening to the entire AMA session, it feels like CZ has changed, becoming more aloof and paying more attention to the big picture.

Just as he said, whether it's AI or SocialFi, no matter who is currently leading, Keep Building is the only path to cross the cycle. Nvidia sat on the sidelines for 40 years before taking off; why are you in such a hurry?

2026 belongs to the marathon runners.

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