Former Binance CEO and founder Changpeng Zhao is excited about the increasing institutional interest in BNB, the native token of the Binance ecosystem. In a recent post, Zhao lauded the vision of Nano Labs, a cryptocurrency-mining chip design company based in China, for its intention to establish a strategic reserve focused on BNB.
On June 24, 2025, Zhao highlighted Nano Labs’ announcement of a $500 million convertible note raise. The firm plans to accumulate up to $1 billion worth of BNB, aiming to hold between 5% to 10% of the total circulating supply. This move not only reflects confidence in BNB’s potential but also positions the token as a long-term treasury asset.
‘BNB “MicroStrategy” coming to a company near you!‘ Zhao proclaimed, indicating that a wave of corporate adoption is on the horizon. This refers to MicroStrategy’s well-known approach to Bitcoin acquisition, signifying a shift in how companies view cryptocurrency as a viable asset class. However, while there is growing enthusiasm, it is important to note that the path for BNB is laden with skepticism and challenges.
Despite being marketed as a public, blockchain-native token, BNB’s association with Binance has raised concerns regarding regulatory issues and the overall decentralization of the token. Consequently, investor sentiment has been cautious, as reflected in BNB’s performance over the past year, which has seen it lag behind its competitors. However, the burgeoning institutional interest may pave the way for BNB to establish its own identity outside Binance’s shadow.
This shifting dynamic highlights a critical moment for BNB. Institutional adoption was pivotal in Bitcoin’s rise, and it’s plausible that BNB may experience a similar trajectory. As more enterprises consider integrating BNB within their asset portfolios, the future of the token might transform, potentially enhancing its prominence in the cryptocurrency market.
In conclusion, Changpeng Zhao’s optimism signals a transformative phase for BNB. As companies like Nano Labs lead the charge in utilizing BNB as a corporate reserve asset, it could signify the onset of broader acceptance of cryptocurrency among institutional investors. If these trends continue, we may soon witness BNB stepping out from the shadows of its parent exchange and into a more autonomous future.
