Changpeng Zhao said he initially doubted real-world assets and stablecoins, which have since grown into a $200 billion sector.
Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) revealed in a May 9, 2026 interview that he was once skeptical of real-world assets (RWA) and stablecoins. Both have since expanded rapidly, with stablecoins now representing a $200 billion industry.
RWA emerged about 18 months ago, while Zhao’s doubts about stablecoins date back a decade. He compared the growth to SpaceX, suggesting mature technologies can still create new opportunities in crypto.
The remarks highlight shifting perceptions in digital asset markets as adoption accelerates.