Binance Blog

Main TakeawaysBinance OTC has consolidated Spot RFQ and Execution into Binance Execution Services (BES), a single, unified trading dashboard.Clients can raise quote requests, review live pricing, and execute orders entirely within the BES dashboard, without relying on external communication channels.Every order connects clients to a dedicated Binance OTC trader via a persistent in-platform service group, with real-time coverage at every stage.Limited-Time Promotion: 56,000 USDC in Rewards — New OTC Dashboard CampaignTry the new Binance Execution Services dashboard and compete for a share of 56,000 USDC. Three tracks: exclusive rewards for first-time users, a leaderboard for the highest-volume traders, and a referral bonus for every qualified introduction. Campaign runs 4 June 2026 – 19 July 2026. Register now. Terms & Conditions apply.For institutional clients and high-net-worth traders, OTC execution has long required navigating multiple tools, coordinating across messaging apps, and waiting on manual updates to track order progress. The experience rarely matched the sophistication of the trades being placed.Over time, feedback from institutional clients and VIP traders pointed to a consistent set of friction points: execution services spread across disconnected workflows, no real-time visibility into order progress, and coverage that lived outside the platform rather than inside it. The upgraded Binance Execution Services dashboard is a direct response to that feedback.OTC trading at institutional scale demands more than just competitive pricing. It demands transparency, speed, and a direct line to your execution team at every stage. The new dashboard brings all of that together in one place. Clients can see exactly where their order stands, communicate with their trader in real time, and move from quote to execution without friction. This is the standard institutional OTC should have always been held to. – Catherine Chen, Head of Binance VIP & InstitutionalInstitutional OTC Trading in One Unified Dashboard The new Binance OTC trading dashboard consolidates two execution services under one roof: Spot RFQ, and Execution.Previously, a single OTC trade could span multiple touchpoints: checking live prices on a separate page, coordinating order details over separate messengers, and managing RFQ and Execution orders across different screens. The new dashboard consolidates all of this into one environment. Switching between execution types carries over the relevant trade parameters automatically, and a live market chart is embedded directly alongside the order module, giving clients real-time price context without leaving the screen.Clients had long requested the ability to manage RFQ and Execution activities without switching between environments. The tabbed dashboard and persistent trade parameters are built around that need, reducing operational overhead and letting traders focus on execution decisions rather than navigation.A full blotter displays current tickets and trade history in one view, giving clients a complete picture of their OTC activity at a glance.How Binance OTC RFQ Works: Request, Quote, ExecuteOne of the most consistent requests from OTC clients was greater control over the quoting process, with a clear record of every decision made. The RFQ flow is designed around that directly.The Spot RFQ flow is designed to give clients full control over the quoting process. Clients raise a quote request, receive a live price delivered in real time by their assigned Binance OTC trader, and choose to accept or cancel via the ticket form on the right of the chat, with a clear confirmation step at each stage.For clients with more complex OTC needs, execution is now natively integrated. Clients can submit an execution request with an optional limit price and a text field to add details about their request, monitor fill progress and average execution price in real time, and request adjustments or raise queries directly through the platform. Every interaction is logged and communicated to the trading team without requiring the client to pick up a phone or switch to a separate messaging tool.Dedicated OTC Trader Access on Every Order, in Real TimeWhen a client submits their first OTC request, a dedicated service group is automatically created between the client and the Binance OTC trading team. This service group persists across all subsequent orders, giving clients a consistent line of communication with their assigned trader.Clients consistently flagged the gap between placing a trade and knowing what was happening with it. The service group model keeps that communication inside the platform and attached to the ticket, so nothing falls between channels.Status updates, quote notifications, and execution confirmations are all delivered within this chat in real time. Clients can also raise queries or request adjustments on active orders directly from the order panel, with updates pushed to the trading team instantly.This brings the direct consultation of a dedicated OTC desk into the platform, permanently accessible on every order.Who Can Access Binance OTC: Eligibility and RequirementsBinance Execution Services is built for:Institutional investors and trading desks placing large block tradesHigh-net-worth individuals and family offices requiring bespoke execution guidanceBinance OTC & Execution Services are available to all Binance users. A KYB whitelist status is recommended for the best experience. Minimum trade size is $200,000 USD equivalent.A New Standard for Institutional OTCThe upgraded Binance Execution Services dashboard sets a new standard for institutional OTC. Spot RFQ and Execution in one place. Quote requests, execution monitoring, and trader communication all within the platform. A dedicated OTC trader on every order, in real time.For institutional clients and VIP traders, that means less time managing workflows and more time focused on execution. This is what institutional OTC should look like.Get Started with Binance OTC TradingThe upgraded dashboard is available now within the Binance OTC portal. Eligible clients can access Spot RFQ and Execution directly.For onboarding support or to learn more about OTC eligibility requirements, contact your Binance account manager or reach out to the OTC team directly through the platform.Follow the official OTC Trading Desk channels on Telegram and Binance Square to subscribe to our weekly commentary and Monthly Insights to stay up to date with markets. Further ReadingBinance OTC & Execution Services Explained: How to Execute Large, Institutional-Level TradesBinance Launches OTC VIP Program Introducing Binance Indication of Interest (IOI) – the Essential Liquidity Discovery Tool for Institutional Crypto TradersOptions RFQ: How To Get Started With This Powerful ProductDisclaimer: Digital asset prices can be volatile. The value of your investment may go down or up and you may not get back the amount invested. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions and Binance is not liable for any losses you may incur. Options trading, in particular, is subject to high market risk and price volatility. Past performance is not a reliable predictor of future performance. There is no guarantee that an IOI will result in a binding transaction. An IOI is not a market order. Binance does not act as your adviser or agent. Before trading, you should make an independent assessment of the appropriateness of the transaction in light of your own objectives and circumstances, including the risks and potential benefits. Consult your own advisers, where appropriate. This information should not be construed as financial or investment advice. To learn more about how to protect yourself, visit our Responsible Trading page. For more information, see our Terms of Use, OTC Product Terms and Risk Warning.

Main TakeawaysBinance has joined the Brazilian Association of Crypto Economy, ABcripto, and will participate on the association’s board.The move reflects the continued maturation of Brazil’s virtual asset market, including stronger regulatory dialogue, compliance practices, and institutional engagement.Through ABcripto, Binance will contribute to industry discussions on responsible innovation, market integrity, consumer protection, governance, and sustainable sector development.We are excited to announce that Binance has joined the Brazilian Association of Crypto Economy, ABcripto, and will participate on the association’s board, strengthening our contribution to the development of Brazil’s digital-asset ecosystem.The move comes at an important moment for the country’s digital-asset ecosystem. Brazil has become one of the most dynamic crypto markets in the world, with rising retail and institutional adoption, and increasingly mature conversations around regulation and consumer protection. As the sector evolves, collaboration between companies, industry bodies, regulators, and public authorities will be essential to ensuring that innovation continues in a transparent and sustainable way.Supporting Brazil’s Next Phase of Crypto GrowthABcripto plays an important role in the evolution of Brazil’s digital-asset ecosystem. As a multi-sector association bringing together different participants in the market, it provides a forum for dialogue on the future of the industry in the country. Binance’s entry into the association and its board will help broaden those discussions, particularly on responsible innovation, market integrity, legal certainty, and international competitiveness.Diego Perez, vice president of ABcripto, said Binance’s entry reflects a new institutional stage for the sector.“The Brazilian virtual-asset market has matured significantly in recent years in terms of governance, compliance, and regulatory dialogue. Binance's entry into ABcripto reflects this new institutional moment in the sector and the joint construction of a safer, more competitive, and sustainable environment for the crypto economy in Brazil,” said Perez.Bringing Global Experience to Local DialogueBrazil’s digital-asset market is developing within a broader global context. Around the world, jurisdictions are working to define clear rules for crypto, strengthen consumer protection, and build frameworks that allow responsible companies to grow while maintaining strong standards of market integrity.For Binance, participating in ABcripto is an opportunity to contribute international experience to Brazil’s local industry dialogue. As the world’s leading digital-asset platform, Binance works across a wide range of markets and regulatory environments. This gives us a broad view of how different jurisdictions approach licensing, compliance, consumer education, operational security, and cooperation with authorities.By joining ABcripto’s board, Binance will be able to contribute more directly and proactively to technical discussions around the development of the sector in Brazil.Thiago Sarandy, general manager of Binance in Brazil, said the move aligns with Binance’s commitment to supporting a more mature and innovative industry:“Participating in ABcripto is part of our commitment to building a more mature, secure, and innovative virtual-asset industry. Membership and participation on the Board allow us to contribute directly and proactively to the formulation of standards and to dialogue with regulators and policymakers. We want to use this position to raise the level of debate and help consolidate Brazil as a global reference in virtual assets,” said Sarandy.Final ThoughtsIndustry associations such as ABcripto help turn fragmented conversations into structured dialogue, bringing different perspectives into the same room and creating space for technical and policy discussions. For a market as large and important as Brazil, this kind of collaboration is essential.Binance intends to contribute to ABcripto’s work across several priority areas, including compliance, consumer protection, governance, responsible innovation, and the sustainable development of the sector. We will also share international experiences and best practices that can support the continued evolution of Brazil’s digital-asset ecosystem.Further ReadingCrypto Debuts at Brazil's Carnival With an Unprecedented ParadeBinance Secures Regulatory Authorization in Brazil, Its 21st GloballyBinance Pay Brings Instant Crypto-Powered Payments to Brazil via Pix

Main TakeawaysDirect stock trading functionality on Binance expands access to one of the world’s largest asset classes by giving eligible users a simpler path to gain exposure to leading U.S. equities.Global brokerage access remains uneven: around 630 million people have online brokerage accounts, roughly 11% of the world’s adult population – leaving billions outside traditional stock-market rails.By connecting stablecoin balances with stock trading access, Binance can help reduce the friction of cross-border deposits, bank transfers, FX conversion, minimum balances, and fragmented onboarding.For decades, access to global capital markets has been unevenly distributed. In many developed markets, buying shares in major U.S. companies has become almost ordinary. Users can open a brokerage app, fund an account, and start investing with relatively low friction. But for much of the world, the path is very different.A user in an emerging market who wants to buy even a small amount of a U.S. stock may need to maintain a bank account, access foreign currency, pass multiple layers of KYC, send an international wire, pay transfer and intermediary bank fees, wait for funds to settle, and meet minimum deposit requirements. For a $100 investment, the friction can be so high that the opportunity is effectively out of reach. This is the access gap that Binance helps close with our new direct stocks offering.A New Financial PathwayU.S. equities represent one of the world’s largest pools of financial value, with the U.S. stock market estimated at around $75 trillion. Yet access to this market has historically been shaped by geography, banking relationships, brokerage availability, and the ability to move money across borders.Fewer than 650 million people globally – roughly 11% of the world's adult population – have direct access to brokerage accounts, based on data compiled from national securities depositories and exchange statistics. That means the vast majority of adults still do not have straightforward access to traditional stock-market investing, especially in regions where cross-border payment costs are high or banking access is limited.At the same time, crypto adoption has created a new financial pathway. Global crypto users are estimated to be over 700 million, with more than 320 million users on Binance. Many of these people are already comfortable with digital wallets and app-based financial services; they are often digitally native and globally connected, yet located in regions where traditional brokerage access remains scarce.Direct stock trading on Binance connects these two realities: billions of people still face barriers to global market access, while hundreds of millions already use crypto infrastructure that can help lower those barriers.Built on Crypto RailsDirect stocks on Binance rely on crypto-native infrastructure to make access simpler – and in doing so, we mark a significant milestone: this is the first time in history that large-scale stock trading is settled entirely by stablecoins (USDC, USDT, USD1, $U, and BNB), rather than through traditional banking rails.Where traditional non-U.S. investors often face a long and expensive funding path, a crypto-native user can follow a much simpler route: hold a stablecoin balance, access the stock product where available, and trade through stablecoin settlement. Granted, users still need to meet the relevant eligibility, compliance, and product availability conditions. But it can reduce one of the biggest barriers in global investing: the need to move through legacy cross-border banking infrastructure before accessing opportunity.Stablecoins have already become one of crypto’s clearest real-world use cases. They allow users to hold and transfer digital dollars across borders, often with less friction than traditional payment rails. As stablecoin infrastructure has grown into a hundreds-of-billions-dollar market, its role has expanded from crypto trading utility to a broader settlement layer for digital finance.Binance’s direct stock offering demonstrates how stablecoins can help connect crypto users to traditional financial assets, acting as a more accessible bridge.The Next Step in Binance’s Financial Super App VisionBinance has grown from a crypto exchange into a broader financial platform serving more than 320 million users. We keep expanding what users can access, while maintaining strong standards for security, compliance, and product quality.Crypto remains at the center of Binance’s identity, but users increasingly expect digital finance to work across asset classes and use cases, empowering them to trade, save, earn, pay, learn, and manage opportunities from one trusted environment. Adding stock access helps broaden Binance from a crypto-first platform into a more complete gateway to digital finance.This also reflects how financial behavior is changing: younger and emerging-market users are often more comfortable starting with an app than with a branch and holding stablecoins than wiring dollars. Their path into investing may not look like the path taken by previous generations.Final ThoughtsThe history of financial markets, especially in the digital era, is a history of access expanding over time. Retirement accounts brought more households into markets; online brokers made investing easier; zero-commission trading and fractional shares lowered barriers for smaller investors. Each wave widened participation and made markets more accessible to people previously left out.By bringing direct stock access to crypto-native users, Binance is helping connect a global user base to one of the world’s most important asset classes, reducing friction for users who have been underserved by traditional brokerage rails. And it is showing how stablecoins, compliant infrastructure, and user-friendly product design can work together to make global markets more open.Opportunity should not depend only on where someone was born or whether legacy financial infrastructure was built around them. By offering direct stock trading, we are taking another step toward a financial future where more people can connect to the opportunities shaping the global economy.Further ReadingWelcome to The New Era of Trading: Trade Direct Stocks and ETFs on BinanceExpanding Access Where It Matters Most: Binance’s Approach to Driving a More Inclusive Financial FutureBinance Advances Regulated Crypto Access in the UAE With Direct AED TransfersDisclaimer: Nest Trading Limited acts as your introducing broker and routes your orders for Securities to its clearing broker partner, Alpaca Securities LLC, for execution, clearing, settlement and custody. Binance does not handle or custody your Securities. Securities are subject to high market and liquidity risk and price volatility (particularly outside traditional market hours). The value of your investment may go down or up and you may not get back the amount invested. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions and Binance is not liable for any losses you may incur. Past performance is not a reliable predictor of future performance. Before trading, you should make an independent assessment of the appropriateness of the transaction in light of your own objectives and circumstances, including the risks and potential benefits. Consult your own advisers, where appropriate. This information should not be construed as financial or investment advice. Binance may receive payment for order flow remuneration for directing your orders. To learn more about how to protect yourself, visit our Responsible Trading page. For more information, see our Terms of Use, Securities Trading Product Terms and Risk Warning.

Main TakeawaysBinance has launched direct AED deposit and withdrawal capabilities in the UAE through regulated local banking rails.The new setup reduces friction for users by enabling faster transfers, lower on/off-ramp costs, and a more localized experience.The launch reflects a broader shift in the UAE market toward more regulated and operationally embedded crypto infrastructure.The UAE has become one of the most important markets globally for responsible digital-asset innovation. Over the past several years, the region has developed a regulatory environment that supports growth while placing increasing emphasis on user protection and operational resilience.Deeply committed to this approach, Binance has now launched direct AED deposit and withdrawal capabilities for users in the UAE, enabling transfers between dirhams and crypto through regulated local banking infrastructure. The result is a simpler and more localized experience for users, with reduced friction around funding and withdrawals and fewer of the barriers that have historically complicated crypto access.An important step in Binance’s infrastructure development in the UAE, this advancement moves the platform from being locally accessible to being more deeply integrated into the financial environment in which users operate.A More Direct Path Between Fiat and CryptoHistorically, for many crypto users, one of the biggest challenges in accessing digital assets has been the mechanics of moving money in and out efficiently. This often meant dealing with multiple intermediaries, foreign exchange conversions, added fees, or workflows that felt disconnected from everyday financial services experience.The launch of regulated AED on- and off-ramp capabilities addresses that problem directly. Binance users in the UAE can now deposit AED into their Binance accounts and withdraw in AED using local bank transfer rails, via a process that is more familiar and efficient.Transactions are processed through local banking infrastructure and conducted entirely in dirhams, helping remove the friction of unnecessary conversion steps.Binance’s AED transfer capability operates under the UAE’s Client Money Account framework, which is designed to provide stronger safeguards around how user funds are handled.As access expands, users increasingly expect not only convenience and cost efficiency, but also clarity around how their funds move and where they are held. A regulated structure helps address those expectations by supporting greater transparency and operational discipline.From Accessibility to Financial EmbeddednessWith this launch, Binance in the UAE is becoming more financially embedded in the local market through infrastructure that connects more directly with users’ everyday banking experience.Tarik Erk, Binance’s Head of MENAT and Senior Executive Officer Abu Dhabi, noted that the launch is about “trust meeting usability.” He commented: “For a long time, access to crypto required compromise, whether on cost, speed, or confidence. What we are introducing today changes that equation entirely. Users in the UAE can now move their money from their bank to crypto and back in a way that feels natural and efficient.”By combining zero fee deposits, minimal withdrawal costs, direct bank integration, and a regulated framework, Binance is setting a new benchmark for how users in the region engage with digital assets.It also strengthens Binance’s role in a market that is increasingly important to the future of digital assets. The UAE is emerging as a global reference point for how regulated crypto adoption can look in practice, and local fiat connectivity is a key part of that development.Final ThoughtsThe launch of direct AED deposit and withdrawal capabilities marks a new phase for Binance in the UAE: it improves the day-to-day experience for users and brings the platform closer to the financial infrastructure people already rely on.In the next phase of digital asset adoption, progress will be defined more and more by the quality of access: how secure and efficient it is, and how well it fits within regulated financial systems. In this light, Binance launching AED on and off-ramps signals a more mature model for crypto participation in the UAE, built on local rails and regulated safeguards.Further ReadingUAE Enters The Phase of Blockchain as Institutional Infrastructure, The Blockchain Center Abu Dhabi and Binance Research FindsBinance Becomes The First Crypto Exchange to Secure a Global License Under ADGM FrameworkMGX Backs Binance In Landmark Investment

Main TakeawaysBinance invests approximately $300M annually into its global compliance program, with compliance-related teams accounting for around 25% of the company’s global workforce.More than 24+ AI initiatives and 100+ AI models now support compliance and risk operations across Binance.AI increasingly powers everything from onboarding and scam detection to escalation routing, proactive intervention, and recovery efforts.Financial crime is evolving, and AI is accelerating that evolution. Scams are becoming more personalised, more scalable, and harder to detect. Deepfakes, impersonation schemes, phishing bots, and synthetic identities are no longer fringe threats. In 2025 alone, impersonation tactics surged 1,400% year-over-year across the industry as attackers used AI to automate and scale fraud, according to Binance Research. For compliance teams across the financial industry, the implications are clear: traditional systems built on static rules and manual reviews are no longer sufficient on their own. The threat landscape has changed, and compliance systems must evolve alongside it.At Binance, this shift has driven a fundamental rethinking of what compliance looks like in the AI era. The response is deep investment in AI-powered systems designed not just to react faster, but to anticipate, adapt, and intervene – at a scale that matches the threat.Building Compliance for the AI EraCompliance is one of Binance's largest operational commitments. By the end of 2025, compliance-related headcount reached approximately 1,500 employees – around a quarter of the company's global workforce – backed by $300M in annual investment. But headcount alone can't keep pace with AI-driven threats. The real advantage comes from how effectively technology amplifies what those teams can achieve.Today, Binance uses more than 24+ AI initiatives and over 100+ AI models across compliance and risk functions. These systems increasingly support the day-to-day mechanics of modern compliance – from onboarding and due diligence to scam detection, escalation routing, and anti-fraud monitoring.Rather than replacing compliance professionals, AI increasingly acts as a force multiplier – helping triage cases, identify patterns across large datasets, and route higher-risk activity to human reviewers faster.In Risk operations alone, AI systems now support more than 80% of anti-fraud and anti-scam decisioning workflows while assisting in approximately 45% of human review processes.From Static Rules to Contextual DetectionFinancial crime rarely looks obvious today. A suspicious transaction is no longer defined by a single large transfer or a flagged geography. Increasingly, risks emerge through subtle patterns – sequences of actions that appear entirely harmless in isolation but become meaningful when viewed together.For example, in P2P environments, fund flows may initially appear completely legitimate. But when additional context is layered in – such as device signals, behavioral patterns, interaction history, or account activity – risks can become more visible.Internally, systems such as Binance’s Strategy Factory help compliance teams continuously refine and optimize detection models as threat patterns evolve.From 2025 through Q1 2026, Binance’s enhanced detection systems helped prevent approximately $10.53B in potential user losses – illustrating how modern compliance increasingly depends on contextual, AI-assisted detection rather than static rules alone.Identity Verification at AI ScaleOne of the fastest-moving frontiers in financial crime is identity fraud - and AI is at the center of both the attack and the defense.Around 80% of attacks against Binance involve some form of KYC-related fraud, and the attack methods are evolving rapidly: from static image spoofing to deepfake videos, synthetic identities, and AI-generated documentation that can fool traditional verification systems.To respond, Binance continuously evolves its Face Attack Detection and Liveness Detection systems to adapt to changing attack methods.AI has also transformed operational efficiency. Compared to fully manual review processes, Binance’s AI-supported KYC systems – which combine automated analysis with human review – now operate at approximately 100:1 efficiency scale.Instead of spending time manually reviewing static documents, compliance teams can increasingly focus on a more difficult question: whether the person behind an account is real, present, and acting legitimately in real time.Recovery and Post-Incident ResponseModern compliance does not end once suspicious activity is detected. Increasingly, AI also supports investigations, recovery efforts, and post-incident response – while human teams remain central to user protection efforts.In 2025, Binance conducted more than 36,000 voice calls to users identified as potentially at risk, combining AI-powered detection systems with direct human outreach and support.Beyond prevention, Binance also works extensively to help recover lost or stolen funds. In 2025 alone, these efforts helped recover or freeze approximately $114M linked to external hacks, with an additional $60.2M recovered or frozen so far in 2026.The platform also supports victims of scams. Across 2025 and into 2026, Binance recovered $17M in scam-related proceeds tied to Binance accounts belonging to more than 80,000 victims. During the same period, Binance processed roughly 1.28 million user appeals and successfully recovered $8.2B in cryptocurrencies that had been mistakenly sent by users.Binance also continues to work closely with law enforcement agencies worldwide. Between 2023 and 2025, the company supported investigations that led to more than $715M in asset seizures.Building AI ResponsiblyAs AI systems become more deeply embedded into financial infrastructure, questions around governance, oversight, and responsible deployment are becoming just as important as the technology itself.In 2025, Binance implemented a global AI strategy aligned with emerging frameworks such as the EU AI Act and earned ISO 42001 certification for AI management and governance.As AI capabilities continue evolving, maintaining strong governance, human oversight, and responsible deployment practices will remain a critical part of compliance operations across the industry.Overall, Binance boasts a portfolio of 25 international certifications that collectively represent one of the most comprehensive security and compliance frameworks in the industry.Final ThoughtsAI is reshaping financial crime. But it is reshaping compliance just as profoundly.The challenge is no longer simply reviewing activity after the fact. Effective compliance now depends on systems that can detect subtle patterns, adapt to novel threats in real time, and intervene before losses occur – all while operating at a scale that matches a global user base.At Binance, AI has moved from experiment to infrastructure. It powers detection, accelerates investigation, strengthens prevention, and supports recovery – not by replacing human expertise, but by amplifying it. In an era where financial crime increasingly wears an AI face, compliance systems need an AI backbone. At Binance, that transformation is already well underway.Further ReadingAI Versus AI – How Binance Is Defending Users in the Age of Intelligent FraudStrategy Factory: Binance’s AI-Powered Rule Engine for Risk and Fraud DetectionFrom Detection to Recovery – Binance’s 2025 Anti-Scam Efforts

Main TakeawaysExplore over 7,000+ direct US stocks and ETFs alongside your crypto.Own fractional shares of direct stocks and ETFs from as low as $5.Trade the brands you love 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday.Starting today, Binance users can buy, sell, and manage direct US stocks and ETFs in the same place as their crypto.While stock trading on a crypto exchange isn't entirely new, Binance is the first to offer it globally — bringing stocks and crypto together on a single platform for users across multiple regions. Now you can explore 7,000+ US stocks and ETFs alongside one of the most liquid crypto markets in the world, all from the Binance app. The First Crypto Exchange to Offer Direct StocksBinance is now the only global crypto exchange offering direct stock trading worldwide, under its global ADGM license. Binance users get direct ownership of publicly listed companies, held through a regulated clearing broker.Over 7,000 Direct Stocks and ETFsOver 7,000 direct stocks and ETFs are available at launch. Invest in Apple, Tesla, Amazon, NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Alphabet, alongside broad market ETFs like SPY and QQQ and sector-specific funds like XLF.Users can also opt into Fully Paid Securities Lending (FPSL) from June 4 2026 onwards, which allows you to earn additional yield on your shares by lending them out while retaining ownership. A minimum platform fee of at least $0.35 per order applies, waived entirely on any trade above $350. For full details, see our fee schedule.You don't need to buy an entire share of NVDA. Put in $10, $15, or even $5 — and build a diversified stock portfolio at a pace your budget allows. Trade with Stablecoins Buy stocks and ETFs with the same stablecoins you use for your crypto portfolio, including USDT and USDC. If your capital already sits in stablecoins, it's ready to move into equities the moment you decide to trade.24/5, Around the ClockAccess extended hours on Binance. Trade stocks and ETFs 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday. For the crypto traders who are always watching the charts at odd hours, trading stocks on Binance will feel right at home.How to Start Trading Stocks on BinanceOpen Binance, tap ‘Trade’ on the homepage, then select ‘Stocks’. You can also tap Market → TradFi → Stocks.Fund your account with stablecoins, fiat, or use your existing Binance balance.Place your first trade. Choose a stock and tap ‘Buy’.Welcome to the New EraWith Binance, Wall Street is now at your fingertips. With direct stocks and ETFs now offered, you can manage your entire portfolio in a single app. Whether you're a crypto native looking to diversify into equities, a stock trader curious about digital assets, or someone just getting started with investing, Binance now gives you the tools to do it all, from as little as $5.Explore Stocks and ETFs on BinanceDisclaimer: Nest Trading Limited acts as your introducing broker and routes your orders for Securities to its clearing broker partner, Alpaca Securities LLC, for execution, clearing, settlement and custody. Binance does not handle or custody your Securities. Securities are subject to high market and liquidity risk and price volatility (particularly outside traditional market hours). The value of your investment may go down or up and you may not get back the amount invested. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions and Binance is not liable for any losses you may incur. Past performance is not a reliable predictor of future performance. Before trading, you should make an independent assessment of the appropriateness of the transaction in light of your own objectives and circumstances, including the risks and potential benefits. Consult your own advisers, where appropriate. This information should not be construed as financial or investment advice. Binance may receive payment for order flow remuneration for directing your orders. To learn more about how to protect yourself, visit our Responsible Trading page. For more information, see our Terms of Use, Securities Trading Product Terms and Risk Warning.

Blockchain has moved from the fringes of finance and tech into the spotlight, because countless people turned an idea into a global wave.True financial inclusion isn't handing someone a key; it's breaking down the door that kept them out in the first place.From 300 million to 3 billion, we're building financial infrastructure that belongs to everyone.1. From the Margins Into the SpotlightWhen I first learned that I would be named to Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in Business list, my first reaction was: "What have I done to deserve this?" My second feeling was a deep sense of responsibility for what lies ahead.The recognition may carry my name, but it belongs to the Binance team, Binance users, Satoshi Nakamoto, and to every member of the crypto community who helped turn this industry from an idea into a global wave.A few years ago, it would have seemed unusual for a founder from the crypto industry to appear on a list like this. Today, it feels more like a sign that our industry has moved, step by step, from the margins of finance and technology into the spotlight. This is not my “achievement.” If anything, I saw the wave coming, had the courage to jump onto the surfboard, and learned, through trial and error, how to ride it. But this recognition does represent one more step in blockchain’s long journey from a niche world of tech enthusiasts into everyday life.There is still a long road ahead. We have to keep building, one small step at a time, refining, improving, day after day. I often call myself the “Chief Customer Service Officer,” and I love this title. At Binance, anyone who joins the management team spends their first month working on the front lines in customer service, and every quarter they rotate back in again. I do the same. The idea is that users notice every day what you might miss from sitting behind an office desk.Last year in Dubai, a young man from Kenya stopped me as an event was ending. Every month, he uses Binance to send his salary home to his mother. He did not ask me about blockchain architecture or tokenomics. He just wanted me to know how much faster his mother now receives the money, and how much less disappears along the way. He didn't need to be educated about cryptocurrency; he needed a product that works.He is not alone. Over the past five years, more than 34 million people have used Binance Pay for remittances, moving over $87 billion in cumulative volume. Measured against the World Bank's global average remittance fee of 6.36%, that's more than $5 billion saved. It’s money that didn't vanish into intermediaries, but stayed where it belongs: on family dinner tables, in children's school fees, in the seed capital of small businesses.2. The Door Needs to Come DownI was born in a small village in Sichuan – the kind of place that is hard to find on a map. When I was little, the electricity would sometimes go out, and I had to do my homework by a kerosene lamp. In my village, some girls entered factories before they were even 16, using other people’s IDs.When I was nine, my father passed away. My uncle said to my mother, “There’s no point spending so much on a girl’s education. Better save the money so your son can marry someday.” But my mother didn’t listen and she was incredibly strong. She taught as a substitute teacher while farming our land, supported the entire family on her own, and still managed to send me to university.Over the years, people have often asked me: “Why do you still work so hard when you already have financial freedom?” To be honest, not everyone gets the chance to change the world, but if you happen to find yourself in a position to help shape the future, why not try? As the old saying goes: “In poverty, cultivate yourself. In prosperity, serve the world.”In India’s second- and third-tier cities, there is a group of women between the ages of 36 and 50. Their mothers never had a bank account in their lives, and a year ago, neither did they. Over the past year, they have become one of our fastest-growing user groups. The people no one was listening to are gradually reclaiming control over their own money and their families' futures from outdated systems. Gaining the right to know, the right to decide, and the ability to enter a more efficient, lower-cost financial world. They remind me of myself 12 years ago, when I first started asking: “What is money?” To me, that matters more than any grand narrative.Over the years, Binance has carried out tens of thousands of small events and initiatives across rural South Africa, Brazil, and India: from scholarships and training sessions to basic financial literacy classes. None of these efforts make headlines, but they are happening, one by one.I don’t like the phrase “empowering women.” It sounds like someone is holding the key, deciding whether to let you in. What I would rather do is break the door down, so more people can walk through it. Women should decide for themselves who they want to be, and what kind of life they want to live.3. From 300 million to 3 billionWhen we first said Binance would serve a billion users, people outside the company thought we were dreaming. Today, we have more than 300 million users, and a billion no longer feels like a distant dream. So this year, we raised the target to 3 billion.To be honest, before I said those words out loud, I asked myself: “Is this number right? Are we worthy of it?” But one thing I know for certain is: if we don’t aim for it, no one else will do it for those 3 billion people.3 billion is roughly the number of adults around the world who still remain outside the formal financial system. That means what we are building can no longer be just a cryptocurrency exchange; it has to become a financial infrastructure capable of supporting the daily lives of billions globally.AI is reshaping productivity – but if productivity belongs only to a handful of companies, that is not a revolution, but rather a new monopoly. Over the past year, little by little, we have been putting tools that were once available only to professional institutions into the hands of ordinary users. Allowing someone with no coding background to use AI to make better decisions, and allowing someone new to crypto to ask questions in natural language and get the answers they need. Finance should not be a language spoken only by a few.Blockchain aims to solve a different problem: making sure that everyone who uses AI can share in the value it creates and receive the portion that rightfully belongs to them. Only when these two forces come together do we have a real chance to leap from 300 million to 3 billion.Growing up, I often heard: “If you don’t like the world, change it.” I made my way step by step from a small village in Sichuan, to the nearest town, then to bigger cities, and eventually out into the world. So I know better than most that the world you want – like Rome – is not built in a day.So we get back to work, one move at a time. No effort is ever wasted.- Yi He, Binance Co-CEO & Co-Founder

Main TakeawaysMost people know Bitcoin Pizza Day as the story of 10,000 BTC spent on two pizzas. According to Bitcoin historian Pete Rizzo, it was a deliberate early effort to demonstrate the real-world utility of Bitcoin.Speaking during Binance's Bitcoin Pizza Day livestream on Binance Square, Rizzo shared some of the lesser-known facts from Bitcoin's early history – including the surprising role Satoshi Nakamoto may have played in inspiring Pizza Day itself.More than 16 years later, Bitcoin Pizza Day remains one of crypto's most recognizable milestones. Want to know more? Watch the full livestream on Binance Square.Every year on May 22, the crypto community celebrates Bitcoin Pizza Day – the anniversary of the first known real-world Bitcoin purchase, when programmer Laszlo Hanyecz famously spent 10,000 BTC on two pizzas in 2010.But there's more to the story than most people know.Speaking during Binance's Bitcoin Pizza Day livestream on Binance Square, Bitcoin historian and content creator Pete Rizzo – also known simply as The Bitcoin Historian – shared lesser-known details about Bitcoin's early days: from how BTC got its first price, to why Pizza Day may have been partially inspired by Satoshi Nakamoto himself. One of the few people who knows Laszlo personally, Rizzo has spent years documenting Bitcoin's earliest moments.1. Laszlo Likely Spent 40,000 BTC on Pizza – Not 10,000The famous transaction involved 10,000 BTC for two pizzas. But that may have only been the beginning.“A lot of people like to say he spent 10,000 Bitcoin on two pizzas,” Rizzo said. “From what we know, he actually spent around 40,000 Bitcoin on up to eight pizzas.”After the first successful transaction, Laszlo appears to have repeated the experiment. At the time, Bitcoin was still a niche project shared among a relatively small group of developers and hobbyists – no exchanges, no institutions, and little public attention. Unsurprisingly, it was trading at less than a penny.Rizzo believes the goal was to get Bitcoin moving in the real world. And Laszlo had the means to do it. As one of the first miners to use a GPU (graphics card) instead of a standard laptop processor, on-chain evidence suggests he may have mined around 80,000 BTC himself.“What Satoshi wanted was people to transact,” Rizzo said – and Laszlo did exactly that.2. Satoshi May Have Indirectly Inspired Bitcoin Pizza DaySatoshi Nakamoto may have had a more direct hand in Pizza Day than most people realize.The earliest Bitcoin.org website – built by Satoshi and early contributor Marty Malmi – included a simple FAQ about how Bitcoin could work as money in the real world.“If you go way back into the Wayback Machine, there's an FAQ with a description of what makes Bitcoin money – and he uses pizza to illustrate the point,” Rizzo explained.The two were also in contact on the forum, where Satoshi personally encouraged Laszlo to do something with his Bitcoin.“My theory is that Laszlo actually took inspiration from Satoshi's own writing,” Rizzo said. “Pizza Day is almost a collaboration between Satoshi and Laszlo.”3. Bitcoin Had No Price at First – Someone Had to Invent OneToday, Bitcoin trades globally across hundreds of exchanges. But in its earliest days, there was no market price – because no one had set one yet.One of the first people to solve that problem was an early community member known only as New Liberty Standard. With no market data to reference, he based Bitcoin's first exchange rate on the electricity costs of mining – arriving at roughly 1,600 BTC per dollar.“He had to calculate how much he thought his Bitcoin was worth – the Bitcoin price came out to something like 0.0008 cents,” Rizzo said.And just like that, price discovery for the world's largest cryptocurrency began with someone calculating their electricity bill.4. Laszlo Later Helped Pioneer Lightning Payments TooIn 2018, eight years after the original pizza purchase, Laszlo came back to make history a second time – completing one of the first real-world transactions on the Lightning Network, Bitcoin's layer-two solution for faster, cheaper payments. The purchase was, yet again, pizza.Otherwise, Laszlo has largely stayed out of the public eye since 2010. But after Rizzo gave his induction speech at the Bitcoin Hall of Fame at PubKey in New York, Laszlo emailed him to say he'd watched it.“He contributed more than most people know – maybe more than anyone, Satoshi included,” Rizzo said.Final ThoughtsPizza Day is usually told as a punchline about expensive food. But it wasn't a mistake – it was a deliberate first step, with Satoshi setting the blueprint and Laszlo being the one willing to execute it in public.Sixteen years later, Bitcoin is a global asset held by institutions, governments, and millions of individuals worldwide. The road to real-world adoption started with two pizzas and a forum post.Watch the full conversation with Pete Rizzo on Binance Square.Further ReadingBitcoin Pizza Day: From Two Pies to Millions of Lives Across the Globe16 Bitcoin Pizza Days Later: The Evolution of Crypto PaymentsBitcoin Pizza Day 2026: Share a Pizza, Share in BitcoinRisk Warning: Digital assets are subject to high market risk and price volatility. The value of your investment may go down or up, and you may not get back the amount invested. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions and Binance is not liable for any losses you may incur. Past performance is not a reliable predictor of future performance. You should only invest in products you are familiar with and where you understand the risks. You should carefully consider your investment experience, financial situation, investment objectives and risk tolerance and consult an independent financial adviser prior to making any investment. This material should not be construed as financial advice. This product may not be available in certain countries and to certain users. This content is not intended for users/countries to which prohibitions/restrictions apply. For more information, see our Terms of Use and Risk Warning.

Main TakeawaysElectricity is one of the few mining variables retail miners can actively control, making power optimization, uptime management, and hardware efficiency critical during tighter-margin market conditions.Calculating your breakeven electricity rate using real operating data can help miners make more informed decisions around TOU pricing, scheduling, hardware upgrades, and long-term profitability.Strategies such as off-peak mining, lower J/TH hardware, and hybrid solar setups can help you reduce electricity costs.Electricity is one of the few variables in Bitcoin mining that miners can consistently control. While BTC price, network difficulty, and transaction fees can fluctuate rapidly, factors such as power plans, uptime, and hardware efficiency are operational decisions that can be monitored and optimized over time.This guide breaks down a simple framework for calculating breakeven electricity costs, before exploring practical strategies retail miners can use to reduce cost, improve efficiency, and navigate tighter-margin market conditions.Electricity is a Key Variable You Can ControlAt its core, Bitcoin mining is the process of converting electricity into expected BTC rewards. When revenue per unit of hashrate declines, the same mining rig can quickly shift from profitable to unprofitable — even if nothing about the setup itself has changed — because electricity remains a fixed daily operating cost.For many retail miners, electricity is the single largest ongoing expense. As a result, lowering electricity cost per kilowatt (kW), improving hardware efficiency, or reducing runtime during peak-rate hours can have an outsized impact on profitability.One important efficiency metric is J/TH (joules per terahash), which measures how much energy a mining machine consumes to produce one terahash of computing power. Lower J/TH generally indicates a more energy-efficient miner.Know Your Numbers: The Breakeven CalculationBefore adjusting your setup, it’s important to calculate your breakeven electricity rate using your own input data, including actual power draw, utility costs, and pool fees. You can do this in four steps:Measure daily power consumptionminer power draw (kW) × 24 = kWh per dayCalculate daily electricity costDaily energy usage (kWh) × your all-in electricity rate ($/kWh)Estimate daily mining revenueUse a mining calculator with your hashrate, pool fee, and current network conditionsEstimate daily marginMining revenue − electricity cost − pool fees − any additional hosting or cooling expensesWorked Example: Antminer S21 (200 TH/s, 3.5 kW)Assume the miner runs continuously at 3.5 kW with 24/7 uptime, with pool fees already reflected in the revenue estimate.Daily power consumption: 3.5 × 24 = 84 kWhIf your electricity rate is $0.07/kWh, daily electricity cost = 84 × $0.07 = $5.88From there, the breakeven electricity rate is the point where your daily electricity cost equals your estimated daily mining revenue after pool fees. Importantly, breakeven should be treated as a moving target, as it changes constantly with BTC price, network difficulty, transaction fees, and miner efficiency.One useful shortcut for estimating revenue is hashprice, which measures expected mining revenue per unit of hashrate. For example, Hashrate Index reported USD hashprice at around $35 per PH/s/day in May, 2026. However, realized mining results can still vary depending on uptime, pool fees, and hardware efficiency.Use Time-of-Use (TOU) Electricity Plans to Lower CostsMany electricity providers offer Time-of-Use (TOU) electricity plans, where power prices vary throughout the day across peak, shoulder, and off-peak periods. If your plan includes expensive peak-hour pricing, mining continuously through those windows can significantly increase your effective electricity cost.What To DoCheck your utility bill or provider portal for TOU pricing details and peak-hour schedules in your area.Compare your current flat-rate plan against a TOU plan using your estimated daily kWh consumption.If off-peak pricing is meaningfully lower, consider reducing or pausing mining during the more expensive hours.Practical scheduling optionsUse mining firmware, smart plugs, or external timers to automate start and stop schedules.If shutting down completely is not practical, even reducing runtime during peak pricing windows can reduce electricity cost.Improve Hardware Efficiency to Reduce Sensitivity to Power CostsMining efficiency is commonly measured in joules per terahash (J/TH), which reflects how much energy a miner consumes to produce one terahash of computing power. Lower J/TH means better energy efficiency — and lower electricity usage for the same level of hashrate.Over time, improving hardware efficiency can have an impact comparable to securing a lower electricity rate. As a simple rule, if two miners generate similar hashrate, the machine with lower J/TH will typically incur lower daily electricity costs at the same $/kWh rate, widening the gap between profitability and breakeven.If you are operating older hardware with relatively high J/TH, it may be useful to run an upgrade comparison using:Electricity rateExpected uptimeCurrent hashpriceFull cost of ownership (hardware cost, shipping, and any electrical upgrades)Solar and Hybrid Setups: Evaluate Total Cost, Not Just “Free Power”Solar setups can reduce reliance on grid electricity, but their economics depend on total installation cost, local generation conditions, battery storage, and long-term utilization – beyond the idea of “free power.” Miners considering solar should evaluate the system’s effective electricity cost against expected hardware lifespan and payback period. In some cases, a hybrid approach using solar during the day and lower-cost off-peak grid power at night may help reduce overall electricity costs under a TOU pricing plan.Binance Loans to Upgrade Without Upfront CapitalOne reason many miners continue operating less efficient hardware is the upfront cost of upgrading. While newer ASIC miners often offer significantly better efficiency, replacing existing machines can require substantial capital, particularly during tighter-margin market conditions. Mining-backed loans such as Binance Loans exist to help miners upgrade hardware without large upfront capital, using existing ASICs or BTC holdings as collateralFinal ThoughtsWhen mining margins tighten, electricity becomes one of the few variables miners can still control. Understanding your breakeven rate, optimizing power usage, and improving hardware efficiency can make the difference between operating at a loss and staying resilient through tougher market conditions – compounding meaningfully over time.Further ReadingNavigating Volatility: How Binance Loans Empower BTC MinersBoost Your Rewards with Mining and Binance EarnOptimizing ASIC Mining Hardware – Performance, Efficiency, and TroubleshootingDisclaimer and Risk Warning: Digital assets are subject to high market risk and price volatility. The value of your investment may go down or up, and you may not get back the amount invested. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions and Binance is not liable for any losses you may incur. Past performance is not a reliable predictor of future performance. You should only invest in products you are familiar with and where you understand the risks. You should carefully consider your investment experience, financial situation, investment objectives and risk tolerance and consult an independent financial adviser prior to making any investment. This material should not be construed as financial advice. This product may not be available in certain countries and to certain users. This content is not intended for users/countries to which prohibitions/restrictions apply. For more information, see our Terms of Use and Risk Warning.

Main TakeawaysBinance is partnering with BlockShoals, an approved participant under the Philippine SEC’s regulatory sandbox framework, to support compliant and responsible digital-asset participation in the country.Under this arrangement, BlockShoals serves as the approved local intermediary, while Binance provides global technology, security, operational expertise, and compliance capabilities developed across regulated markets.This partnership reflects our long-term focus on user protection, regulatory engagement, and building a more secure and trusted digital-asset ecosystem in the Philippines.We are excited to announce that Binance is partnering with BlockShoals Technologies Inc. under the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of the Philippines’ Strategic Sandbox, or StratBox, framework. This initiative creates a controlled and supervised environment for financial innovation, allowing new models to be tested responsibly within an appropriate regulatory structure. Our goal is to help support a secure and locally relevant approach to digital-asset participation in the Philippines, rooted in compliance.Under The SEC’s Sandbox FrameworkBlockShoals, a Philippine-registered company, received approval under the SEC’s Crypto Asset Intermediary framework within the sandbox structure, making it the approved participant operating within that regulatory setup. We are supporting that effort by contributing our global infrastructure, product capabilities, security systems, operational processes, and compliance experience from multiple regulated jurisdictions, in a structured approach built around local partnership and regulatory engagement.We appreciate the SEC’s leadership in creating pathways for responsible innovation. Frameworks like StratBox can help regulators and industry participants work together constructively while maintaining a focus on investor protection and market integrity.As Seker, Head of APAC at Binance, said: “The Philippines is one of the most dynamic digital economies in Southeast Asia, with a highly engaged and digitally native population that continues to drive adoption of emerging financial technologies. We believe frameworks like StratBox represent an important step in enabling responsible innovation by creating pathways for industry participants and regulators to work together constructively.”The Role of BlockShoalsResponsible market development requires accountability within the domestic regulatory environment and a partner that is positioned to operate within it.By working together, we are combining BlockShoals’ approved local role with Binance’s global infrastructure and operational experience. This combination is intended to support testing of a tailored Binance platform experience for users in the Philippines inside the sandbox environment. During the initial phase, BlockShoals is moving forward under its approved testing plan, before progressing toward a broader rollout with product configurations tailored for the Philippine market.A representative of Blockshoals underscored that shared objective: “This partnership is an opportunity to demonstrate that global digital-asset platforms and local regulatory frameworks can work together constructively. As a Philippine-incorporated company operating under the direct supervision of the SEC, we are focused on building a secure and locally accountable platform for Filipino users. We thank the Commission for the opportunity to participate in the StratBox and are committed to earning continued confidence through our performance.”A Long-Term, Compliance-First ApproachThe Philippines has consistently ranked among leading markets in global crypto adoption studies, reflecting strong grassroots engagement with digital assets and related technologies. That creates meaningful opportunity, but it also highlights the importance of building with care. Sustainable ecosystem growth depends on trust, compliance, security, and a constructive working relationship with regulators and local stakeholders.The sandbox phase is expected to begin in the second half of 2026 and continue for a minimum of two years, in line with the SEC’s framework. That timeline reflects the nature of the process – measured, supervised, and focused on responsible testing, which we see as a strength. It gives room to meet regulatory milestones and support a more durable foundation for users in the Philippines.Through this partnership, we are bringing together local regulatory participation and global operational experience in a way that supports long-term ecosystem development.Final ThoughtsThe Philippines is an important digital economy with a highly engaged user base and strong long-term potential. By partnering with BlockShoals under the Philippine SEC’s sandbox framework, Binance is taking a compliance-first approach designed to support responsible participation, user protection, and constructive regulatory engagement.BlockShoals’ role as the approved local intermediary, combined with our global technology, security, and compliance capabilities, creates a foundation for a more secure and trusted user experience within the Philippine market. As this process moves forward, our focus remains on doing this transparently and in alignment with the country’s evolving regulatory framework.Further ReadingBinance Partners with Kyrgyzstan to Boost Crypto DevelopmentBinance Partners with INHOPE to Strengthen Online SafetyBank of Bahrain And Kuwait and Binance Bahrain Pave The Way for a CaaS Integration With Landmark MOU

Main TakeawaysBinance OMS Toolkit is the first exchange-native solution built specifically for OMS and trading technology providers, offering exchange-level analytics, self-service integration tools, and dedicated institutional support.Providers gain full visibility into end-client trading activity and order flow on Binance, enabling more informed client servicing, optimized product access, and stronger client retention.Built on the foundation of Binance Link and Trade, the OMS Toolkit marks a new chapter in how Binance partners with those who power institutional trading.Note: This is a general announcement. Certain products and services may not be available in your region.The infrastructure that powers institutional trading has never been more sophisticated. Order Management Systems (OMS), Order and Execution Management Systems (OEMS), and trading technology providers sit at the center of how professional and institutional clients access markets, manage execution, and interact with liquidity across venues. Until now, digital asset exchanges have offered little beyond basic connectivity. Binance OMS Toolkit was built to close that gap.The Gap in the MarketAs institutional participation in digital assets matures, the expectations placed on OMS and trading technology providers have grown significantly. Clients expect deeper reporting, faster execution, and a more tailored trading experience. Providers need the tools to deliver not just connectivity to a venue, but genuine exchange-level intelligence that helps them understand what their clients are doing and optimize how providers serve them.Until now, the exchange relationship for most OMS and trading technology providers included connecting and then routing orders – the data stopped there. The result is a visibility gap that makes it harder for providers to support their clients effectively, identify growth opportunities, and differentiate their offering in an increasingly competitive market. Binance OMS Toolkit was built to close that gap.What Binance OMS Toolkit DeliversBuilding on the foundation of Binance Link and Trade, the OMS Toolkit is the next evolution of our partner offering, expanding connectivity with exchange-level analytics, self-service integration tools, and a broader commercial framework designed for long-term growth.Deep Analytics: Providers gain full visibility into end-client trading activity and order flow across the Binance platform. These insights surface how clients are engaging, where execution is concentrated, and how product access can be optimized, giving providers the information they need to deliver a stronger, more informed client experience.Self-Service Integration: Custom user tagging puts control in the hands of the provider. OMS platforms can segment and manage client accounts within the platform without relying on Binance support for routine adjustments, reducing friction and enabling faster, more responsive client servicing.Expanded Product Access: Through the OMS Toolkit, providers can offer their clients direct access to Binance Spot and Futures markets, broadening the scope of what they can deliver via a single integration.Dedicated Institutional Support: Every provider onboarded through the OMS Toolkit receives dedicated support from Binance's VIP and Institutional team, ensuring a smooth integration and ongoing access to the expertise needed to get the most out of the platform.Built for the Institutions Behind InstitutionsOMS and trading technology providers are the backbone of the institutional trading ecosystem. The firms that build and operate these systems are responsible for how some of the most sophisticated market participants in the world access liquidity, manage risk, and execute.Binance OMS Toolkit was designed with that responsibility in mind. Rather than treating providers as conduits for order flow, we are giving them the tools to operate as true partners, with the data, infrastructure, and commercial models to build deeper client relationships and grow their business on Binance."Trading technology providers are core to how institutions engage with digital-asset markets," said Catherine Chen, Head of VIP and Institutional at Binance. "With OMS Toolkit, we are giving these providers genuine exchange-level intelligence and the commercial infrastructure to grow alongside their clients. This is about building a partner ecosystem where success is shared, and where Binance is as invested in the provider's growth as they are."Getting StartedBinance OMS Toolkit is available today for crypto-native and traditional market OMS and trading technology providers. Algorithmic and automated trading platforms that manage trade flow through Binance are also eligible to apply.To get started, contact your Binance Institutional representative or visit https://www.binance.com/en/oms-toolkit.Further ReadingBinance Capital Connect: One Ecosystem for Crypto Strategy Discovery, Allocation and ManagementHow Perpetual Futures Are Reshaping Institutional TradingBinance Banking Triparty – Now With 0% Fees Until June 30, 2026Disclaimer: OMS Toolkit is provided to eligible technology solution providers that support order management and execution. Binance does not provide investment advice, guarantee order execution outcomes, or assume any responsibility or liability for trading decisions, trade outcomes, or additional fees charged by third-party platforms integrated with OMS Toolkit. Digital asset prices are subject to high market risk and price volatility. The value of your investment may go down or up, and you may not get back the amount invested. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions and Binance is not liable for any losses you may incur. You should only invest in products you are familiar with and where you understand the risks. By using OMS Toolkit, you accept that Binance is not liable for any losses or damages arising from its use. This material should not be construed as financial advice. For more information, see our Terms of Use and Risk Warning.

Main TakeawaysDespite easing from their April peak, stablecoin/fiat pairs continue to dominate OTC flows, accounting for over 70% of April volume, sustaining the acceleration from 21% in January.BTC ETF inflows drove a sharp recovery, then reversed. Some $2.1B entered U.S. spot BTC ETFs between Apr 14and 24, pushing BTC to $77K. A $263M single-day outflow on April 27 indicated that many participants sold into the rally.OTC block execution delivered measurable alpha at scale. Our desk settled a $33.5M BTC/USDC order across three clips in under 20 minutes, achieving tighter pricing than a single orderbook execution would have allowed.Welcome to the fourth edition of the Binance OTC & Execution Services Monthly Digest. In this issue, we review April defined by a risk-on recovery, sustained Bitcoin ETF inflows, and a steady macro backdrop with major central banks holding interest rates. We examine what the abrupt late-month shift in ETF flows and persistently negative perpetual funding rates may signal about institutional conviction. Lastly, we highlight a $33.5M BTC/USDC institutional block trade, demonstrating how our desk splits large crypto orders into strategically sized clips to secure tighter pricing and achieve rapid settlement.April 2026 Crypto Market Analysis: BTC ETF Flows and Macro Backdrop+10.4%S&P 500 monthly gainBest since November 2020~$2.1BU.S. spot Bitcoin ETF inflows, Apr 14–24$263MSingle-day ETF outflow, Apr 27.Streak-ending reversal$77KBTC peak range reached during April recoveryRisk-On Recovery and S&P 500 MomentumRisk assets staged a material recovery in April. The S&P 500 rose 10.4%, its best monthly performance since November 2020 – a decisive risk-on signal that historically precedes Bitcoin appreciation with a lag.Central Bank Policy and Fed Leadership UncertaintyThe macro backdrop was broadly steady. The Bank of Japan, Bank of Canada, and Federal Reserve all held rates unchanged. Attention nonetheless turned to the upcoming Fed leadership transition, with Chair Powell's term expiring in mid-May. The succession introduces medium-term uncertainty around the monetary policy outlook for crypto and risk assets alike.U.S. Spot Bitcoin ETF Inflows and Late-Month Outflow SignalIn crypto, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded nine consecutive days of inflows totalling approximately $2.1B between April 14 and 24, helping drive BTC from the high $60,000s into the $77,000 range. The streak broke abruptly on April 27 with a $263M single-day outflow, led by FBTC ($150M), GBTC ($46.6M), and ARKB ($43.3M), indicating that many participants used the rally as an exit rather than a base for further accumulation.BTC Outlook: Range-Bound, Headline-SensitiveWith capital rotating toward large-cap U.S. technology on earnings and AI momentum, and against a backdrop of ongoing geopolitical risks including Strait of Hormuz tensions, U.S.–Iran negotiations, and persistently negative perpetual funding rates, the desk expects BTC to remain range-bound, choppy, and headline-sensitive. The underlying structure is not broken, but the lower channel boundary remains the key level to monitor. For additional market commentary, read our weekly updates on Binance Square.Institutional Crypto OTC Trading Flows: What We Saw in April 2026April OTC flows were dominated by stablecoin and fiat activity, continuing a sustained trend of institutional on-ramping observed in Q1 2026. Stablecoin and Fiat OTC VolumeStablecoin/fiat activity accounted for over 70% of April OTC volume. Activity was concentrated in USDT/USD, USDT/BHD, and USDT/MXN, which together made up the bulk of turnover, reflecting sustained client demand for efficient stablecoin-to-fiat conversion, particularly across emerging market corridors where our desk maintains deep liquidity.Crypto/Stablecoin and Altcoin ActivityCrypto/stablecoin flow accounted for 22.83% of April volume, pointing to continued portfolio rebalancing and selective rotation between volatile assets and stablecoin holdings. BTC dominated, with the remainder spread across majors including ADA, BNB, DOGE, ETH, and XRP, alongside sporadic activity in long-tail tokens such as DASH, ENJ, and XVG.Multi-Currency Fiat ExecutionSignificant volumes were executed across USD, BHD, MXN, KZT, EUR, COP, and ARS, reflecting the global reach and multi-currency execution capabilities of our desk.Bitcoin OTC Block Trade Execution: $33.5M BTC/USDC Case StudyA client approached the desk to acquire $33.5M of BTC using USDC in a single trade. Rather than executing the full size in one clip, which would have drawn a wider spread, our traders advised splitting the order into three strategically sized clips, sourcing tighter pricing from multiple liquidity providers simultaneously.Outcome: All three clips were fully settled in under 20 minutes, with materially improved pricing versus a single-clip execution – a clear illustration of how disciplined execution structure delivers better outcomes at institutional size.This trade is part of a broader pattern our desk has observed especially in 2026: clients increasingly using OTC channels for large Bitcoin accumulation, from the $100M+ family office BTC on-ramp to the bespoke USD-to-USDT execution at 0.5 bps, both facilitated in March. The common thread is the preference for private, high-touch execution over orderbook flow, where information leakage and slippage costs are higher.Binance OTC & Execution Services: Institutional Crypto Liquidity PlatformBinance OTC & Execution Services is a premier, one-stop solution for executing large or complex crypto trades with confidence and discretion. We support all assets listed on the Binance Spot market, including direct and cross pairs, covering over 445 crypto and fiat assets, one of the broadest OTC asset selections in the industry.Zero exchange fees with market-competitive spreadsDedicated traders delivering institutional-grade execution on every orderAccess to deep, multi-venue liquidity pools, the deepest in the industryFlexible settlement options and no upper size limits on trade ticketsClients who execute a minimum of $200,000 in OTC volume within any rolling 30-day period qualify for accelerated Binance VIP progression. Final ThoughtsApril confirmed that crypto tracks traditional risk assets higher when conditions align. Strong ETF inflows and a constructive macro backdrop provided the tailwind, yet the abrupt late-month reversal and persistently negative perpetual funding rates are a clear reminder that conviction among institutional participants remains fragile. BTC was range-bound and headline-sensitive heading into May, but the underlying structure remained intact.For the desk, April was defined by the breadth of flow: from emerging market fiat corridors and large-scale stablecoin movement to bespoke Bitcoin block trading at institutional size. That breadth, across asset class, geography, and trade type, is precisely what Binance OTC & Execution Services is built for.Contact Binance OTC & Execution ServicesBinance OTC & Execution Services is accessible via the Binance website. Contact the OTC Trading Desk at @Binance_OTC_Desk on Telegram or email trading@binance.com to get started.For bespoke execution support or to discuss the themes covered in this digest, contact your account manager or reach out to the OTC desk directly.Further ReadingBinance OTC Monthly Insights - April 2026Binance OTC & Execution Services Explained: How to Execute Large, Institutional-Level TradesHow to On/Off-Ramp Stablecoins Using Binance OTC & Execution ServicesIntroducing Binance Indication of Interest (IOI) – the Essential Liquidity Discovery Tool for Institutional Crypto TradersDisclaimer: Digital asset prices can be volatile. The value of your investment may go down or up and you may not get back the amount invested. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions and Binance is not liable for any losses you may incur. Options trading, in particular, is subject to high market risk and price volatility. Past performance is not a reliable predictor of future performance. There is no guarantee that an IOI will result in a binding transaction. An IOI is not a market order. Binance does not act as your adviser or agent. Before trading, you should make an independent assessment of the appropriateness of the transaction in light of your own objectives and circumstances, including the risks and potential benefits. Consult your own advisers, where appropriate. This information should not be construed as financial or investment advice. To learn more about how to protect yourself, visit our Responsible Trading page. For more information, see our Terms of Use and Risk Warning.

Main TakeawaysBitcoin Pizza Day celebrates the moment crypto proved its real-world utility, and sixteen years later, that progress is still unfolding.Lightning Network, Bitcoin’s payments-focused layer-2, surpassed $1.1 billion in estimated monthly transaction volume for the first time ever in November 2025, demonstrating that utility progresses without regard to price cycles..Today, the crypto payments ecosystem is vast and runs on a variety of rails, including wallet-based checkouts, merchant processors, QR payments, crypto-linked cards, and platforms like Binance Pay.On May 22, 2010, a Florida programmer named Laszlo Hanyecz paid 10,000 BTC for two Papa John's pizzas. The coins were worth about $41 that day. Today, that same stack of coins could buy you a private island.Laszlo’s aim was to run an experiment. He posted on the BitcoinTalk forum offering 10,000 BTC to anyone willing to order him pizza, and a user in England took the deal, placing the order remotely while waiting for the coins to clear. The whole exchange took days to complete.Could Bitcoin — a piece of cryptographic software running on a small global network of computers — actually buy something physical? Laszlo wanted to know – and sixteen years later, the answer to his question is a resounding “yes,” and a massive payments ecosystem that includes Lightning, stablecoins, crypto-linked cards, and platforms like Binance Pay, processing billions of dollars every month.The Thesis Behind the PunchlinePizza Day gets retold every May as the story of the most expensive meal ever, which is partly true, but only scratches the surface of its significance in the history books. Laszlo’s 10,000 BTC transaction proved that Bitcoin could leave the screen and buy two pies worth of cheesy goodness. People nowadays are buying a whole lot more than just pizza with their bitcoin. Per a recent report from Bitcoin financial services firm River, the Lightning Network — a layer-2 protocol built to move bitcoin quickly and cheaply — surpassed $1 billion in estimated monthly transaction volume in November 2025. River counted roughly $1.1 billion across 5.2 million transactions in that single month.As the authors of the report put it: "Lightning adoption happened despite the price declining all of November and generally not doing much in 2025. The adoption was largely driven by exchanges, as well as a growing number of businesses accepting bitcoin payments." This reinforces the idea that practical use cases continue to push the network forward, and that utility can grow independently of price momentum.Crypto Payments Through the Years2010 – Bitcoin Buys a Physical Good for the First TimeIn May 2010, Laszlo Hanyecz exchanged 10,000 BTC for two pizzas, creating one of crypto’s first widely recognized real-world purchases. The transaction was informal, peer-to-peer, and built on trust between strangers, proving that bitcoin can be a medium exchange and store of value.2011 – Early Bitcoin Commerce Begins to EmergeIn the years after Pizza Day, bitcoin began moving beyond forums and experiments into small-scale commerce. Early adopters and crypto-native businesses started testing BTC as a payment method, helping establish the idea that digital assets could function as a medium of exchange.2014 – Major Merchants Begin Accepting BitcoinBy 2014, bitcoin payments were no longer limited to niche communities. Services like BitPay made merchant acceptance easier, while companies such as Microsoft and Overstock began accepting bitcoin payments, signaling early mainstream commercial interest.2015 – The Lightning Network Is ProposedIn 2015, Joseph Poon and Thaddeus Dryja published the Lightning Network white paper, outlining a layer-2 solution designed to make bitcoin payments faster, cheaper, and more scalable. It marked an important step toward making bitcoin more practical for everyday transactions.2018 – Lightning Goes LiveWhen the Lightning Network launched in 2018, it introduced a new way to move bitcoin with near-instant settlement and very low fees. This shifted bitcoin payments closer to real-world usability, especially for smaller and more frequent transactions.2020 – Bitcoin Payments Become More PracticalBy 2020, bitcoin payments had moved well beyond novelty. Merchant tools were more mature, payment infrastructure was improving, and Lightning transactions could settle in under a second with fees as low as around one satoshi, making crypto payments more usable in everyday contexts.2020–2024 – Stablecoins Expand Crypto’s Payments RoleAs crypto payments evolved, stablecoins emerged as another major payment rail. By reducing exposure to volatility while preserving the speed and programmability of blockchain-based transfers, stablecoins helped expand crypto’s use in digital payments, remittances, merchant settlement, and cross-border value transfer.2021 – Binance Pay Launches2021 marked several turning points. Binance Pay launched to support crypto payments across peer-to-peer transfers and merchant transactions. Its launch marked another step in the evolution of crypto payments from isolated use cases toward a broader consumer and merchant ecosystem. In September, El Salvador became the first country to use bitcoin as legal tender.2025 – Lightning Reaches Scale Beyond Price CyclesBitcoin’s payments utility continued to expand even in a relatively subdued market environment. The Lightning Network surpassed an estimated $1.1 billion in monthly transaction volume in November 2025 across roughly 5.2 million transactions, showing that adoption was being driven by real usage, including exchanges and businesses accepting bitcoin payments.2025–2026 – Crypto Payments Start Looking More Like Everyday PaymentsCrypto payments are increasingly being embedded into familiar payment experiences, from cards on traditional networks like Visa and Mastercard to app-based payments and merchant QR flows. One area gaining traction quickly is QR payments, already a common way to pay in many markets.2026 – A Broader Payments Ecosystem Takes ShapeWhat began as a peer-to-peer pizza purchase has evolved into a much broader payments ecosystem. Stablecoins, for example — not Bitcoin itself — now carry the majority of everyday payments volume.In 2025, stablecoins processed $33 trillion in adjusted on-chain volume, surpassing Visa’s $14 trillion in network settlement (Source: Binance Research, Artemis). By April 2026, stablecoins’ 30-day adjusted volume reached $7.6 trillion against Visa’s $1.3 trillion, roughly 6x Visa’s pace, on a single rolling-average snapshot.Binance Pay also sits at the consumer entry point of this ecosystem: $280 billion processed since 2021, 21 million merchants, and 98% of B2C transactions denominated in stablecoins. How Binance Pay Builds on the StoryIt would be tempting to read this timeline as “crypto payments are outgrowing Bitcoin.” But Binance Pay and stablecoins arguably only exist because Pizza Day worked. Laszlo's transaction established that “magic internet money” could be used in the real world. Then came the Lightning network, which solved the issue of speed, while stablecoins offered a “stable” option for daily spending.Binance Pay builds on Bitcoin’s progress by focusing on payment and merchant flexibility. With Binance Pay, users can spend with over 100 cryptocurrencies, including USDT, BTC, and BNB, at more than 21 million merchants globally. Supported merchants include major brands, travel and hospitality booking, gift cards, and everyday services. In addition to spending an asset directly, users can also use BTC yield earned from Binance savings products.Final ThoughtsPizza Day is a fun reminder that crypto’s utility goes far beyond speculation. The first BTC “purchase” was clunky and improvised, but it proved crypto could be used as a medium of exchange.Sixteen years later, everything has changed. Lightning continues to expand bitcoin payments, and everyday spending has broadened into multiple methods. Two cheese pizzas helped create an entire payments ecosystem used by millions of people worldwide.Further ReadingShare a Pizza, Share in BitcoinBitcoin Pizza Day: From Two Pies to Millions of Lives Across the GlobeBinance Online: What BlackRock, CZ, Chamath, Ripple, Solana, and Adam Back Said About Crypto in 2026

Main TakeawaysSixteen years after Bitcoin Pizza Day, crypto has become part of everyday life – from international travel and supporting family across borders to first homes and birthday celebrations in Bhutan.Six creators across four continents share the real moments that illustrate why crypto has become practical, personal, and global.Crypto's biggest growth story is happening in Medellín, Mumbai, São Paulo, and countless communities around the world.On May 22, 2010, Laszlo Hanyecz made history by spending 10,000 BTC on two pizzas. The transaction marked one of the first recorded real-world uses of Bitcoin as payment.Sixteen years later, the question is no longer whether crypto has utility. It’s how deeply it has become part of everyday life.Today, more than 560 million people around the world are estimated to own cryptocurrency – and some of the strongest adoption is happening across emerging markets. Since 2020, the share of Binance users from emerging markets has grown from 49% to 77%, with APAC, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America leading that growth.What began as a niche internet movement now powers travel, savings, cross-border transfers, and everyday purchases globally.To understand what crypto adoption looks like in everyday life, we spoke with six creators across four continents about how they actually use crypto today.“My House, My Crypto”For Brazilian creator Valéria Garcia, crypto started with a simple moment of curiosity.“Years ago, I saw a website accepting Bitcoin as a form of payment and I got curious,” she says. “I had never heard of it before and wanted to understand what this Bitcoin thing was.”That curiosity gradually turned into regular use. Her first major crypto purchase was a ticket – and nearly all the expenses – for the Lollapalooza music festival. Today, she uses her Binance Card for everything: from bakery snacks to international travel expenses.But over time, crypto became tied to something much bigger than day-to-day spending.“I recently moved into my first home,” she says. “My husband and I built a wallet that we nicknamed ‘my house, my crypto.’ The apartment and a good part of everything inside it were bought with this wallet.”For Valeria, one of crypto’s biggest advantages today is the flexibility it brings while traveling internationally.“Crypto gives me peace of mind,” she explains. “I can travel anywhere and make payments without worrying about local currency or exchange rate limitations.”Dinner in Medellín, Money Across BordersAnthony Alvarez first entered crypto through trading in 2021. Today, the Colombian creator says it runs through almost every part of his financial life.His first real-world crypto purchase was dinner at a crypto-themed restaurant in Medellín. Now he regularly uses Binance Card and Binance Pay for shopping, travel, and international transactions.One particularly memorable moment came when he booked a trip to Dubai for Binance Blockchain Week using Binance Pay and USDT.“The process was fast, simple, and very convenient,” he says. “It showed me that paying with crypto can integrate perfectly with traditional services.”Crypto also changed how he supports his family across borders. Anthony lives in Colombia, while his mother is in Venezuela – a situation where traditional transfers can become slow and expensive.“When I need to send her money, I can do it through Binance Pay and she receives it almost instantly,” he explains. “For me, that’s something the traditional banking system still doesn’t solve in such a simple, fast, and accessible way.”No Different From a “Normal” CardCrypto entered African creator Bailey Georgiade’s life gradually.“A few years ago my husband suggested we get into crypto,” she says. “At first I didn’t really understand what crypto even was.”She began learning through Binance Academy and over time became more involved in the space. But the moment crypto truly started feeling tangible came through small, ordinary purchases – a coffee and a water tumbler purchased at a local shopping mall.“It actually felt surreal,” she says, “because crypto had always felt like something separate from everyday life.”More recently, she started using the Binance Card for regular spending – from groceries to online shopping and clothing.“Honestly, there was no difference between using my Binance Card and using my “normal” bank card,” she explains. “The process felt seamless and easy.”For Bailey, that growing simplicity is one of the biggest signs of how far crypto adoption has evolved in recent years.“Before, it felt very separate from normal spending and shopping,” she says. “Now it’s becoming something you can actually use practically, which makes the space feel a lot more real and relatable.”From Business Tool to Daily SpendingFor Martin Melendez in Mexico, crypto initially solved a practical business problem. He came to crypto looking for a simpler way to invoice international clients and receive payments across borders.That search led him to Binance – and eventually to one of his first real-world crypto purchases: a meal from El Pollo Loco, shortly after the Binance Card launched.Today, crypto has become deeply integrated into both his work and daily spending. Martin regularly uses the Binance Card for purchases tied to his creator business, including products and giveaways for his audience.“My cryptocurrencies are now real money,” he says. “It’s money I can use to pay for trips, hotels, and even advertising on Facebook and TikTok.”He believes this transition is becoming increasingly visible across Latin America, where digital dollars and blockchain-based payments are slowly becoming part of everyday financial life.“People are going to keep making normal payments using blockchain without even knowing they’re using blockchain,” he says.From a Lost Private Key to One Million PeoplePushpendra Singh’s first encounter with crypto came through freelance work.“I entered crypto when an international client transferred Bitcoin to me,” he says. “I made my first big mistake early – I lost my private key and everything with it.”Instead of leaving the space behind, he went deeper. Pushpendra started mining crypto at a time when almost no one in India was taking it seriously, eventually turning it into a career and a content platform. “Crypto didn't just give me a purpose – it changed my life,” he says. “It helped me build my career, personal brand, and a community of more than one million people.”Education also became a major part of his work, with much of his content focused on simplifying blockchain concepts for a broader audience.Today, crypto has become embedded into his financial routine, from subscriptions to online transactions and long-term investing.Looking back, he believes the digital asset ecosystem in India has matured significantly over the years.“Earlier, people focused mainly on quick profits,” he says. “Today, people are looking at blockchain and digital assets through a much broader lens – from long-term wealth creation and preservation to careers, entrepreneurship, and building in Web3.”For Pushpendra, that broader evolution can be summarized simply:“We’ve moved from curiosity to utility.”Bipin's Birthday, Paid in CryptoFor Indian creator Sujal Jethwani, digital assets first entered his life through a conversation with a friend and a sense of FOMO.“At that time I had no idea what blockchain was or what decentralization meant,” he recalls. “But the deeper I went, the more interested I became in the technology and the ideas behind it.”What followed was something much bigger than he initially expected: an entirely new career and community built around digital assets.His first real-world crypto purchase came in 2022 – jewelry for his mother, paid through a friend's crypto card at a store in Dubai.“Standing in a Dubai jewellery store, buying a gift for my mum – settled in crypto,” he says. “It felt surreal. Like the internet had just reached my wallet.”But the moment that stayed with him most happened years later in Bhutan during a Binance Pay partnership event. After learning that their driver, Bipin, was celebrating his birthday, Sujal and his group organized a surprise celebration and paid for the entire evening using Binance Pay.“Bipin’s birthday, paid in crypto, in the mountains of Bhutan,” he says. “That’s a sentence I genuinely didn’t think I’d ever say.”The experience also showed him how deeply crypto payments had become integrated locally.“I survived an entire week in Bhutan with no cash, no card – only Binance Pay,” he says. “From tea shops to hotels to remote mountain areas, it worked every single time.”For Sujal, that transformation captures how much crypto has evolved since the experimental Bitcoin Pizza Day era into practical, real-world utility.“Crypto has gone from an internet money experiment to real financial infrastructure,” he says. “The pizzas just got more expensive – in fiat prices, of course.”Crypto by the NumbersThese stories reflect a much broader global shift in how crypto is being used around the world.The same pattern appears in Binance’s global user base: the share of users from emerging markets has grown from 49% in 2020 to 77% in 2026.Regions like APAC, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America continue to record some of the strongest growth globally. APAC recorded the highest year-over-year growth in Bitcoin holders at 31%, while Latin America followed closely at 29%.At the same time, crypto payments infrastructure continues to expand rapidly. Binance Pay now serves 48 million users globally and has processed more than US$280 billion in transaction volume since 2021, while more than 21 million merchants worldwide are now part of the Binance Pay ecosystem.And while Bitcoin Pizza Day began with a single BTC transaction, payments today increasingly happen across multiple digital assets. Stablecoins now account for 96% of all payment transactions on Binance Pay.Beyond PizzaIn 2010, two pizzas cost 10,000 BTC. Today, that same order would cost only a tiny fraction of a bitcoin.But Bitcoin Pizza Day was never really about the price. It was about proving that crypto could be used in the real world.Sixteen years later, the proof is everywhere. Around the world, people are using digital assets to support family across borders, build careers, buy first homes, and pay for birthday celebrations in the mountains of Bhutan.This Pizza Day, we want to hear your story. Snap a selfie with pizza and a splash of Binance yellow, share it on X with #BinancePizza, and you could win a share of $5,000 in BTC rewards. Share Your #BinancePizza MomentWant to go bigger? Team up with friends for a chance to share in a $1,000,000 USDC prize pool. Laszlo shared his pizza with the world – now it's your turn.Join the Pizza Day Team UpFurther ReadingBitcoin Pizza Day 2026: Share a Pizza, Share in BitcoinExpanding Access Where It Matters Most: Binance’s Approach to Driving a More Inclusive Financial FutureBrazilian Users Can Now Tap and Pay with Binance x Mastercard Crypto CardDisclaimer: The stories narrated are not intended to be and shall not be construed as an endorsement by Binance of such views or a guarantee of the reliability or accuracy of such content.Disclaimer: Digital asset prices are subject to high market risk and price volatility. The value of your investment may go down or up, and you may not get back the amount invested. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions and Binance is not liable for any losses you may incur. Past performance is not a reliable predictor of future performance. You should only invest in products you are familiar with and where you understand the risks. You should carefully consider your investment experience, financial situation, investment objectives and risk tolerance and consult an independent financial adviser prior to making any investment. This material should not be construed as financial advice. For more information, see our Terms of Use and Risk Warning.

Main TakeawaysAs the tech sector and the wider job market undergo dramatic transformation amid accelerating AI adoption, Binance continues to actively recruit across the business to strengthen priority teams, while building an AI-competent organization.Across 2026, Binance has embedded a number of proprietary AI tools into internal workflows and delivered 28 AI organization-wide training sessions across 8 modules, achieving strong engagement.AI capability building is further reinforced through ongoing shared learning, with employees actively presenting real-world use cases and contributing to structured knowledge libraries that document applied AI across teams.While companies across the tech sector cut 52,050 jobs in Q1 2026 – a 40% increase year-over-year amid accelerating AI adoption – Binance continues to actively recruit across the business to strengthen priority teams, actively hiring across 380+ roles while building an AI-competent workforce.Some narratives frame AI as a substitute for human labor, but our approach is different. We see AI as a capability multiplier – one that helps teams operate more effectively and redirect focus toward the areas where human insight matters most.Human Intent Leads, AI ExecutesThe idea that AI should replace human talent overlooks where AI creates the most value. Across industries, the strongest gains from AI have come from augmentation, not substitution – particularly in roles where judgment, context, and accountability matter. In fact, studies from organizations like McKinsey Global Institute and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development consistently show that AI delivers the greatest value when humans remain at the center of the workflow – guiding decisions, applying judgment, and shaping creative direction – while AI supports them by handling repetitive and rules-based tasks.True innovation emerges when AI absorbs the mechanical workload such as data processing, pattern detection, and routine execution – freeing people to focus on what machines cannot replicate: strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and human judgment shaped by context and experience.Our philosophy for building an AI-competent company goes beyond simply deploying new tools. It centers on actively encouraging AI adoption across teams while continuing to invest in talent. This approach is also reflected in our hiring strategy, with 20% of our 2026 hires brought in specifically for AI tech and product development roles.Embracing AI Adoption, Building AI LiteracyTo date, we’ve already integrated proprietary tools like SAFUGPT, along with Hexa and Clawbot into our internal systems for employees to use across daily workflows. Hexa is a no-code AI platform that allows teams to build scalable AI tools and assistants – such as internal knowledge chatbots or AI agents that automate operational reviews – without coding expertise, while Clawbot helps teams streamline repetitive workflows in day-to-day execution. In 2026 alone, we also rolled out eight different types of AI training spanning 28 sessions – with multiple session timings designed to accommodate our global workforce across time zones. These trainings are designed to build both foundational and advanced AI literacy, covering a broad range of AI tools and competencies. This includes two prompt engineering training tracks, four different Clawbot training programs spanning 16 sessions. Notably, the Clawbot training series achieved an 87% participation rate, reflecting strong employee enthusiasm toward embracing new skills and tools to become more AI-competent.In addition, we’ve been publishing weekly AI micro-learning pieces since last December. Each piece distills practical AI insights, tips, and knowledge into a format that can be read in under three minutes, making it easily accessible to all employees. To date, 22 editions have been released.Scaling AI Adoption Through Shared Use CasesWe believe capability building extends into applied learning, where employees translate concepts into real workflows and share outcomes across the company. This is reflected in how teams across the organization have actively experimented with AI and presented their successful use cases to inspire broader adoption, including 13 live Clawbot use case sharing sessions and 3 live Hexa use case roadshow sessions in 2026. These sessions showcase how different teams are applying AI in practical, impactful ways and learning from one another in real time.From Experimentation to a Shared PlaybookBuilding on this culture of shared learning, we have also developed structured knowledge libraries including Hexa and SAFUGPT use case catalog articles, documenting practical implementations of AI across different functions. These catalogs serve as living references for how AI is being embedded into day-to-day operations, helping teams replicate and scale successfully.Early Results, With More to ComeThese efforts are already translating into meaningful adoption across the organization. Clawbot has reached an internal adoption rate of approximately 72%, while Hexa has achieved around 57%, reflecting growing employee confidence in integrating AI into daily workflows. At the same time, we continue to expand our AI learning initiatives, with a fifth Clawbot training module and two additional Clawbot use case sharing sessions set to roll out next week.Scaling AI Responsibly, With Ethics at the CoreAs AI adoption accelerates, understanding AI ethics, governance, and responsible deployment has become increasingly important. Binance recently earned the ISO/IEC 42001 certification, an international standard for responsible AI governance. Through a Privacy by Design approach, Binance ensures data protection considerations remain central to AI deployment, while company-wide AI training, prompt engineering programs, and structured oversight practices help employees adopt AI ethically, responsibly, and with meaningful human oversight.Final ThoughtsWe believe that the future of crypto will not be defined by code alone, but by how effectively people and AI work together. As AI systems become more capable, human creativity, judgment, and accountability become even more critical in shaping how these tools are applied responsibly and effectively.That is why we continue to invest in both AI innovation and the people behind it – through ongoing employee training, AI enablement initiatives, and the expansion of our AI-empowered workforce. With around 380 open roles globally, we are actively seeking forward-thinking talent who can harness emerging technologies to help build the future of crypto with us.Further ReadingBinance Hot Takes and Hard Truths – Redefining Fairness at Work5 Reasons Not to Join BinanceAI Versus AI – How Binance Is Defending Users in the Age of Intelligent Fraud

Main TakeawaysReal float provides a clearer lens on token liquidity, helping distinguish between headline circulating supply and what is actually tradable in the market.When real float is low, price discovery, volatility, and valuation metrics like market cap and FDV can become distorted without full visibility into underlying supply dynamics.Therefore, combining real float analysis with tokenomics review, on-chain data, and unlock schedules enables a more complete and informed assessment of token launches and market behavior.Since the publication of the Binance Research report Low Float & High FDV: How Did We Get Here?, there has been continued observation in the community that some projects launch with relatively low real float. This is not necessarily negative in all cases, but low real float may contribute to inorganic price discovery, higher volatility, and potentially misleading market capitalization or fully diluted valuation (FDV) optics.This article will explain what real float means, why it matters, and how users and project teams can approach token launches with greater transparency and awareness.What Is Real Float?Real float refers to the portion of a token’s supply that is genuinely available for active trading in the open market.In traditional financial markets, this is similar to free float or public float, which excludes restricted shares, insider holdings, and strategic positions. In crypto markets, a similar distinction can exist between tokens counted as circulating supply and those actually available for trading.While reported circulating supply reflects what is nominally in circulation, real float reflects what is actually tradable. A wider gap between the two may lead to an overestimation of a token’s true liquidity.Real float is best understood as an estimate rather than a precise formula, and users may consider factors such as locked supply, vesting schedules, treasury or project-held tokens, staking participation, and holder concentration when assessing how much supply is genuinely available for active trading.In practice, observable market balances can also be used as a rough proxy:Estimated Real Float ≈ DEX Pool Balances + CEX BalancesThis is not a perfect measure, as exchange balances, liquidity pools, treasury wallets, staking contracts, and long-term holder behavior can all change over time. However, it can still help users better distinguish between headline circulating supply and the portion of supply that is actually available for active trading.Low real float can occur when:A large share of supply is held by insiders, foundations, treasury wallets, or long-term holdersA significant portion of liquid supply is tied up in liquidity provisioningStaking, vesting, ecosystem lockups, or airdrop schedules reduce freely tradable tokensLiquidity is concentrated in a small number of venues or poolsA few large holders control most of the available float and rarely tradeLow real float is not inherently negative. It can reflect early-stage token distribution, long-term alignment, staking participation, or treasury strategy. However, when combined with limited disclosure, concentrated holdings, high FDV, or large upcoming unlocks, it may become an important risk factor for users to consider.Implications of Low Real Float EnvironmentsTo make this more intuitive, consider a simplified illustrative scenario where early trading occurs on a thin real float. In such conditions, even modest buying pressure can push prices sharply higher, inflating implied market capitalization or fully diluted valuation (FDV). However, if broader demand does not materialize, or if subsequent token unlocks significantly increase circulating supply, prices may retrace as liquidity expands. Below, we’ll break down the implications of low float environments.Illustrative example: when real float is thin, early price action may be more volatile and less reflective of broad market demand, with potential retracement as supply expands.Inorganic Price DiscoveryFair price discovery depends on broad market participation, sufficient tradable supply, and transparent information.When only a small portion of supply is actively traded, prices may not fully reflect overall market demand. Instead, price formation can be driven by a small number of wallets, concentrated liquidity, selective liquidity provision, or listing-related dynamics.In a low-real-float environment, even modest buying activity can push prices significantly higher, which may in turn imply a much larger FDV without broad market validation.Higher VolatilityLow real float may also contribute to higher volatility. When tradable supply is limited, relatively small orders can have a disproportionate impact on price.This often leads to wider spreads, higher slippage, sharper price swings, and stronger reactions to news, sentiment, or unlock events. As a result, it becomes harder to distinguish between sustained demand and short-term liquidity-driven moves.Misleading Market Cap OpticsMarket capitalization and FDV are useful reference metrics, but they can become less informative when prices are formed on thin real float.For example, a small amount of buying may push the token price higher, which then inflates both market cap (based on circulating supply) and FDV (based on total supply). In such cases, headline valuations may overstate real capital inflow or market depth. Hence, market cap and FDV should be read alongside real float, liquidity depth, holder concentration, and upcoming unlock schedules.Unlock Overhang RiskWhen low real float is driven by locked supply, future unlocks become a key factor to monitor.Potential selling pressure may come from early investors, team allocations, treasury wallets, or emissions schedules. In some cases, even anticipated unlocks can affect market expectations before tokens enter circulation, especially when disclosure is limited or unclear.How Users Can Evaluate Low Real FloatUsers should avoid relying solely on headline market capitalization, FDV, or short-term price performance. A more complete evaluation can include:Reviewing the project’s tokenomics, allocation tables, vesting schedules, and unlock calendars.Comparing reported circulating supply with real float indicators, such as exchange balances, DEX pool balances, on-chain wallet distribution, and holder concentration.Assessing whether supply is concentrated in a small number of wallets, venues, or liquidity pools.Monitoring significant token inflows to exchanges, which may affect short-term liquidity and price dynamics.Using third-party data platforms to better understand wallet distribution, token flows, and concentration risks.Referring to project disclosures, whitepapers, Binance Research, DD Hub materials, and other publicly available information.As always, users should conduct their own research. Tokenomics can be complex, and no single metric can fully capture the quality or risk profile of a token launch.Suggestions for Project TeamsFor project teams, clearer disclosure can help market participants better understand a token’s underlying supply dynamics. Hence, projects should consider improving transparency around initial circulating supply, real float assumptions, allocations, vesting schedules, unlock timelines, treasury holdings, liquidity arrangements, staking participation, and airdrop structures.Transparency doesn’t mean every project should adopt the same float structure. Different projects may have different token designs depending on their stage of development, community structure, and ecosystem needs.However, when users can clearly distinguish between freely tradable supply and locked, staked, liquidity-bound, or reserved tokens, they are better equipped to assess valuation, liquidity, and potential future supply pressure – helping them make more informed decisions.Final ThoughtsReal float is an important factor in evaluating token launches and secondary market behavior.While low real float is not inherently negative, when it is combined with high FDV, limited disclosure, concentrated supply, or large future unlocks, it can weaken price discovery and increase market risk.Ultimately, more transparent tokenomics benefits both sides of the market. For users, understanding real float enables more informed decision-making, while for project teams, greater transparency and thoughtful float design can help build credibility, support sustainable price discovery, and contribute to healthier token markets.Further ReadingThree Ways to Streamline Real Trading Workflows With Binance AI ProThe Biggest Macro Trade of 2026 Is One You Can Access on BinanceIntegrating Finance, Social, and AI: How Binance is Leading Crypto’s WeChat Moment

Main TakeawaysIn celebration of the first real-world Bitcoin transaction on May 22, 2010, we’re calling on the community to share their #BinancePizza moments.Snap a selfie with pizza and something yellow or Binance-branded, post it on X with #BinancePizza, and tag @binance for a chance to share $5,000 in BTC rewards.Want a bigger bite? Team up with friends in the Team Up for BTC promotion and share in a 1,000,000 USDC prize pool.If there's one thing better than pizza, it's pizza shared with the Binance community. To celebrate Bitcoin Pizza Day, we're asking you to snap a selfie enjoying some pizza with a splash of Binance yellow in the frame.Share your #BinancePizza moment on X for a chance to share $5,000 in BTC rewards. And if you want to take things a step further, you can also team up with friends on Binance to share in a $1,000,000 USDC prize pool.The Story Behind Bitcoin Pizza DayFor people new to the story – and there should be many, given how fast crypto adoption spreads – Bitcoin Pizza Day is celebrated every year on May 22. It marks the first real-world Bitcoin transaction, when a Florida developer named Laszlo Hanyecz paid 10,000 BTC for two large pizzas on this day in 2010. He posted on the Bitcoin Talk forum asking if anyone would order pizza for him in exchange for Bitcoin, and two pies later, this transaction became the first recorded instance of BTC being exchanged for real-world goods. Those same 10,000 BTC would be worth a little over $800 million today. Laszlo proved a point about Bitcoin, but he also shared some pizza with the whole family, and that’s the part of the story we want to celebrate this year.So, in honor of Laszlo, we're asking you to share your own pizza moment for a chance to win Bitcoin rewards. Grab a slice and find some Binance yellow.Join Binance’s Pizza Day Campaign: Share Your #BinancePizza Moment in 3 Steps1. Take a selfieTake a selfie with a pizza and something yellow or Binance-branded in the shot. Get creative. The more original your picture, the better your chances of winning.2. Post it on XShare your selfie on X using the hashtag #BinancePizza and tag @binance.3. Fill out the surveyComplete the Binance survey so we can find your post and lock in your entry.The top 100 most creative pics will split $5,000 in BTC. Share Your #BinancePizza MomentTeam Up for BTC and Share 1,000,000 USDCThere's another way to celebrate Bitcoin Pizza Day with Binance, and this one comes with a 1,000,000 USDC prize pool. Gather your friends, form a team of 3, 5, or 10, and buy BTC together. Once everyone in your team locks in, you all share in a prize pool of 1,000,000 USDC.Assemble your own team or join one using a friend's invite link.Everyone deposits and locks 100 USDC* via the activity page to confirm their spot.Once the team fills up, your team’s USDC will automatically be converted into BTC at real-time market price through the Convert function.USDC rewards land in your Spot account within 48 hours.*Users must lock 100 USDC to confirm their spot on a team. Team members can quit anytime before the team expires (within 6 hours of formation). If a user leaves or the team fails to fill up in time, the locked funds will be automatically unlocked and returned to their account.The bigger the team, the greater the reward per person. New users who register with referral code PIZZADAY26 and convert BTC on their own (no team required) will also receive 3 USDC each.Rewards are first-come, first-served, and the promotion runs from May 12 to May 30, 2026 at 23:59 (UTC). Full details and reward breakdowns are available in the announcement.Join the Pizza Day Team UpFurther ReadingNot Just Pizza: Discovering The Real-World Power of Crypto, One Transaction at a TimeHow to Cash Out Your Bitcoin on BinanceThe Next Three Billion Users And The Widening Addressable Market for Digital Finance

Main TakeawaysBinance x402 enables HTTP-native payments on BNB Chain, making it easier to monetize APIs, tools, and digital services.It is built for agent-driven and software-native commerce, supporting off-chain authorization and on-chain settlement for automated, usage-based payments.By handling payment verification and settlement infrastructure, Binance x402 reduces integration complexity while expanding stablecoin utility on BNB Chain.As digital services become more automated, one major gap is becoming harder to ignore: the internet still lacks a simple, native way for APIs, tools, and AI agents to pay and get paid in real time. Traditional payment systems were not built for machine-to-machine transactions, usage-based billing, or autonomous workflows, creating friction for both developers trying to monetize services and users trying to access them seamlessly. Binance x402 addresses that gap on the BNB Chain. Read on to learn why that matters for the next generation of internet services, and how it could help unlock a more programmable, agent-driven payment layer.What Is Binance x402?Binance x402 is a Binance Pay payment facilitator for BNB Chain. It is designed to help developers and merchants unlock new ways to offer and monetize digital services, from APIs and data platforms to agent tools and automated workflows.It uses standard HTTP 402 payment flows. This allows services like APIs, MCP servers, tools, data platforms, and agent workflows to request and receive payments in a programmable way.Instead of requiring every merchant to build their own payment verification, settlement, and gas-handling infrastructure, Binance x402 provides a simpler facilitator model that handles the heavy lifting. Through Binance x402, merchants can:Present payment requirements to users via HTTP 402 responsesAccept signed payment authorizations from users, wallets, apps, or agentsVerify payment details off-chain before settlementSettle payments on BNB ChainSupport direct buyer-to-merchant token movementOn the user side, Binance x402 works together with Trust Wallet to deliver the first self-custody agent payment loop on BNB Chain. Trust Wallet AgentKit natively supports Binance x402, meaning wallets stay fully self-custody, and private keys never leave the user's device. For developers, agent payments can go live in minutes with no custom payment code required. For everyday users, their agent pays for premium data or services on their behalf while their keys stay on their phone the entire time.Binance x402 is built with broader wallet support in mind. Alongside Trust Wallet, Binance x402 will also be supporting Binance Wallet’s Agentic Wallet to extend the payment capabilities to more users on BNB Chain. This integration is currently in development and is intended to make it easier for users and agents to access paid services through familiar wallet experiences.What Binance x402 UnlocksAgent-native services are quickly becoming a real category. A growing number of directories and marketplaces now list AI agents, tools, and autonomous workflows designed to complete tasks across the internet.As highlighted in a Binance Research weekly commentary, Gartner forecasts global AI spending will reach $2.52 trillion in 2026, a 44% increase year over year. Crunchbase estimates that AI accounted for roughly $242 billion, or about 80%, of total global venture funding in Q1 2026. At the product level, the shift from passive assistants to autonomous agents is also already underway. On Binance Ai Pro, 45.7% of conversations on a single day during the tool’s beta period were system-triggered and ran without any user prompt.As agents become more autonomous, they need a way to pay for the services they use. Binance x402 meets that need by bringing HTTP-native payments to BNB Chain.The Significance of Binance x4021. Easier Payments on BNB Chain: Binance x402 gives developers and merchants a straightforward way to offer payment options for APIs, tools, datasets, content, and agent services. Users and agents also have a smoother way to access them directly on BNB Chain.2. More Utility for Stablecoins in Digital Services: With Binance x402, supported stablecoins on BNB Chain can be used for practical everyday payments, including API access, software tools, data services, and machine-driven transactions.3. Less Integration Friction for Merchants: Merchants integrate through standard HTTP APIs instead of building their own verification flows, settlement contracts, or gas-handling layers. Binance x402 abstracts away the complexity so merchants can focus on their product.4. Built for Agents and Automated Payments: Binance x402 makes it easier for agents, apps, and services to pay per use, handle usage-based billing, and support flexible payment limits, all without relying on traditional checkout flows. This is infrastructure designed for an agent-driven internet.Supported Payment MethodsAt this stage, Binance x402 is available as a BNB Chain-only payment flow. It gives developers and merchants a simple way to accept supported stablecoin payments through off-chain authorization and on-chain settlement.Supported payment methods:eip3009permit2-exactpermit2-uptoSupported assets on BNB Chain:U: eip3009, permit2-exact, permit2-uptoUSD1 eip3009, permit2-exact, permit2-uptoUSDT: permit2-exact, permit2-uptoUSDC: permit2-exact, permit2-uptoFinal ThoughtsBinance x402 is an important step toward a more programmable payment layer for BNB Chain. As agents become more capable at finding information, executing tasks, and interacting across services, seamless payment flows will be essential to making those workflows truly autonomous.For developers and merchants, this opens the door to new monetization models: pay-per-use APIs, agent-accessible tools, automated service payments, and digital micro-economies built around machine-to-machine transactions. With Binance x402, Binance Pay and BNB Chain can help power the next generation of internet services, where agents and users transact more easily and efficiently.Interested in building with Binance x402? Visit the Binance x402 landing page to learn more.Further ReadingBinance Research: Exploring the Future of AI Agents in CryptoHow to Make Stablecoin Payments With Binance Pay — Instant, Borderless, and Gas-FreeStablecoins And The Future of Online Payments

Main TakeawaysBinance Online, Binance's first-ever online conference, brought together leading voices across crypto and finance for a four-hour livestream featuring 10 panels – generating more than 680,000 views on Binance Square.A star-studded speaker lineup included Binance Co-CEOs Yi He and Richard Teng, Binance Founder CZ, BlackRock COO Rob Goldstein, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, Solana Foundation President Lily Liu, Adam Back, Chamath Palihapitiya, Anthony Pompliano, and many more.If you missed the event, make sure to catch up on the replays on Binance Square!Binance Online, our first-ever global virtual event, took the industry's biggest conversations to communities around the world. Streamed live across Binance Square, YouTube, and X, it brought together some of the most recognized names in crypto and traditional finance for over four hours of programming – generating more than 680,000 views and nearly 65,000 chat replies from a global audience on Binance Square alone.Across 10 panels, speakers explored the biggest themes shaping the industry today. With AI emerging as a central narrative across sessions – from agentic finance and AI-powered research tools to the intersection of blockchain and frontier tech – the event also covered stablecoins, tokenization, Bitcoin, crypto payments, institutional adoption, and the convergence of crypto with traditional finance. Speakers included Binance Co-CEOs Yi He and Richard Teng, Binance Founder CZ, BlackRock COO Rob Goldstein, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, Solana Foundation President Lily Liu, Blockstream CEO Adam Back, YZi Labs Head Ella Zhang, Coin Bureau's Guy Turner and Nic Puckrin, and many more.Missed it? Here are the biggest moments from each session.Yi He & Richard Teng – 300 Million to 3 Billion: The Next Phase of BinanceBinance's two co-CEOs opened the event with the message that 300+ million users is just the starting line. Yi He traced the acceleration: the first 100 million users in five years, the next hundred million in two, the hundred after that in eighteen months – and framed the three-billion-user target as the natural next step for a platform evolving far beyond trading.The super app vision, as Yi He described it, is about building a single platform where anyone, including people who have never had a bank account, can pay, save, send, and invest.Richard Teng emphasized the broader importance of crypto in expanding access to financial services globally: "I travel the world, including to many frontier and emerging markets. And I see that even today, 1.4 billion people are excluded from financial services globally. Crypto is here to solve that problem. That's why we are very passionate about freedom of money globally."Teng also pointed to how much has changed behind the scenes: a rebuilt organizational structure, a compliance team now exceeding 1,600 employees and more than 20% of total headcount, and a deliberate push to become the world's most regulated exchange across more than 20 jurisdictions, with ADGM's FSRA serving as its home regulator.Both co-CEOs named AI as central to the path ahead – not only as a tool for professionals, but as a way to bring financial services to billions of people traditional finance has never reached.Lily Liu, Brad Garlinghouse & Richard Teng – The Evolution EraIn the next session, Richard Teng was joined by Lily Liu, President of the Solana Foundation, and Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple, to continue the discussion they first began together at Binance Blockchain Week 2025 in Dubai – this time focusing on how quickly the industry has evolved in just a few months around stablecoins, tokenization, regulation, and AI.The conversation opened on a striking number: $10.5 trillion in stablecoin transfers in January alone. For Teng, it illustrated the point that traditional financial infrastructure is "very archaic" by modern standards, and stablecoins are already proving what a globally accessible, near-instant alternative can look like.On traditional finance’s growing presence in crypto, Teng noted: "Competition from the likes of Morgan Stanley is a validation of how far crypto has come." Binance, he added, remains focused on the next billion users – the ones Wall Street isn't serving.The Clarity Act emerged as the session's most important near-term regulatory priority. Garlinghouse argued that a friendly administration isn't enough – large banks have leaned out because they can't be certain the next SEC chair won't reverse course. "With the Clarity Act, you'll see them leaning in in a way we've never seen before."Liu pushed the RWA conversation beyond tokenization. To her, getting existing assets on-chain is only the start, while the bigger opportunity is the entirely new markets blockchain makes possible: compute, energy, and capital formation for the countries that have no meaningful access to financial markets today.CZ, Chamath Palihapitiya & Anthony Pompliano – Where Smart Money Is Moving NowBinance Co-Founder CZ, venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya, and Anthony Pompliano, Founder and CEO of Professional Capital Management, came together for a discussion on where capital, AI, and crypto infrastructure are converging – and where some of the industry's biggest investors are focusing next.Palihapitiya argued that the most important AI opportunities over the next five years may be far more "physical" than most people expect, pointing to land, power, chips, data centers, and distributed compute as the infrastructure underpinning the entire AI economy. He also highlighted crypto-native distributed AI networks as one of the most interesting intersections between blockchain and artificial intelligence: "If you just look at the equity value that underpins just Anthropic and OpenAI, you're talking a few trillion dollars that cannot grow without tactical training and inference flops. If you are a purveyor of that, you're going to be a part of that economy."CZ echoed many of those themes, arguing that crypto infrastructure must become "agentic ready" for a future shaped by AI-driven commerce and machine-to-machine payments.He also brought the conversation back to financial access – stablecoins and tokenized equities are increasingly giving users in underserved markets access to dollars, capital markets, and investment opportunities that were previously out of reach.Pompliano closed by arguing that the distinction between crypto and traditional finance is already disappearing: "In the future, there's no Web3 versus traditional finance. It's just finance companies. Blockchain is just a technology that we use. Every financial company must use it. There shouldn't be a distinction."Nina Rong – Architecting Discovery: Stablecoins, RWAs & Agentic Finance"Web2-level simplicity, Web3-level transparency – that's what we are building towards." — Nina Rong, Executive Director of Growth, BNB ChainNina Rong, Executive Director of Growth at BNB Chain, shared how the ecosystem is positioning itself around three major themes for 2026: stablecoins, RWAs, and agentic finance. She pointed to BNB Chain's growing role as stablecoin infrastructure, noting that 40% of all global stablecoin transactions by count now happen on BNB Chain, with roughly 20 million monthly stablecoin users across the network.On RWAs and AI infrastructure, BNB Chain is now the second-largest blockchain for RWAs after Ethereum, with nearly $4 billion in assets on-chain and close to 500 tokenized asset types. The network is also positioning itself as financial infrastructure for AI agents, with more than 179,000 on-chain agents already transacting through BNB Chain. "The future is going to be an ecosystem of co-existing agents and humans at the same time," Rong said.Coin Bureau – Crypto Trends from the Leading Creators"Bitcoin has become very macro-driven. It is now a proxy for a macro asset – and that transmission mechanism didn't exist meaningfully in 2019 or 2020." — Nic Puckrin, Co-founder, Coin BureauCoin Bureau's Guy Turner and Nic Puckrin joined Binance Online to unpack the biggest trends shaping the 2026 market cycle. According to Nic, 2026 is indeed different, and the reason is structural rather than narrative. Spot ETFs, real legislation, institutional custody, regulated on-ramps, and pension-eligible products have embedded crypto more deeply into traditional finance, making Bitcoin more sensitive to global liquidity, rates, and broader macro shocks.The session also looked at how investors are approaching crypto more strategically in 2026. Nic said smarter portfolios now start with a core Bitcoin position of at least 30-50%, followed by Ethereum, selective L1/L2 exposure, and smaller allocations to conviction narratives. Guy pointed to AI agents using crypto rails, privacy, and the X402 protocol as areas to watch, while Nic highlighted Perp DEXs and prediction markets as two of the strongest product-market-fit stories in crypto today.BYOR – Build Your Own Research Framework“Researchers should never outsource original thinking or thesis formation to AI.” — Average Joe Crypto, MessariAlice Liu from CoinMarketCap was joined by Ryan Celaj of DeFiLlama and Average Joe Crypto from Messari for a discussion on how crypto research is evolving in a market increasingly shaped by AI, RWAs, and macro forces. The panel argued that strong research frameworks matter more than ever as crypto becomes harder to analyze through on-chain signals alone.Ryan pointed to RWAs and tokenization as one of the strongest trends in DeFi, while the conversation also focused heavily on how researchers should actually use AI. Rather than replacing independent thinking, the panel described AI as a tool for summarizing technical material, testing assumptions, surfacing datasets, and improving workflow efficiency. “Good outputs depend on good inputs,” Alice noted, emphasizing the importance of combining on-chain analytics with macro, trading, and alternative datasets.The session closed with a broader discussion about crypto’s direction as an industry. Average Joe Crypto argued that the sector is increasingly splitting into two paths: integration with traditional finance on one side, and a renewed focus on decentralization and privacy on the other. Ryan observed that due to this dynamic, less room remains for middle-ground approaches as the industry matures.Adam Back – Why We're All Satoshi & What's Next for Bitcoin“Bitcoin feels more like a discovery than an invention.” — Adam Back, Founder and CEO of BlockstreamThe next session featured Adam Back – founder and CEO of Blockstream, inventor of Hashcash, and one of the few people cited directly in the Bitcoin whitepaper – in a discussion on Bitcoin’s origins, cypherpunk history, and what comes next for the industry. Speaking with The Block’s Gareth Jenkinson, Back reflected on his early email exchanges with Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008, including conversations around how to properly reference Hashcash and other early proof-of-work systems like B-money and Bit Gold.Back argued that Bitcoin succeeded because Satoshi discovered an extremely narrow design space that previous electronic cash experiments had failed to fully solve. “One of Satoshi’s key innovations was allowing the market to price Bitcoin freely,” he explained, contrasting Bitcoin with earlier attempts to engineer price stability directly into the protocol. He also defended Satoshi’s continued anonymity, arguing that Bitcoin became stronger precisely because it evolved beyond any identifiable founder.The conversation later shifted toward Bitcoin’s long-term resilience, including the often-discussed “quantum threat.” While Back described large-scale quantum computing as a real area of research, he argued the technology remains far from practical deployment and noted that Bitcoin developers are already working on quantum-resistant upgrades.Thomas Gregory – Binance Beyond Trading: Building Everyday Crypto Utility“No one goes out shopping and goes, ‘I’m really looking forward to going to payment today.’” — Thomas Gregory, VP of Payments at BinanceContinuing the broader conversation around Binance’s long-term direction, Thomas Gregory, VP of Payments at Binance, discussed the company’s push to evolve beyond a trading platform into what he described as a broader “everyday payments platform.”Gregory argued that the biggest challenge for crypto adoption is removing friction between traditional finance and blockchain systems. “Payments are a hygiene factor,” he explained, pointing to stablecoins, Binance Card, Binance Pay, and new QR integrations in countries like Brazil and Vietnam as examples of how Binance is working to make blockchain infrastructure effectively invisible to users while still delivering the speed and efficiency advantages of crypto.The discussion also returned to Binance’s broader goal of scaling from hundreds of millions of users toward billions globally. Gregory described a future financial super app where users can trade, hold multiple currencies, send remittances, earn yield, pay bills, and spend stablecoins inside a single ecosystem. At the same time, he stressed that crypto payments will only scale if they adapt to local financial behavior and infrastructure.Ella Zhang – Bridging Blockchain, AI & the Future Wave of Frontier Tech“The biggest innovation and industrial change won’t happen in a single domain. It happens at the convergence.” — Ella Zhang, Head of YZi LabsElla Zhang, Head of YZi Labs and co-founder of Binance Labs, joined Binance Online to discuss the growing convergence between blockchain, AI, and traditional finance. Reflecting on the industry’s evolution since 2018, Zhang argued that one of crypto’s biggest early mistakes was viewing blockchain in isolation rather than as part of a much broader technological transformation happening across multiple industries simultaneously. She pointed to AI agents, stablecoins, tokenized assets, and intent-based interfaces as examples of how blockchain is increasingly becoming an invisible infrastructure layer powering ownership, payments, identity, and automation.The discussion also explored the rapid rise of tokenized real-world assets, which Zhang described as one of the biggest catalysts for crypto’s mainstream adoption. She argued that tokenized RWAs are already moving on-chain at meaningful scale, while also predicting that some of the most valuable blockchain companies of the next cycle may not issue tokens at all. Instead, she suggested the industry would increasingly converge with traditional capital markets through public listings, tokenized equity structures, and deeper institutional adoption.Rob Goldstein & Kaiser Ng – Tokenizing the Capital MarketsBinance Online concluded with a session featuring Rob Goldstein, COO of BlackRock, in a discussion with Binance’s CFO Kaiser Ng focused on tokenization, capital markets, and the growing convergence between traditional finance and digital assets. Goldstein argued that BlackRock increasingly sees digital assets not as a separate ecosystem, but as part of a broader shift toward portfolios that combine traditional capital markets exposures with blockchain-native infrastructure. Referencing products like IBIT and BUIDL, he described BlackRock’s strategy as building a “bridge” between traditional finance and digital wallets by offering both digital-asset exposure inside traditional portfolios and tokenized capital markets products on blockchain rails.The conversation also explored the long-term growth potential of tokenization and institutional crypto adoption. Describing tokenized capital markets as still being at a very early stage, Goldstein argued that the opportunity over the coming years should be measured “in multiples rather than percentages.” He also emphasized that many institutions are still in the early stages of understanding digital assets and their role inside broader portfolios. “It’s a very natural cycle that as time goes on, as people get more educated, it’ll enter more and more model portfolios,” he explained, adding that BlackRock continues to see digital assets become an increasingly important topic across client conversations.Looking ahead, Goldstein also pointed to AI as a major future catalyst for blockchain adoption, arguing that AI agents operating on digital rails could eventually create entirely new forms of economic activity and accelerate the growth of tokenized financial infrastructure.Final ThoughtsBinance Online closed on a distinctly forward-looking note, reflecting an industry increasingly shaped by the convergence of AI, tokenization, stablecoins, digital payments, and institutional adoption. Across more than four hours of discussions, speakers repeatedly returned to the same underlying theme: crypto is no longer developing in isolation. From AI agents transacting on blockchain rails to tokenized capital markets and globally accessible payment infrastructure, the industry is rapidly becoming part of a much broader technological and financial transformation.Binance Online was supported by partners including Epic, Fusionist, Pixels, Chromia, and ZEROBASE. All sponsorship proceeds will be donated toward education-focused initiatives, including $35,000 to the UZH Blockchain Center at the University of Zurich to support student enrollment in its Deep Dive into Blockchain summer program, and $15,000 to Geeks Academy in Kyrgyzstan to expand access to online cryptocurrency and blockchain courses.A huge thank you to every speaker, viewer, partner, and community member who joined us for the first-ever Binance Online. The conversations don’t stop here.Catch all session replays on Binance Square.Further ReadingCapital Markets Meet Digital Wallets – BlackRock And Binance On Tokenization as a Two-way BridgeSmart Money in 2026: Insights From CZ, Chamath Palihapitiya, and Anthony PomplianoBinance Online Agenda Revealed – Explore Speakers and Sessions for May 13 Risk Warning: Digital assets are subject to high market risk and price volatility. The value of your investment may go down or up, and you may not get back the amount invested. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions and Binance is not liable for any losses you may incur. Past performance is not a reliable predictor of future performance. You should only invest in products you are familiar with and where you understand the risks. You should carefully consider your investment experience, financial situation, investment objectives and risk tolerance and consult an independent financial adviser prior to making any investment. This material should not be construed as financial advice. This product may not be available in certain countries and to certain users. This content is not intended for users/countries to which prohibitions/restrictions apply. For more information, see our Terms of Use and Risk Warning.

Main TakeawaysAt Binance Online, BlackRock COO Rob Goldstein joined Binance CFO Kaiser Ng to discuss tokenization, digital assets, and the future of capital markets.The conversation highlighted a broad dynamic: traditional finance and Web3 are increasingly being connected through ETFs, tokenized funds, digital wallets, collateral use cases, and institutional infrastructure.Binance Research scenario analysis suggests tokenization could grow meaningfully by 2030, but adoption will depend on regulation, custody, liquidity, and distribution maturing together.The future of finance is unlikely to arrive through one system replacing another. A more feasible scenario is that it will be built through bridges between traditional portfolios and digital assets, capital markets and digital wallets, and regulated financial products and crypto-native infrastructure.That was the central theme of a Binance Online conversation between Rob Goldstein, Chief Operating Officer of BlackRock, and Kaiser Ng, Chief Financial Officer of Binance. The session focused on tokenizing capital markets, but its significance went beyond any single fund, token, or ticker.A BlackRock COO appearing at a Binance event is itself a sign of how far the digital-asset industry has reached. The world’s largest asset manager and the world’s largest crypto ecosystem serve different histories and user bases, but the conversation reflected a reality that is becoming harder to ignore: traditional finance and digital-asset infrastructure are no longer moving on separate tracks. The question now is how the two systems connect, and which institutions can make that connection useful.Two Directions Of The Same BridgeDigital assets have long been framed as a choice between two worlds: traditional finance on one side, crypto on the other. Goldstein rejected that binary framing.“Our strategy from the beginning has been very, very, very simple – very hard to execute, I don't want to take anything away from what we've accomplished – but a very simple strategy, which is to effectively be that bridge between the capital markets and this alternate universe,” he said. “To provide, in a BlackRock quality way, digital assets exposures in the capital markets. And to provide, in a BlackRock quality way, as tokens, capital markets exposures in this alternate digital-asset universe.”That bridge moves in both directions. IBIT brought Bitcoin exposure into a familiar traditional ETF wrapper. BUIDL represents the reverse flow: capital-markets exposure made available as a token on digital rails.These examples suggest that the future of finance will be user choice across multiple rails. Some investors will prefer brokerages, banks, custodians, and familiar account structures; others will increasingly hold and manage value through digital wallets. Institutions will need access to both. At the same time, Goldstein noted that digital assets enter institutional portfolios as a matter of a “natural cycle”:It's a very natural cycle that as time goes on, as people get more educated, it'll enter more and more model portfolios. There'll be more and more of a track record, and the portfolio utility, the diversification utility will become more and more clear to institutions.Why Tokenization is CentralThe core promise of tokenization is making financial products easier to access, transfer, use, and settle. Goldstein framed the opportunity through a client lens: better, faster, cheaper.“We feel there is a great value proposition that tokenization provides relative to some existing structures, particularly with regard to the fund ecosystem,” he said. “When we think of opportunities, we're always thinking within BlackRock: how do we make access better, faster, cheaper for clients and end-clients?”The point is that many parts of today’s financial infrastructure remain slow, fragmented, expensive, or operationally complex. Fund distribution, transfer agency, collateral mobility, settlement cycles, cross-border access, and portfolio operations all contain inefficiencies that digital rails may help reduce over time. Tokenization can make assets more programmable and usable across platforms. It can also create new forms of collateral, liquidity, and access for users who already operate inside digital financial ecosystems.What Adoption Could Look Like By 2030Tokenization remains early. As Kaiser Ng noted during the conversation, the current tokenized asset market is still small relative to the scale of global capital markets. Goldstein also emphasized that tokenization could see “3x, 5x growth rates” for many years while still representing only a small minority of traditional financial infrastructure.That is the right way to understand the opportunity. The base is small, but the addressable market is vast. The pace of adoption will depend on whether several conditions mature together: regulation, institutional-grade custody, secondary-market liquidity, and distribution.Binance Research scenario analysis illustrates how wide the range of outcomes could be by 2030.Penetration rate scenario assumptions (0.2% → 18%) are benchmarked against two historical references: ETFs taking 30 years to penetrate 12% of total stock market cap since inception, and mobile payments scaling from 3% to 77% in just 3 years. Based on these assumptions, the potential market size of tokenized RWAs is projected to range between US$1.6 trillion and US$28.8 trillion.Among all segments, the tokenized equities and government bonds markets are the most significant. Under the baseline scenario, each is expected to surpass $300 billion – yet today, the two combined stand at just ~$18 billion.These figures should be read as projections rather than guarantees, but tokenization should be measured against the scale of global capital markets, rather than only against today’s on-chain tokenized asset base. Even low-single-digit penetration would represent a major expansion.Binance’s Role: From Issuance To AdoptionTo transform finance, technology has first to be implemented, explained, and made trusted by and useful to a critical mass of adopters.Binance has a unique combination of user base, liquidity, infrastructure, institutions, and education. It is where millions of people already access digital assets and where new product categories can be tested and scaled. Goldstein made that point directly.“I do think Binance plays an important role in helping to really provide that better, faster, cheaper value proposition, because at the end of the day, technology needs to be properly implemented and properly explained to people. And Binance is going to play such an important role in that.”The 2030 opportunity depends less on tokenization as a concept than on tokenization as a functioning market. A tokenized asset without liquidity, custody, collateral utility, user access, and risk controls remains a proof of concept; a tokenized asset connected to deep markets and global distribution can become part of everyday financial reality.This is where Binance can help move the industry from issuance to adoption: building bridges between users who think in crypto terms and institutions that think in terms of portfolios, risk, and settlement.The Next Layer: AI, Wallets, And Digital FinanceThe conversation also pointed toward an even larger convergence: digital assets and artificial intelligence.As enterprises begin using AI agents for increasingly complex tasks, those agents may eventually need ways to transact and coordinate value. Traditional financial infrastructure was not built for machine-native activity at global internet speed. Digital tools and rails may become part of the financial layer that allows AI agents to operate in the real economy.For Binance, this convergence is central to the next phase of growth. The industry is moving beyond a narrow definition of crypto as trading alone. The addressable market is widening toward digital finance: storing and moving value, accessing markets, managing portfolios, using tokenized assets, and eventually interacting with AI-enabled financial tools.Final ThoughtsTokenization will not mature overnight, but the overall direction is unmistakable. Digital assets are entering traditional portfolios while traditional products are entering digital wallets. Institutions are looking very seriously at tokenized infrastructure while crypto-native platforms are developing the liquidity and user experience needed to make these products genuinely usable.The Binance Online conversation between Rob Goldstein and Kaiser Ng captured this moment well, offering a glimpse of how the next financial architecture may be built by connecting the two worlds they represent. As tokenization moves from concept to infrastructure, Binance is positioned to help build that bridge for the people and institutions who will use it.Further ReadingSmart Money in 2026: Insights From CZ, Chamath Palihapitiya, and Anthony PomplianoBinance Online Agenda Revealed – Explore Speakers and Sessions for May 13Binance Integrates BlackRock’s BUIDL Fund into Institutional Collateral Framework