28-7-2025 – Binance Coin (BNB) soared to an all-time high of $850.70 on Monday, elevating Binance co-founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao’s net worth to an estimated $75.8 billion, according to blockchain analytics firm Nansen, first reported by Forbes. Zhao’s holdings, primarily 89.1 million BNB tokens representing 64% of the circulating supply, place him 23rd on Forbes’ global rich list, surpassing figures like Julia Koch.
The price surge is driven by robust activity on the BNB Chain, with total value locked (TVL), stablecoin supply, and PancakeSwap trading volumes reaching record highs, as noted by Kronos Research analyst Dominick John. The recent Maxwell upgrade to BNB Smart Chain, implemented on June 30, enhanced network efficiency and validator coordination, further fueling investor optimism.
Additionally, whale wallets and institutional players, including Nano Labs’ plan to acquire 10% of BNB’s supply, are bolstering demand. Binance’s token burn program, which reduces BNB’s 200 million capped supply, plays a critical role in the rally. Komodo CTO Kadan Stadelmann highlighted that these burns create scarcity, reinforcing expectations of price appreciation among large investors. With 98% of Zhao’s portfolio tied to BNB, as he disclosed in February, his wealth closely tracks the token’s performance, amplified by his 90% stake in Binance.
