3-4-2025 – Binance’s founder Changpeng Zhao has taken aim at what he perceives as gratuitous tokenisation within AI projects. The cryptocurrency mogul, widely known as CZ, suggests that an overwhelming majority of AI ventures are implementing tokens without genuine necessity.
Taking to the social media platform X, CZ advocated for a fundamental shift in approach, emphasising the paramount importance of developing robust AI agents before contemplating token launches. His message resonated strongly with the crypto community, with notable figure Satoshi Club suggesting that 95% of AI initiatives lack legitimate token requirements—a figure CZ revised upward to 99.95%.
The discourse has sparked a broader debate about funding mechanisms in the cryptocurrency sphere. Industry insiders, including the prominent voice of Kato, highlighted the persistent challenge of securing traditional capital, which often drives projects toward token-based fundraising despite potential criticism.
The conversation has evolved beyond its initial scope, prompting scrutiny of cryptocurrency exchanges’ listing practices. CryptoScoop, a community member, proposed that Binance should apply similarly stringent criteria across all token listings, suggesting thorough evaluations of token utility beyond mere fundraising capabilities.
This discussion emerges as CZ celebrates reaching 10 million social media followers, though the milestone has not deterred him from addressing contentious issues within the industry. His stance reflects growing concerns about the intersection of artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, particularly regarding the authenticity and necessity of tokenisation in emerging technologies.
