Binance founder Changpeng Zhao told Galaxy Research on June 18, 2026 that artificial intelligence may threaten humanity yet pose no danger to crypto, arguing that digital assets could become the primary payment rail for autonomous AI systems before traditional banks adapt.
AI’s Existential Threat Versus Crypto’s Resilience
Zhao emphasized that AI‑driven software could outpace legacy finance, forcing machine‑centric transactions onto blockchain networks. He cited the rapid development of AI agents as a catalyst for crypto adoption, while maintaining that the technology itself does not jeopardize the security of blockchain assets.
Financial Inclusion and the Unbanked
The World Bank’s Global Findex Database 2025 reports a record rise in global account ownership, yet roughly 1.3 billion adults remain excluded from the formal financial system. Zhao suggested that permissionless, internet‑native payment solutions could simultaneously serve AI agents and those lacking access to traditional banking services.
Implications for Investors and the Crypto Market
Investors may view Zhao’s outlook as a signal that crypto could capture a new class of AI‑driven demand, potentially influencing Bitcoin’s market cycle and the valuation of emerging platforms like Hyperliquid. By positioning blockchain as the infrastructure for non‑human economic activity, the commentary hints at sustained growth opportunities for crypto assets despite broader AI uncertainties.