On January 31st at 12 AM, I waited for CZ's big brother's Binance Square AMA; the scene was once very lively. 🙋♀️ I raised my hand all night but didn't get a chance to speak, even though I had prepared my questions. 🙋 Congratulations to my brother from Aotai Capital for making it to the top three with big shots, sharing the screen and speaking together. Although I regret not having the chance to ask questions, I gained a wealth of valuable insights; every word is a wake-up call for the industry. As the poem says, 'Clearing the clouds to see the blue sky, one word awakens the dreamer.' A sharing session that reveals the truth of the industry, clarifying the new and old tracks, setting the clearest compass for the path forward in the crypto world of 2026.
After shedding the CEO identity, CZ resembles a guiding master who has been deeply rooted in the industry for many years. His candid truths are clearer and more transparent than when he was in office. This sharing has sharply shattered two deeply ingrained illusions in the crypto world, pouring a timely cold water on the frenzied and restless market, proving that “good medicine tastes bitter but is beneficial for the illness; honest advice is hard to hear but can benefit actions.” Firstly, the “fantasy of getting rich quickly” is ultimately illusory. CZ stated that most Meme coins are essentially Ponzi schemes. In 2026, institutional compliant funds will flood in. The competition in the industry is no longer about hype and memes, but about real cash flow, actual user data, and clear long-term planning. Those who earn short-term profits by luck during a boom will eventually lose it all without core capabilities to back them up; secondly, the “reverse attack through skills” is merely self-comfort. Retail investors attempting to compete in trading with AI and professional high-frequency teams are like trying to hit a stone with an egg or a mantis trying to stop a chariot. The exclusive machine rooms, high-speed fiber optics, and mature trading systems of institutions create insurmountable technical barriers. What retail investors consider “intelligent strategies” are merely “signals for harvesting leeks” in the eyes of professional teams. This industry gap has never been something that “little cleverness” from retail investors can bridge.
1. Behind the shattering of illusions is the inevitable transition of the industry from wildness to professionalism.
CZ's candidness is not intentionally pessimistic but reveals the core trend of development in the crypto world: the era of barbaric growth has long ended. The gameplay of relying on gambling courage, chasing news, and pursuing hype will ultimately be eliminated by the market. The crypto world in 2026 is ushering in a new stage of regulation, institutionalization, and professionalism. The flow of funds will no longer blindly follow emotions but will anchor on value; the competition in the industry will no longer be about speculation but about hard strength. Those practitioners still clinging to the mentality of 'getting rich overnight' will only be left behind by the waves of the industry if they do not change their mindset in a timely manner. Just as 'thousands of sails pass by the sunken boat, thousands of trees bloom in front of the sick tree', the old methods will eventually exit the stage, and new rules have already taken shape.
2. Two core directions anchor the key to breaking through in the crypto world in 2026.
Throughout the AMA, CZ did not mention a single word about the so-called 'wealth code', but he clearly articulated the core direction of the industry for 2026. He focused a lot of time on education and wallets, two things that seem 'not profitable' but actually hold the key to breaking through for ordinary retail investors. Firstly, deepening industry education, as cognition will become the core standard that divides industry classes. CZ's Giggle Academy is fully committed to free industry education, precisely because he recognizes that 'the difference in cognition equals the difference in returns; the level of cognition determines survival'. In the future crypto world, those who understand smart contracts, token economics, and regulatory logic will live in a completely different industry world from those who only know to chase prices and follow trends. Only by solidifying cognition can one stand firm. Secondly, mastering self-custody wallets is the last barrier for ordinary people regarding digital sovereignty. In an era where centralized custody is becoming mainstream in the industry, CZ encourages retail investors to hold private keys and manage self-custody wallets. This seemingly counterintuitive advice is actually core protection for ordinary retail investors. 'Only those who hold sovereignty have confidence; only those with cognition know when to advance and retreat.' The ability to control one’s assets is the last barrier that differentiates them from traditional financial leeks, and it is key to maintaining one’s financial initiative in the wave of compliance.
3. Three practical strategies to solidify the foundation for survival in the crypto world in 2026.
Understanding trends is one thing, but execution is key. Based on CZ's sharing, ordinary retail investors who want to navigate the crypto world steadily in 2026 must abandon speculative mindsets and focus on doing these three things well, to achieve 'many trials and tribulations but remain strong, no matter the east, west, south, or north wind'. Firstly, treat learning as a hard investment and build an industry amulet with knowledge. Set fixed times each week to systematically learn the basics of blockchain, project valuation logic, and global regulatory dynamics. Reject fragmented information and create systematic cognition; only by understanding the industry can one see projects clearly and avoid traps. Secondly, redefine stability by managing positions scientifically. Core positions should anchor on mainstream assets like BTC and ETH that have global consensus and clear narratives. While they are volatile, they can accompany you through bull and bear cycles. Use only 'entertainment funds that won't hurt if lost' to participate in Meme coins; do not be greedy or impulsive, and do not let short-term gains cloud your judgment. Thirdly, practically master digital sovereignty and secure a ticket for the future of DeFi. Personally download non-custodial wallets like MetaMask, transfer a small amount of funds to try basic operations like on-chain exchanges and staking, and personally experience the complete control of assets. Every practical operation now is a way to build strength for future industry layouts.
The crypto world in 2026 is no longer a playground for gamblers but an arena for scholars and digital sovereigns. What is contested is no longer courage, news, and luck but cognition, patience, and faith in true value. Just as 'the road is long and obstructed, but it will be reached; if one does not stop, the future is hopeful', only by earnestly studying, solidifying the foundation, and holding sovereignty can one stand firm in the waves of the industry and reap long-term value.
Sincerely thank CZ, the big brother, and Sister He Yiyi for their efforts in building the Binance Square, a high-quality ecological platform that allows industry peers to gather for communication and explore the new future of Web3 together. Grateful for this dedication and empowerment! “With a united heart and road, we can go far; gathering strength to set sail on a new journey.” In the future, Aotai Capital will continue to deepen its involvement in Binance Square and co-build it. I also hope Sister Yiyi can continue to upgrade the live broadcast features of Binance Square, enhancing the experience for hosts and audiences. I also thank Brother Ying for his continuous support and guidance, and I am grateful for the companionship and support of all those who walk this path together. May we stand shoulder to shoulder, using cognition as a sail and sovereignty as an oar, to jointly embark on the new journey of Web3 towards a future full of flowers!
