AI encryption cryptocurrency sector surged 54% in September, as tokenized U.S. stocks break $1.1 billion: a new era of on-chain finance is upon us
I. The AI sector leads the crypto market, with September gains far exceeding the broader market
According to Grayscale’s latest report, the AI crypto sector recorded an astonishing 54% gain in September, far outpacing the overall crypto market’s 24% increase. Among them, NEAR Protocol skyrocketed 183% to lead the sector, VVV rose 70%, and Worldcoin climbed 47%, showing strong market demand for the intersection of artificial intelligence and blockchain.
Notably, despite the impressive rally, the AI crypto sector’s total market cap is currently only about $15 billion, the smallest among the six crypto categories defined by Grayscale. This suggests the sector still has substantial room to grow. After Trump announced the creation of a “superintelligent force,” along with Musk continuing to speak publicly about superintelligence, market speculation enthusiasm for AI-related tokens was further ignited.
II. Tokenized U.S. stocks on BNB Chain surpass $1.1 billion, accounting for 30% of the global market
The size of tokenized stocks and ETFs on BNB Chain has reached $1.1 billion, about 30% of the $3.7 billion global tokenized stocks market. This figure is more than five times higher than the $719 million reported in January 2026, highlighting the rapid development of on-chain financial infrastructure.
Analysts believe this growth reflects a structural shift rather than short-term price catalysts. Institutional investors are bringing traditional financial assets onto the blockchain, and BNB Chain is becoming an important hub for tokenization of real-world assets worldwide. Multiple tokenized U.S. stock products are already supported on the platform, including Moderna (MRNA) and emerging markets ETFs (EEM), enabling investors to trade traditional financial assets around the clock.
III. The SEC approves 3x leveraged crypto ETPs, with regulatory loosening continuing
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved Cboe BZX’s rule change application, allowing Volatility Shares to list six 3x leveraged ETP products covering Bitcoin, Ethereum, gold, silver, crude oil, and natural gas. This is a milestone for derivative crypto products and indicates that regulators’ acceptance of leveraged crypto instruments is increasing.
This approval could attract a new wave of speculative institutional capital into the digital asset space. However, on the same day, an Ethereum spot ETF saw $17.25 million in net outflows, suggesting that market sentiment remains divided.
IV. Plaza hotspot data: SOL, BTC, and BNB rank in the top three for discussion
According to Binance Plaza’s 24-hour heat data, SOL leads with 18,433 mentions, followed closely by BTC with 19,332 mentions, while BNB ranks third with 14,906 mentions. In terms of bullish sentiment, BTC has 1,069 bullish participants, ETH has 524, and SOL has 442. Overall, market sentiment is leaning optimistic.
V. Outlook: Accelerating convergence of on-chain finance and traditional finance
From the explosive growth of the AI crypto sector, to the rapid expansion of tokenized U.S. stocks, and then to regulators gradually clearing the way for innovative products, the crypto market in 2026 is undergoing a profound transformation. The fusion of traditional financial assets with blockchain technology is no longer just a concept—it is becoming reality. For investors, focusing on the AI-crypto intersection, tokenized RWA assets, and regulatory policy developments will be key clues to capturing the next market upswing.
#BNBSurpasses$790 #ZamaRises15.99%ToIntradayHigh$0.09 #AICrypto
I. The AI sector leads the crypto market, with September gains far exceeding the broader market
According to Grayscale’s latest report, the AI crypto sector recorded an astonishing 54% gain in September, far outpacing the overall crypto market’s 24% increase. Among them, NEAR Protocol skyrocketed 183% to lead the sector, VVV rose 70%, and Worldcoin climbed 47%, showing strong market demand for the intersection of artificial intelligence and blockchain.
Notably, despite the impressive rally, the AI crypto sector’s total market cap is currently only about $15 billion, the smallest among the six crypto categories defined by Grayscale. This suggests the sector still has substantial room to grow. After Trump announced the creation of a “superintelligent force,” along with Musk continuing to speak publicly about superintelligence, market speculation enthusiasm for AI-related tokens was further ignited.
II. Tokenized U.S. stocks on BNB Chain surpass $1.1 billion, accounting for 30% of the global market
The size of tokenized stocks and ETFs on BNB Chain has reached $1.1 billion, about 30% of the $3.7 billion global tokenized stocks market. This figure is more than five times higher than the $719 million reported in January 2026, highlighting the rapid development of on-chain financial infrastructure.
Analysts believe this growth reflects a structural shift rather than short-term price catalysts. Institutional investors are bringing traditional financial assets onto the blockchain, and BNB Chain is becoming an important hub for tokenization of real-world assets worldwide. Multiple tokenized U.S. stock products are already supported on the platform, including Moderna (MRNA) and emerging markets ETFs (EEM), enabling investors to trade traditional financial assets around the clock.
III. The SEC approves 3x leveraged crypto ETPs, with regulatory loosening continuing
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved Cboe BZX’s rule change application, allowing Volatility Shares to list six 3x leveraged ETP products covering Bitcoin, Ethereum, gold, silver, crude oil, and natural gas. This is a milestone for derivative crypto products and indicates that regulators’ acceptance of leveraged crypto instruments is increasing.
This approval could attract a new wave of speculative institutional capital into the digital asset space. However, on the same day, an Ethereum spot ETF saw $17.25 million in net outflows, suggesting that market sentiment remains divided.
IV. Plaza hotspot data: SOL, BTC, and BNB rank in the top three for discussion
According to Binance Plaza’s 24-hour heat data, SOL leads with 18,433 mentions, followed closely by BTC with 19,332 mentions, while BNB ranks third with 14,906 mentions. In terms of bullish sentiment, BTC has 1,069 bullish participants, ETH has 524, and SOL has 442. Overall, market sentiment is leaning optimistic.
V. Outlook: Accelerating convergence of on-chain finance and traditional finance
From the explosive growth of the AI crypto sector, to the rapid expansion of tokenized U.S. stocks, and then to regulators gradually clearing the way for innovative products, the crypto market in 2026 is undergoing a profound transformation. The fusion of traditional financial assets with blockchain technology is no longer just a concept—it is becoming reality. For investors, focusing on the AI-crypto intersection, tokenized RWA assets, and regulatory policy developments will be key clues to capturing the next market upswing.
#BNBSurpasses$790 #ZamaRises15.99%ToIntradayHigh$0.09 #AICrypto