The recent actions of Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, founder of Binance, have ignited a strong debate in the market. The discussion focuses on the growing centralization of power in crypto, dividing the community between those who support his gestures and those who see a calculated plan that threatens the ecosystem’s principles. The clash of narratives is fueled by specific events that have generated both applause and suspicion.
Following a sharp market downturn, known as “crypto Black Friday,” Binance distributed $45 million in BNB to liquidated traders. This measure was personally announced by CZ on his social media, generating an immediate response from thousands of users. Additionally, he made donations such as 1,000 BNB for those affected by earthquakes in Thailand and Myanmar. Even a meme coin inspired by his pet reached a trading volume of $400 million, demonstrating his media influence.
The underlying debate lies in asset concentration and its impact on decentralization. Critics from the DeFi sector point out that CZ controls more than half of the total BNB supply. Therefore, any action that enhances the coin’s image or utility directly increases his personal wealth. This conflict of interest is at the heart of the controversy, questioning the nature of his altruistic gestures and his true reach within the industry.
Are CZ’s Giveaways a Smokescreen for Greater Control?
A case that exemplifies this concern is the Aster DEX project. This decentralized exchange raised $14.33 million in fees in a single day during September 2025. However, reports reveal that 93% of its governance token is concentrated in just five wallets. This distribution fuels suspicions of covert centralization, posing serious risks to its future governance and the protection of minority investors.
These actions have opposing effects on the market. On one hand, token giveaways and media exposure restore confidence and short-term liquidity. On the other, the accumulation of tokens in a few hands increases the risk of manipulation and conflicts of interest. The mix of personal interest and market products could attract greater intervention from regulators, affecting the entire ecosystem.
The duality of these actions defines the current landscape and the debate on the centralization of power in crypto. While token distributions may temporarily restore confidence, the long-term accumulation of power raises doubts. The future behavior of projects like Aster DEX will be key, as their evolution will show whether genuine growth prevails or if fears about centralized control attract greater regulatory pressure.
