Changpeng Zhao predicts IPOs will move on-chain

Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao, known as CZ, has predicted that Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) will eventually move on-chain. In a recent post on X, Zhao suggested that companies may one day raise capital and distribute ownership directly via blockchain technology.

This shift could potentially disrupt traditional financial systems by replacing intermediaries—such as investment banks, clearing houses, and brokers—with digital assets and smart contracts. On-chain models could enable instantaneous ownership transfers, automated settlement, and 24/7 trading access, bypassing the set market hours of traditional exchanges.

The prediction coincides with a surge in tokenized real-world assets. Binance’s bStocks platform has seen rapid growth, reaching a market capitalization of over $500 million within weeks of its launch and capturing a significant portion of the global tokenized equity market. While the transition could streamline capital markets and increase investor access, the process would still require adherence to local securities laws and regulations.