Changpeng Zhao said he expects cryptocurrencies to become an invisible part of everyday infrastructure within five years, similar to how people use the internet without discussing its underlying technology.
Speaking on the Wolf of All Streets podcast, Zhao said the goal is for users to interact with blockchain-based systems seamlessly, without focusing on the technology itself.
“I’m hoping that we don’t talk about crypto as crypto in five years, just like we don’t talk about the internet anymore,”
Zhao said.
Global adoption continues to rise, with an estimated 559 million crypto users in 2026, while industry analysts suggest the sector could be just one market cycle away from mainstream acceptance.
Projections from firms such as ARK Invest estimate digital assets could grow into a $28 trillion market by 2030, alongside rapid expansion in stablecoins and tokenised finance.
Zhao added that artificial intelligence could accelerate blockchain development, as AI agents increasingly rely on crypto-based systems for transactions and coordination.
He also warned that countries failing to adopt blockchain and AI technologies risk falling behind economically, as both sectors increasingly shape global digital infrastructure.