CZ Predicts Arrival of Crypto Supercycle as Four Year Market Theory Collapses
Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, widely known as CZ, sparked a wave of renewed optimism across the digital asset industry on January 22, 2026, by advocating for a long-term “HODL” strategy in the face of a structural shift in global finance. Speaking at a fireside chat during the BTC MENA 2026 conference, Zhao asserted that the traditional four-year halving cycle, which has dictated market sentiment for over a decade, may finally be obsolete. He argued that the convergence of unprecedented institutional demand, the proliferation of spot ETFs, and a fundamental pivot in United States monetary policy has created a “supercycle” environment. This new era is defined not by the speculative boom-and-bust patterns of the past, but by a steady, structural absorption of BTC and ETH into the core reserves of sovereign nations and corporate treasuries. Zhao emphasized that the current market is no longer driven solely by retail hype, making a patient, long-term holding period the most logical approach for investors viewking to capture the true value of the digital asset revolution.
The Impact of Geopolitical Shifts and Monetary Easing on Digital Wealth
A central theme of Zhao’s advocacy for a “HODL” mentality is the rapidly changing macroeconomic landscape of 2026. He pointed to the recent escalation in trade tensions and the “Greenland shock” as catalysts that are forcing global investors to viewk out neutral, borderless stores of value. Zhao noted that with the Federal Reserve widely expected to continue its path of quantitative easing and interest rate cuts throughout the first half of the year, the opportunity cost of holding fiat currency is rising significantly. By maintaining a disciplined “HODL” position, Zhao believes investors can insulate themselves from the inflationary pressures that often accompany aggressive fiscal expansions and trade disputes. He characterized BTC as the “global reserve currency of the internet,” suggesting that its role as a hedge against geopolitical instability has never been more vital. This perspective aligns with his broader mission of driving global adoption through education, positioning crypto as a resilient pillar of a new, decentralized financial system.
Reflections on Regulatory Redemptions and the Path to Global Adoption
Zhao’s market outlook also carries the weight of his personal journey through the regulatory “storm” of 2024 and 2025. Following his recent pardon and the subsequent dismissal of several high-profile SEC cases against Binance, Zhao described the current environment as the most favorable for crypto adoption in the industry’s history. He revealed that he is increasingly being consulted by government representatives and central bankers who are no longer asking “if” they should adopt crypto, but “how” to integrate it into their national frameworks. This shift in official attitude represents a massive reduction in “tail risk” for the asset class, further supporting the case for a multi-year hold. Zhao’s commitment to his “Giga Academy” project and his advocacy for blockchain-based education further reinforce his belief that the next five years will be defined by utility and integration. As he continues to champion the primacy of BTC alongside innovative stablecoin answers, his message remains clear: those who can withstand the short-term noise and focus on the structural “supercycle” are poised to be the primary beneficiaries of the digital age.
