Tensions in the crypto sector escalated over the weekend following allegations that Coinbase was the unnamed source behind a Bloomberg report scrutinizing Donald Trump’s crypto project, World Liberty Financial, and Binance.
Coinbase exec, however, has denied the allegations.
Allegations Stir Crypto Rivalries
Crypto commentator Matt Wallace claimed on X that Coinbase executives were concerned that a potential pardon for Binance’s former CEO Changpeng ‘CZ’ Zhao could clear the way for his return. He alleged they attempted to undermine the crypto exchange out of fear that its re-entry into the US market would threaten Coinbase’s market share.
Wallace described Coinbase’s alleged targeting of Trump as “anti-American,” and added that the company’s leadership viewed Binance’s legal return as a direct threat to their business. The post was later reshared by Zhao, who neither confirmed nor denied the claims but indicated that he may consider legal action against Bloomberg for defamation.
Bloomberg’s report had detailed Binance’s involvement in creating the smart contract for USD1, a stablecoin issued by World Liberty Financial, while linking Zhao to a request for a presidential pardon shortly after the token featured in a multibillion-dollar UAE investment deal with Binance. The report further stated that a significant share of USD1 tokens remains in Binance wallets, which suggests potential interest earnings for the exchange.
Coinbase’s chief legal officer, Paul Grewal, responded directly to Wallace’s accusations on X and called them “pure misinformation.” He also asserted that Coinbase had no involvement in providing information to Bloomberg.
“We don’t attack competitors, and we welcome any businesses that share our goal of growing the crypto pie. You should keep looking for an actual source.”
“Standard Collaboration, Not Corruption”
The episode has drawn significant attention from industry players. Blockchain advisor Anndy Lian also criticized Bloomberg’s report on Binance and Trump. In a post on X, Lian noted the article relied on anonymous sources without concrete evidence of payments or explicit coordination between Trump and CZ.
He argued the piece exploited a national tragedy for political narratives and lacked a factual basis. He also added that the crypto exchange’s activities align with industry norms and that no direct evidence links Trump’s business interests to policy decisions.
CZ had stepped down as Binance’s CEO last year following legal settlements with US authorities, and has kept a relatively low profile ever since. In May, CZ confirmed applying for a presidential pardon from Trump after reports linked him to such efforts.
Citing Trump’s past BitMEX pardons, the Binance co-founder said that he’s the only person jailed solely for a BSA violation. Despite seeking clemency, CZ said that he won’t return to Binance leadership.
Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.
Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.
An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.
Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.
Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.
An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.
The cryptocurrency industry is no stranger to volatility, innovation, and constant evolution. In a recent live-streamed panel discussion hosted by Binance Square, Jessica Walker, Global Media and Content Lead at Binance, sat down with Anndy Lian, an intergovernmental blockchain advisor and bestselling author, to discuss the current state of the crypto market. The session “What’s Happening in Crypto?” provided valuable insights into the market’s recent developments, macroeconomic influences, and the future of blockchain technology.
Anndy Lian, a seasoned expert in the blockchain space, shared his thoughts on the market’s trajectory, the role of macroeconomic factors, and the opportunities and risks for both new and experienced investors. Here’s a detailed look at the key takeaways from the discussion.
Anndy Lian’s Background: A Decade in Blockchain
Anndy Lian’s journey in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space began in 2013 when he first encountered Bitcoin. By 2017, he had fully immersed himself in the industry, transitioning to a full-time blockchain technology and investment role. Based in Singapore, Lian operates across multiple regions, including South Korea and the UK, managing licensed investment funds and advising governments on blockchain adoption.
“I’ve never looked back,” Lian said, reflecting on his decision to go all-in on crypto. “Whether the market is up or down, I’m always around.” His steadfast commitment to the industry has made him a trusted voice in the space, and his upcoming book on Web 4.0 and decentralized AI is highly anticipated.
The Current State of the Crypto Market: Volatility and Opportunity
The discussion began with an analysis of the recent price swings in Bitcoin and the broader crypto market. Lian described the market as “really crazy” and highlighted the influence of macroeconomic factors, such as U.S. policies and global financial trends, on crypto prices.
“Stocks have hit session lows, and the bond market is also underperforming,” Lian noted, pointing to the broader economic uncertainty. He explained that these factors have contributed to the volatility in the crypto market, with Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies experiencing significant price fluctuations.
Lian emphasized the importance of understanding the macroeconomic environment when making investment decisions. “You have to look at the overall picture to determine your strategy—whether to hold, buy, or speculate,” he advised. He also highlighted the role of social media and news in driving market sentiment, cautioning against the impact of “one tweet” that can cause billions of dollars to flow in or out of the market.
U.S. Policy and Its Impact on Crypto
One of the key themes of the discussion was the influence of U.S. policy on the crypto market. Lian referred to the current period as “U.S. season,” noting that decisions and statements from American policymakers significantly impact global crypto sentiment.
For example, he mentioned the upcoming Crypto Summit held by President Trump, where policy experts will convene to shape the country’s Bitcoin strategy. “The U.S. is taking a leading role in crypto regulation, but this can create mixed signals for the market,” Lian said. He expressed concern about the unpredictability of such developments, citing examples of how political statements can lead to market speculation and volatility.
Long-Term Outlook: Crypto Is Here to Stay
Despite the short-term volatility, Lian remains optimistic about the crypto industry’s long-term prospects. “Crypto is here for the future,” he asserted. He explained that the industry will continue to thrive as long as there is a healthy flow of buying and selling activity.
Lian also encouraged investors to focus on projects with strong fundamentals and active communities. “Buy projects with a good vision and a strong community,” he advised. He stressed the importance of thorough research and avoiding speculative investments in unproven tokens.
Shifting Sentiment in 2025: Meme Coins and Institutional Interest
One of the more surprising trends Lian highlighted was the growing interest in meme coins among institutional investors. “This year, I’ve had family offices and even private banks asking about meme coins,” he revealed. While meme coins have traditionally been associated with retail investors and internet culture, their appeal to institutional players marks a significant shift in sentiment.
Lian described this trend as “crazy but bullish,” noting that it reflects a broader acceptance of crypto assets as part of diversified investment portfolios. He also mentioned that private banks are exploring ways to create index funds or baskets of cryptocurrencies, including meme coins, for their clients.
Altcoins and Ethereum’s Future
The conversation also touched on the altcoin market and the upcoming Ethereum upgrade. Lian described the current state of altcoins as a “big discount,” presenting opportunities for investors who believe in the long-term potential of these projects. He specifically mentioned Solana as an example of an altcoin with strong fundamentals that is currently undervalued.
Regarding Ethereum, Lian expressed optimism about the impact of its upcoming upgrade. “Ethereum is in a very healthy state right now,” he said, predicting that the upgrade could drive significant price growth. He also highlighted the potential for Ethereum to lead the next wave of innovation in the crypto space, particularly in areas like decentralized finance (DeFi) and meme coins.
“If Ethereum can drive the narrative for the next meme season, we could easily see a $5,000 Ethereum this year,” Lian predicted. However, he also urged the Ethereum Foundation to maintain low fees and avoid excessive token sales to ensure the network’s competitiveness.
Advice for New Investors: Do Your Own Research
For newcomers to the crypto space, Lian offered a simple but crucial piece of advice: “Always do your own research.” He cautioned against relying on speculative news or following the advice of influencers without verifying the information.
Lian also warned against investing in unproven tokens that lack visibility on platforms like CoinMarketCap. “If a token isn’t even listed on CoinMarketCap, it’s a red flag,” he said. Instead, he encouraged investors to focus on projects with a clear vision and a strong community.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Community
As the session concluded, both Lian and Walker emphasized the importance of community in the crypto space. “Crypto communities are one of the most important aspects of the industry,” Walker said, highlighting their role in driving innovation and adoption.
Lian agreed, adding that a strong community is often a key indicator of a project’s potential for success. “The power of community in crypto cannot be underestimated,” he said.
Conclusion
The Binance Square panel with Anndy Lian provided a comprehensive overview of the current state of the crypto market, offering valuable insights for both new and experienced investors. From the impact of macroeconomic factors to the growing interest in meme coins and the potential of Ethereum’s upgrade, the discussion covered a wide range of topics shaping the industry in 2025.
Lian’s advice to focus on research, community, and long-term potential reminds us that while the crypto market may be volatile, its future remains bright. As he aptly puts it, “Crypto is here for the future.”
Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.
Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.
An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.
