BNB Chain Achieves Milestone in Active Addresses Amid Zhao Return Speculation

BNB Chain has reached a significant breakthrough with a record number of monthly active addresses, signaling robust growth and heightened user activity across its ecosystem. Reports from Crypto News on September 19 reveal that the blockchain recorded an unprecedented 51.9 million monthly active addresses as of September 17, surpassing its previous high observed in September 2024. The growth has coincided with an increase in the market value of BNB tokens, further cementing its standing as a major player in the cryptocurrency landscape. The unveiling of the BNB Treasury Company has added to this momentum, sparking widespread speculation about the possible return of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao.

Surge in Network Metrics Driving Address Growth

The remarkable uptick in monthly active addresses is rooted in improvements across the blockchain’s key metrics. Data from Token Terminal indicates that BNB Chain generated $13.2 million in network fees over the past 30 days—a 24% increase compared to the prior period. The platform’s revenue also surged by 23%, reaching $1.4 million, reflecting intensified user engagement and activity.

BNB Chain has secured its position among the top three Layer 1 networks in terms of transaction volume, alongside Internet Computer (412.2 billion transactions) and Solana (354.5 billion transactions). With an impressive 9.2 billion total transactions recorded to date, BNB Chain continues to demonstrate its effectiveness in handling high volumes of activity. Additionally, the blockchain supports more than 1,095 projects across diverse sectors including decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Despite its total value locked (TVL) standing at $7.68 billion—a decline of 65% compared to its 2021 peak—the platform maintains its prominence as one of the leading blockchain networks.

Changpeng Zhao’s Role Fuels Investor Interest

BNB's recent surge in value has been closely tied to the introduction of the BNB Treasury Company. On September 18, the BNB token reached an all-time high of $1,000, driven by announcements of Zhao’s ambitious plans to raise $1 billion to meet institutional demand and fund top-tier digital asset projects. During a podcast interview, Zhao disclosed that over 50 entities have shown interest in partnering with BNB, although only a select few exceptional initiatives will secure backing under his vision.

Adding intrigue to the developments, Zhao made changes to his X (formerly Twitter) profile, switching it from "ex-@binance" back to "@binance." This seemingly minor update has intensified speculation around his potential return to leadership within Binance, which he exited nearly two years ago following a $4.3 billion settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice. However, Zhao has yet to deliver an official statement clarifying any updates to his current role or status.

Expansion of the BNB Ecosystem

BNB Chain continues to widen the scope of its ecosystem, offering versatility in areas such as multi-chain compatibility, centralized and decentralized platforms, cross-border payment solutions, and support for globally distributed applications (dApps). The blockchain also has its sights set on significant growth opportunities across Southeast Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, regions Zhao has characterized as critical for future expansion.

Many industry analysts view BNB’s recent developments as the foundation for prolonged and sustainable growth. The ecosystem's advancements, paired with Zhao's strategic ambitions, suggest a trajectory that extends well beyond immediate achievements. Investors are closely monitoring his next moves as well as the continued evolution of the chain, given their potential to shape major trends within the blockchain and cryptocurrency industries.

BNB Chain’s ascent reflects more than temporary success—it signifies its growing authority in the rapidly evolving digital asset industry. With strong metrics, innovative initiatives, and speculation surrounding Zhao’s return, BNB Chain cements its position as a pivotal force in the blockchain ecosystem and a contender for enduring relevance in the future.