BNB Breaks $1,000 as DOJ Talks and CZ Speculation Ignite Rally

BNB, the native token of the Binance exchange, surged past $1,000 for the first time on September 18, 2025, marking a significant milestone in its price trajectory. The token reached an intraday high of $1,007 before retreating to $997, according to CryptoSlate data. This rally capped a 12% weekly gain and extended its year-to-date increase to over 42%, outpacing many large-cap cryptocurrencies. BNB’s market capitalization climbed to approximately $138.24 billion, securing its position as the fifth-largest cryptocurrency by market capBNB Price Reaches New All-Time High Above $1000 for the First Time^[3]. Analysts attribute the surge to a combination of regulatory developments, macroeconomic factors, and growing institutional adoptionBNB Hits $1,000 All-Time High as Binance Nears DOJ Deal^[1]BNB Price Reaches New All-Time High Above $1000 for the First Time^[3].

A key driver of the rally was speculation surrounding Binance’s ongoing negotiations with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The exchange, which has been under a court-appointed monitor since its 2023 $4.3 billion settlement over anti-money laundering violations, reportedly seeks to lift this requirement. A potential agreement could involve stricter internal compliance measures, similar to those adopted by other companies released from judicial oversight. This narrative gained traction alongside rumors of co-founder Changpeng Zhao’s possible return to leadership, though no official confirmation existsBNB Hits $1,000 All-Time High as Binance Nears DOJ Deal^[1]. Zhao, who stepped down in 2023 as part of the settlement, acknowledged the milestone on social media, highlighting BNB’s journey from its $0.10 initial coin offering in 2017BNB Price Reaches New All-Time High Above $1000 for the First Time^[3].

Macro-level factors also contributed to the upward momentum. The Federal Reserve’s 25-basis-point interest rate cut earlier in the week spurred broader risk-on sentiment in financial markets, with cryptocurrencies benefiting from reduced borrowing costs. BNB’s technical indicators further reinforced the bullish trend. The token broke through a critical $1,000 psychological barrier, a level that had previously acted as a resistance. Trading volume spiked during the breakout, with a six-minute surge from $998.74 to $1,004.28 supported by volume eight times higher than normal levelsBNB Hits $1,000 All-Time High as Binance Nears DOJ Deal^[1]. Analysts suggest the next key resistance lies near $1,024, with Fibonacci retracement levels indicating potential targets at $1,080, $1,186, and $1,292, implying a 30% upside from current levelsBNB Price Breaks $1,000: Why This Rally Could Still Have 30%^[2].

Institutional interest in BNB has also intensified, with several firms incorporating it into their treasury reserves. VanEck’s recent filing for a BNB-focused spot exchange-traded fund (ETF) added speculative momentum, though regulatory approval remains pending. Blockchain analytics firm Lookonchain highlighted the token’s utility in governance, transaction fees, and delegated proof-of-stake validation on the BNB Chain, underscoring its foundational role in the ecosystemBNB Price Reaches New All-Time High Above $1000 for the First Time^[3]. Whale activity and smart money inflows further supported the rally. The Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) metric, which measures buying pressure, surged to 0.23, one of its highest levels of the yearBNB Price Breaks $1,000: Why This Rally Could Still Have 30%^[2].

Despite the strong technical and fundamental tailwinds, analysts caution that the path to $1,300 may not be linear. Short-term consolidation near $999 is expected, with momentum dependent on sustained volume and institutional participation. The token’s circulating supply of 139.18 million and its integration into decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, such as PancakeSwap and Lista, suggest continued demandBNB Price Surge: Binance Coin Targets $1,024 Breakout Milestone^[4]. However, regulatory scrutiny and market volatility remain risks. As of September 18, BNB’s 24-hour trading volume stood at $4.31 billion, reflecting robust liquidity across exchangesBNB Price Reaches New All-Time High Above $1000 for the First Time^[3].