BNB Breaks $1K Barrier as Binance Nears DOJ Deal and Fed Cuts Fuel Momentum

BNB, the native token of the BNB Chain, reached an all-time high of $1,004 on September 18, 2025, surpassing Solana to become the fifth-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, which approached $140 billion. The surge followed reports that Binance, the exchange powering BNB, was in talks with the U.S. Department of Justice to resolve compliance requirements tied to its 2023 $4.3 billion settlement. The token’s price rose 4.5% in 24 hours, fueled by speculation around the potential return of Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) and the Federal Reserve’s 25-basis-point interest rate cut. Technical analysis highlighted a breakout above the $1,000 psychological barrier, supported by a surge in trading volume and consistent price stability between $983 and $988.

Binance co-founder CZ’s estimated BNB holdings, which account for 64% of the circulating supply, now exceed $75.8 billion, according to Nansen data. This valuation places him among the world’s top 25 wealthiest individuals, with his net worth tied closely to BNB’s performance. A June 2024 Forbes report noted that CZ controls 89.1 million BNB tokens, and his portfolio remains heavily weighted toward the token, with 98% allocated to BNB and 1.32% to Bitcoin. Analysts attributed the token’s rise to factors such as quarterly burns reducing supply, rising chain metrics—including a 12% seven-day gain in total value locked—and increased treasury demand. Chinese firm Nano Labs’ plan to hold up to 10% of BNB’s circulating supply also contributed to market sentiment.

The BNB Chain’s Maxwell upgrade, launched on June 30, 2025, enhanced network performance and validator coordination, further bolstering confidence in the ecosystem. Token burns, which have reduced BNB’s supply from 200 million to approximately 139.3 million tokens, were cited by analysts as a structural support for the asset’s price. Komodo Platform’s Kadan Stadelmann noted that the burn program signals supply-side discipline, potentially driving long-term value. Meanwhile, whale activity and corporate treasury demand have amplified BNB’s price momentum, with analysts emphasizing the need for sustained chain metrics and regulatory clarity to maintain the upward trend.

The Federal Reserve’s rate cut, announced on September 17, provided a broader tailwind for cryptocurrencies, with the CoinDesk 20 Index rising 3% in the following 24 hours. Binance’s ongoing negotiations with the DOJ to lift a compliance monitor—a requirement from its 2023 settlement—also eased regulatory concerns. While no official confirmation of CZ’s return to leadership has been made, social media speculation about his potential role has driven investor enthusiasm. The market’s reaction underscores the interconnectedness between Binance’s operational developments and BNB’s price trajectory.

Looking ahead, analysts highlighted the importance of maintaining strong chain metrics, such as decentralized exchange volume and TVL, to sustain BNB’s gains. The token’s price faced immediate resistance near $1,005, with support stabilizing just below $1,000. Binance’s ability to navigate regulatory challenges and expand its ecosystem through upgrades and partnerships will be critical. CZ’s net worth, while estimated at $71.2 billion by Forbes, remains subject to valuation discounts due to crypto’s volatility and regulatory uncertainties. The Trump administration’s pro-crypto policies, including the GENIUS Act and reduced reporting requirements for firms, may further shape the regulatory environment, though their impact on BNB remains to be seen.

Source: [1] BNB Hits $1K All-Time High as Binance Nears DOJ Deal (https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/09/18/bnb-hits-usd1-000-all-time-high-as-binance-nears-doj-deal-rumors-of-cz-s-return-grow) [2] CZ’s estimated BNB holdings hit $75B as BNB breaks new highs (https://icomarks.ai/marksnews?id=980&f=2025-09-08) [3] BNB Hits $851! Is CZ Now Too Powerful in Crypto? (https://ecoinimist.com/2025/07/28/cz-sees-bnb-holdings-reach-75-billion/)