Binance-Backed CertiK Targets $2 Billion Valuation in Groundbreaking Web3 Cybersecurity IPO

In a landmark move for the Web3 security sector, Binance-backed blockchain security firm CertiK is positioning itself to become the first publicly listed cybersecurity company dedicated to the decentralized web. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in New York, CertiK is targeting a staggering $2 billion valuation through its planned initial public offering (IPO). While co-founder Ronghui Gu emphasized at the World Economic Forum in Davos that plans remain fluid, stating, 'We still do not have a very concrete IPO plan,' he confirmed that 'this is definitely the goal we are pursuing.' This development signals a significant maturation of the cryptocurrency and blockchain infrastructure landscape, as specialized security firms transition from private ventures to publicly accountable entities. A successful IPO at this valuation WOULD not only validate the critical importance of cybersecurity in the Web3 ecosystem but also potentially unlock substantial capital for CertiK to expand its auditing, monitoring, and formal verification services. For Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, this represents a strategic win for its investment portfolio, highlighting its role in nurturing foundational infrastructure companies. The move could set a precedent for other blockchain security and infrastructure firms, paving the way for greater institutional investment and mainstream recognition of the sector's viability. As of early 2026, the pursuit of such a public listing underscores the growing convergence between traditional financial markets and the innovative world of decentralized technology, with security being a paramount bridge between the two.

CertiK Aims for $2 Billion Valuation in Pioneering Web3 Cybersecurity IPO

CertiK, a blockchain security firm backed by Binance, is positioning itself to become the first publicly listed Web3 cybersecurity company. The New York-based firm is targeting a $2 billion valuation, though co-founder Ronghui Gu emphasized plans remain fluid. "We still do not have a very concrete IPO plan," Gu told Acumen Media at Davos. "But this is definitely the goal we are pursuing."

Founded in 2018, CertiK has audited smart contracts protecting approximately $600 billion in digital assets for over 5,000 clients. The company has raised $296 million from investors including SoftBank Vision Fund 2 and Tiger Global, reaching its current valuation by early 2022. A public listing represents the next phase of growth for the firm that's become a critical infrastructure provider in crypto's institutional adoption wave.

"We remain focused on strengthening the trust, security, and transparency that regulators, institutions, and users expect from the Web3 ecosystem," Gu stated. The potential IPO comes amid growing demand for blockchain security solutions as traditional finance increasingly interacts with decentralized networks.

Binance's CZ Denies Business Ties to Trump Family Amid Stablecoin Speculation

Changpeng Zhao, founder of Binance, forcefully dismissed rumors of business connections with former President Donald Trump's family during an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The speculation arose following a $2 billion investment in Binance from Abu Dhabi's state-owned MGX, which was paid using the USD1 stablecoin issued by a Trump-linked crypto firm.

The transaction sparked unfounded theories about political favors, particularly after Trump's 2025 pardon of Zhao. "There's no business relationships whatsoever," Zhao told CNBC, emphasizing that MGX independently chose the payment method. Binance's acceptance of USD1 reflected operational preferences rather than political alliances.

Zhao's legal history remains a subtext to the controversy. The former Binance CEO served four months in prison after a 2023 money laundering plea deal that included a $4.3 billion settlement and his resignation. He retains significant ownership in the exchange despite stepping down.

Crypto Market Analysis: Bitcoin Consolidates as XRP and Ethereum Await Catalysts

Bitcoin's price action remains constrained within a tightening formation, with the $96,000-$98,000 resistance zone acting as a critical threshold. A decisive breakout could propel BTC toward $105,000, while the $80,000 support level continues to provide a floor. Market participants await either a technical resolution or fundamental catalyst to break the stalemate.

Ethereum faces headwinds as spot ETF outflows persist, though the network's underlying fundamentals remain robust. The second-largest cryptocurrency struggles to gain upward traction despite holding key support levels.

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao's prediction of a 2026 bitcoin supercycle has sparked speculation about potential altcoin rallies. Historical patterns suggest such market conditions could benefit major altcoins like XRP and Ethereum, though current technical indicators show weakness across the crypto complex.

Binance’s CZ Predicts 2026 Bitcoin Supercycle Amid US Pro-Crypto Shift

Changpeng Zhao (CZ), founder of Binance, has boldly declared 2026 as the year of Bitcoin's supercycle, citing growing institutional support from the US under Donald Trump's influence. This shift could disrupt Bitcoin's traditional four-year halving cycle, historically marked by price surges followed by corrections.

During the World Economic Forum in Davos, CZ told CNBC that macroeconomic conditions and regulatory tailwinds may propel Bitcoin beyond cyclical patterns. While he refrained from price predictions, industry figures like Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes have set ambitious targets of $180,000 and $200,000 respectively for 2024.

The cryptocurrency market often mirrors Bitcoin's movements, making CZ's supercycle theory particularly consequential. As nations increasingly align with pro-crypto policies, 2026 could mark a paradigm shift in digital asset adoption.

XRP ETFs Outperform Bitcoin and Ethereum Counterparts Amid Market Turbulence

Institutional investors are pivoting toward XRP ETFs as geopolitical tensions rattle crypto markets. While Bitcoin and ethereum ETFs bled $298 million collectively on January 22, XRP funds attracted $2.02 million in net inflows—a divergence underscoring shifting risk appetites.

The trend reflects strategic positioning rather than short-term speculation. Ripple's regulatory clarity and cross-border payment utility are drawing institutional capital, while BTC and ETH face profit-taking after recent rallies. solana ETFs also saw outflows, reinforcing XRP's outlier status.

Market observers attribute the MOVE to diversification demands. 'When macro uncertainty hits, investors chase assets with real-world pipelines,' noted a trader at Binance. XRP's banking partnerships and low volatility compared to meme coins like DOGE or SHIB further bolster its case.

USD1 Stablecoin Surpasses PayPal's PYUSD in Market Cap Amid Strategic Partnerships

Eric TRUMP announced on X that World Liberty Financial's USD1 stablecoin has eclipsed PayPal's PYUSD with a market capitalization nearing $4.5 billion. The Trump family-backed asset has gained traction through aggressive exchange partnerships, including a high-yield savings program with Binance.

PayPal's PYUSD, issued by Paxos, now trails at $3.76 billion despite the fintech giant's established user base. USD1's rapid ascent was catalyzed by a $2 billion institutional investment through Binance, followed by the exchange's 20% APY incentive program for holders.