Richard Teng Reflects on 15 Years Since Bitcoin Pizza Day: “Crypto Exists to Solve Real-World Financial Problems”

Binance CEO highlights blockchain’s transformative role and the industry's journey from novelty to global impactMay 2025 marks the 15th anniversary of the first-ever Bitcoin transaction, famously used to buy two pizzas — a historic milestone now celebrated as Bitcoin Pizza Day. Reflecting on the industry’s journey, Binance CEO Richard Teng shared his perspective on how far the crypto ecosystem has come and Binance’s role in accelerating global adoption.“Fifteen years ago, crypto was about buying a pizza. Today, it’s about building robust payment systems, stablecoins, and real-life use cases that change lives,” Teng said during the CEO Connect: May Edition.With over 25 years in the financial sector, Teng emphasized that blockchain and cryptocurrencies were not created just for speculative trading, but to solve real-world challenges—especially those inherent in traditional finance.Crypto's Mission: Serving the Unbanked and UnderservedTeng underscored how blockchain is reshaping access to finance, especially in undeveloped regions and among unbanked populations.Binance’s Role in Mass AdoptionTeng reaffirmed Binance’s ongoing commitment to driving mass crypto adoption through infrastructure, education, and user-friendly products.From stablecoin innovation to merchant payments and DeFi platforms, Binance has played a leading role in expanding crypto’s utility beyond investment, into real-world applications.From Pizza to PurposeWhat began as a novelty transaction in 2010 has evolved into a global movement—one Binance continues to champion.“It’s no longer just about a pizza. It’s about how crypto performs in the real world and how blockchain can change lives,” Teng concluded.