Binance’s Family Office Invests $1M in Startup Security Through CertiK Partnership

In a significant MOVE to bolster security within the cryptocurrency startup ecosystem, YZi Labs—the family office of Binance CEO Changpeng 'CZ' Zhao—has announced a strategic partnership with leading blockchain security firm CertiK. This collaboration, formalized in early 2026, centers on a substantial $1 million security audit grant specifically for participants of the EASY Residency Incubation Program. The initiative underscores a growing industry-wide priority: proactively embedding robust security measures from the earliest stages of project development, rather than treating it as an afterthought. This grant provides early-stage founders in the Web3 and AI spaces with critical resources, including comprehensive smart contract audits, AI-driven vulnerability scanning, and Skynet Boosting services for continuous on-chain monitoring. By subsidizing the often-prohibitive cost of top-tier security audits, the program aims to remove a major barrier for promising startups, allowing them to build with greater confidence and resilience against exploits. The partnership between CZ's investment arm and a security titan like CertiK sends a powerful market signal about the non-negotiable importance of security in fostering sustainable growth and user trust in the digital asset space. This investment is not merely a grant; it's a foundational bet on the security integrity of the next generation of blockchain innovators, potentially setting a new standard for incubation programs globally.

YZi Labs and CertiK Launch $1M Security Audit Grant for EASY Residency Startups

YZi Labs, the family office of Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao, has partnered with blockchain security firm CertiK to bolster the safety of startups in its EASY Residency Incubation Program. The collaboration includes a $1 million auditing grant, AI-driven vulnerability scanning, and Skynet Boosting services for early-stage founders.

The 10-week global incubation program, launched in May 2025, focuses on Web3, AI, and biotechnology ventures. Participants gain access to mentorship from industry leaders including Polygon's Sandeep Nailwal and Injective's Eric Chen, alongside investor networks and immersive residencies.

CertiK's contribution will provide formal verification, code reviews, and smart contract threat detection—critical infrastructure for emerging crypto projects. The initiative reflects growing institutional emphasis on security as blockchain adoption accelerates.

Top Crypto Cards to Spend Bitcoin & Altcoins in 2026

Cryptocurrencies, once viewed primarily as investment vehicles, have evolved into a robust payment settlement rail, particularly through stablecoins. The trend of spending crypto for everyday transactions gained momentum in 2025 and is poised to grow further in 2026. Crypto debit cards, integrated with traditional payment networks like Visa and Mastercard, have emerged as the easiest method to convert digital assets into local currencies.

These cards bridge the gap between crypto wallets, exchanges, and millions of global merchants. Beyond convenience, many offer cashback rewards, driving adoption. Binance Card currently leads the market, leveraging its exchange dominance for seamless off-ramping. As transaction volumes surge year-over-year, crypto cards represent a critical intersection between digital assets and mainstream finance.

Uniswap Founder Defends AMM Sustainability Amid Liquidity Provider Debate

Hayden Adams, founder of Uniswap, has mounted a vigorous defense of Automated Market Maker (AMM) models against claims of structural unsustainability. The protocol architect points to growing TVL in Uniswap pools and upcoming V4 hooks as evidence of the model's viability. "AMMs outperform traditional market structures in composability and collateral utility," Adams asserts, drawing contrasts with professional market-making operations.

The debate centers on volatility dynamics. Critics argue LPs face structural deficits as fees track realized volatility rather than the higher implied volatility required for sustainable operations. Adams counters that AMMs maintain competitiveness across market conditions—from stablecoin pairs offering steady yields to long-tail assets where traditional market makers struggle to scale.

Binance's recent listing of UNI/USD spot trading adds institutional validation, while Uniswap's governance token continues demonstrating resilience across market cycles. The protocol's ability to attract liquidity from projects and communities—rather than profit-maximizing market makers—emerges as a distinctive advantage in Adams' view.

zkPass Defies Market Downturn with 50% Surge Ahead of Binance Listing

zkPass (ZKP) has surged 50% to $0.18 in 24 hours, bucking the broader crypto market decline. Trading volume spiked 65%, signaling organic demand rather than speculative froth.

The rally precedes zkPass's January 7, 2026 Binance listing, which will add USDT and TRY trading pairs. Binance's stamp of approval often catalyzes sustained interest in mid-cap tokens.

Unlike meme coins reliant on social media hype, zkPass's zero-knowledge proof technology for private data verification appears to be gaining institutional traction. The token now ranks among the day's top performers by both price action and liquidity depth.