BNB Overtakes XRP as the Third-Largest Cryptocurrency by Market Cap
BNB, the native token of the BNB Chain developed by Binance, has officially surpassed XRP to become the third-largest cryptocurrency in the world by market capitalization. Backed by a powerful surge of more than 28% over the past week, BNB’s rally has not only outpaced Bitcoin and Ethereum but also sparked intense debate across the crypto community about what’s driving its meteoric rise.
BNB Hits $1,326 and Market Cap Reaches $182 Billion
According to CoinGecko, BNB is currently trading at $1,326, marking a 30% increase in the past seven days and pushing its market capitalization to $182 billion. This rise allowed BNB to overtake Ripple’s XRP, which holds a market cap of approximately $171.5 billion.
BNB’s ascent began after breaking the $1,100 mark for the first time on Friday. The token’s upward momentum continued through Tuesday, positioning it firmly behind only Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) in the global crypto rankings.
As of October 7, 2025, the top five cryptocurrencies by market capitalization are:
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Bitcoin (BTC) – $2.41 trillion
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Ethereum (ETH) – $540 billion
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BNB (BNB) – $182 billion
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XRP (XRP) – $171.5 billion
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Tether (USDT) – $110 billion
A $38 Billion Surge Amid a Slower Market
BNB’s impressive $38 billion jump in market value stands out sharply against the broader crypto market’s moderate performance. Since October 1, the total crypto market cap has risen by only 5.5%, while Bitcoin’s market cap is up about 5% and Ethereum’s by 8.4%.
In contrast, BNB’s 28% growth in the same period highlights how quickly it’s gaining traction. For comparison, earlier this year, it took BNB over two months to gain a similar amount when its market cap hovered around $100 billion in mid-July.
Global Adoption and New Developments Fuel Momentum
Part of BNB’s growth appears to be linked to expanding adoption and ecosystem development. Recent initiatives include the launch of a government-backed BNB fund in Kazakhstan, signaling growing institutional recognition of the token.
BNB Chain continues to attract developers and users with its scalable infrastructure, which now supports over 60 million monthly active addresses, according to blockchain data. The ecosystem’s expanding footprint in emerging markets is helping drive long-term growth, even amid market volatility.
Community Reactions: Manipulation or Market Momentum?
Despite the excitement, BNB’s rapid price surge has triggered controversy online. Some crypto community members have voiced concerns about potential price manipulation, especially given how sharply BNB has outperformed its peers.
On Reddit, members of the Solana (SOL) community questioned BNB’s real-world utility, comparing it to the FTX Token (FTT) before its collapse. One top-voted comment read:
“BNB is essentially like the FTX token. Can’t wait till it gets called out for price manipulation with evidence.”
Meanwhile, on X (formerly Twitter), the user DeFiTracer accused Binance of “buying millions of BNB to liquidate shorts,” suggesting the exchange may be influencing market movements.
CZ’s Silence and Speculation Over His Holdings
So far, neither Binance nor its founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao has addressed these allegations directly. Instead, CZ posted a brief message on X:
“Keep building on BNB Chain.”
The official BNB Chain account also amplified a post by BNB community analyst Momin Saqib, who praised the project’s quiet but powerful growth:
“While the broader industry feels like it’s still waiting for direction, BNB has quietly been putting up the strongest numbers in the industry.”
According to earlier reports from June 2024, CZ may personally hold up to 64% of BNB’s circulating supply. With BNB’s market cap now at $182 billion, that could amount to a personal stake worth roughly $116 billion, positioning him among the wealthiest individuals in crypto history.
What’s Next for BNB?
While skeptics raise questions about market manipulation, BNB’s growth reflects the broader confidence investors have in Binance’s ecosystem. The BNB Chain continues to evolve as a multi-utility network powering DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 applications.
If adoption continues to accelerate—especially in developing regions and through government partnerships—BNB could maintain its place as a top-three cryptocurrency and potentially close the gap with Ethereum in the long term.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct your own research (DYOR) before making any investment decisions.