WSJ Tech News Briefing

Episode: TNB Tech Minute: Binance Names Co-Founder Yi He as Co-CEO
Date: December 3, 2025
Host: Julie Chang

Episode Overview

Today’s TNB Tech Minute delivers rapid updates on the latest movements at Binance, innovations in tech-driven advertising, and the energy repercussions of AI data center expansion. Julie Chang covers leadership changes at Binance (the world’s biggest crypto exchange), Svetka Vodka’s AI revival for its Super Bowl ad, and insights from Energy Secretary Chris Wright on the impact of AI data centers on electricity prices.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Binance Appoints Co-Founder Yi He as Co-CEO

(00:15 - 01:20)

• Yi He, co-founder and previously chief customer services officer, is named co-CEO of Binance alongside existing CEO Richard Tang.
• Yi has been credited with developing Binance from a crypto trading platform into a global blockchain ecosystem.
• Binance’s ambition: "Guide the company through its next phase of development as it aims to reach 1 billion users." (Julie Chang, 00:36)
  • The company currently has close to 300 million users.
  • Binance processes about $65 billion in average daily volumes.
• Previous CEO Changpeng Zhao stepped down after Binance incurred a $4.3 billion fine for violating U.S. anti-money laundering rules.

Notable Quote

• “Yi will guide the company through its next phase of development as it aims to reach 1 billion users.”
  — Julie Chang (00:36)

2. Svetka Vodka’s Super Bowl Ad to Feature AI and Revived Mascot

(01:21 - 01:54)

• Svetka Vodka’s first Super Bowl commercial will be made primarily with AI technology.
  • Features the “old Fembot mascot,” revived for the ad after a decade of retirement.
• Parent company Sazerac acquired Svetka earlier this year.
• Purpose of the campaign: To introduce Svetka to new customers and rebuild its brand equity.
• Industry reaction: The use of AI is controversial; some ad workers and consumers have previously shown “anger or disdain.”
• Company position: Despite heavy AI usage, there was “extensive human oversight and direction” in creating the ad.

Notable Quote

• “The use of AI in advertising has at times triggered anger or disdain from some ad industry employees and consumers.”
  — Julie Chang (01:48)

3. AI Data Center Boom and Energy Costs

(01:55 - 02:20)

• Energy Secretary Chris Wright addressed public concerns about the surging number of AI data centers and their effect on energy prices.
  • Spoke at the North American Gas Forum.
  • His stance: AI center expansion will ultimately make electricity cheaper due to increased production outpacing demand from data centers.
• Current reality: Some states, like New Jersey, are experiencing a squeeze on consumers.
  • Retail power prices in NJ rose 19% year-over-year in August, per US Energy Information Administration.
• Long-term view: Building new electricity infrastructure is “essential and will ultimately drive down average electricity prices.”

Notable Quotes

• “The data center expansion in the long run will make electricity cheaper because it will spur a boom in electricity production beyond on what is needed for the centers.”
  — Julie Chang paraphrasing Chris Wright (02:03)
• “Building new electricity infrastructure is essential and will ultimately drive down average electricity prices.”
  — Julie Chang (02:17)

Memorable Moments & Timestamps

• Binance’s next chapter under co-CEO Yi He: 00:15–01:20
• AI and nostalgia in Super Bowl ads: 01:21–01:54
• Debate over AI’s impact on electricity prices: 01:55–02:20

Tone & Language

The episode maintains a brisk, informative tone, echoing the urgency and rapid evolution characteristic of the tech industry. Julie Chang delivers the news factually and efficiently, offering brief but impactful insights with clear attributions to sources and company statements.

For listeners seeking concise updates on leadership shifts in crypto, trends in AI-powered advertising, and key energy debates, this TNB Tech Minute delivers the essentials in just over two minutes.