CEA Industries, YZi Labs clash over BNB treasury fees and control

A governance dispute has emerged between CEA Industries and YZi Labs. This raises uncertainty over the execution and cost structure of CEA’s BNB-focused corporate treasury strategy.

The disagreement centers on fee arrangements, governance authority, and the status of a side agreement linked to CEA’s Asset Management Agreement [AMA] with 10X Capital Asset Management, which manages the company’s digital asset treasury.

CEA raises concerns over fee arrangements

In a press release issued on 4 February, CEA said it had requested written confirmation from both YZi Labs and 10X Capital that a side agreement tied to the AMA had been fully terminated. 

The company argued that uncertainty around the agreement could prevent amendments to the AMA and delay efforts to renegotiate fees.

CEA framed the issue as one of transparency and shareholder protection. It stated that unresolved contractual questions were impeding its ability to lower costs and adjust the treasury management structure.

According to Coingecko data, CEA holds the largest BNB treasury. It holds over 515,000 BNB worth over $438 million. 

YZi Labs rejects ‘secret agreement’ claim

YZi Labs responded the same day, disputing CEA’s characterization. The firm said the agreement in question was neither secret nor ongoing. It stated the deal had been disclosed in regulatory filings, including Schedule 13D materials.

YZi Labs said it unilaterally terminated the agreement in December 2025 and provided written notice to 10X Capital, CEA’s board, and CEA’s chief executive. 

The firm added that it has no contractual authority to block amendments to the AMA. It said it had offered to waive its own fees to help reduce costs.

Dispute expands into governance fight

The disagreement has since widened beyond contractual interpretation. YZi Labs has launched a consent solicitation seeking to expand or reconstitute CEA’s board. 

It argues that governance failures and poor communication have undermined the original BNB treasury strategy.

YZi Labs is backed by Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance, and was a cornerstone investor in CEA’s mid-2025 pivot toward building one of the largest publicly disclosed BNB treasuries in the U.S.

CEA’s board has taken several defensive steps in response, including adopting a stockholder rights plan and amending bylaws. 

CEA has said these measures were necessary to protect shareholder interests during a period of heightened uncertainty, while YZi Labs has criticized them as entrenchment.

What it means for CEA’s BNB treasury strategy

With public statements now replacing private negotiations, the dispute has shifted into an open governance battle. For investors, the outcome could shape not only fee levels and board oversight but also the future direction and execution of CEA’s BNB treasury strategy.

Until the governance questions are resolved, uncertainty is likely to persist around how the strategy will be managed and whether its original objectives will be fully carried out.

Final Thoughts

• The clash introduces governance and execution risk into CEA’s BNB treasury strategy at a critical stage.
• The outcome will likely hinge on shareholder decisions rather than contractual interpretation alone.