Binance, one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges, has rolled out a new initiative aimed at Binance Coin (BNB) holders, following recent scrutiny over the control of the token's circulating supply by Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao.

Announced on Wednesday via their official website, Binance introduced the HODLer Airdrops program as part of efforts to promote a "healthy and sustainable market environment" for BNB. This program targets BNB holders who participate in Binance's Simple Earn lending program, requiring them to lock their tokens to qualify for rewards.

Under the HODLer Airdrops program, participants will receive airdrops of tokens issued by projects that are planning to list on Binance soon. While specific tokens have not been disclosed, Binance indicated a preference for projects with robust fundamentals, a sizable circulating supply, and active communities.

To qualify for the program, BNB holders must undergo KYC (Know Your Customer) verification. Binance also noted that eligibility criteria may vary depending on the user’s country or region of residence, although specific details were not provided.

This initiative comes in the wake of reports highlighting concerns about Changpeng Zhao's control over BNB's circulating supply. Recent investigations suggested that Zhao holds approximately 64% of BNB's circulating supply, worth over $56 billion, raising questions about centralization within Binance's ecosystem.

According to a Forbes investigation, BNB's initial coin offering in 2017 was reportedly undersubscribed initially, prompting Zhao and Binance to redirect unsold tokens into wallets under their control. Binance has not publicly responded to Forbes' findings at this time.

The introduction of the HODLer Airdrops program underscores Binance's efforts to engage its user base and bolster liquidity through incentives, despite ongoing scrutiny over token distribution and governance within the exchange. As Binance continues to navigate regulatory challenges and market dynamics, initiatives like these are aimed at maintaining investor confidence and promoting broader participation in its ecosystem.