Pakistan enlists Binance founder to revolutionize its crypto landscape
- Changpeng Zhao, founder of Binance, was appointed as a strategic adviser to the Pakistan Crypto Council on April 7, 2025.
- This appointment aims to enhance the country's regulatory framework and integration of blockchain technology into the financial landscape.
- Zhao's involvement is expected to help Pakistan become a competitive player in global crypto markets.
In early April 2025, Binance's founder Changpeng Zhao was appointed as a strategic adviser to the Pakistan Crypto Council, marking a significant development in the nation's approach to cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. This appointment by the Finance Division is a result of Pakistan's aim to regulate and integrate digital assets into its financial system, a goal reinforced by prior discussions involving Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and the establishment of the Pakistan Crypto Council last month. The council's launch reflected Pakistan's recognition of the growing importance of crypto and blockchain technologies worldwide. In February 2025, after a meeting with a foreign delegation, the finance ministry announced its intention to potentially form a National Crypto Council, indicating a proactive stance toward emerging digital currencies. As part of this vision, the government had also appointed Bilal Bin Saqib as the chief adviser to the finance minister earlier in March, demonstrating a commitment to developing a robust regulatory framework. Zhao's involvement is expected to influence various aspects of Pakistan's crypto environment, providing guidance on regulation, infrastructure, education, and adoption. His expertise is deemed invaluable as he collaborates closely with the government and private sector to nurture a compliant and competitive crypto ecosystem in Pakistan. During the announcement, Zhao emphasized the country's potential, citing its youthful demographic and vast population as key factors in driving crypto and blockchain growth. The strategic move to appoint Zhao signals a shift in Pakistan's financial landscape, aiming to position the country alongside other global leaders in digital finance like Singapore and Dubai. Officials believe that this collaboration could pave the way for innovative growth initiatives within the nation, making a statement that Pakistan is eager to embrace the future of finance and become a significant player in the Web3 space.