Pakistan has just become the latest country to take public interest in crypto, tapping Changpeng Zhao, the co-founder of the world’s largest crypto exchange, Binance, to set up a platform that will be able to compete globally in digital finance.
CZ’s role as a guardian will see him bring all his years of experience in the crypto space to Pakistan’s newly formed crypto council. As a strategic advisor, he will be responsible for advising them on matters of regulation, infrastructure, education and adoption, according to a statement issued by the finance ministry.
Honored to help Pakistan 🇵🇰 adopt crypto!https://t.co/31EwW1HlsR
— CZ 🔶 BNB (@cz_binance) April 7, 2025
Pakistan turns to crypto in desperate search for investors
Partnering with CZ is a tactic; the appointment comes at a time when Pakistan is desperately in the market for investments that can bolster the country’s economy, which dodged a financial default in 2023.
The government is looking to draft a legal framework for cryptocurrency trading in hopes that the new development, a forward-thinking one, would attract foreign investors.
“We are sending a clear message to the world: Pakistan is open for innovation,” Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb shared in the statement.
“With CZ onboard, we are accelerating our vision to make Pakistan a regional powerhouse for Web3, digital finance, and blockchain-driven growth.”
Crypto trading has been steadily gaining traction among Pakistan’s 230 million population even though its central bank has regularly raised alarms about the risks posed by the industry.
“Pakistan is opening its doors to the future of finance,” said Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the crypto council. “And who better to guide us on this journey than CZ — a pioneer who built the world’s largest crypto exchange and changed the way billions think about financial freedom.”
Saqib is the recipient of the 1632nd Points of Light Award, awarded by the British Prime Minister to recognize change-makers in the country.
Honoured to lead as CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council, working with our esteemed board and Chairman, the Finance Minister, at a defining moment for our nation.
With Pakistan ranking in the top 10 for global crypto adoption and an estimated 25M+ active users, alongside a $30B+… https://t.co/iFRlHXOtXU pic.twitter.com/laj0arzpN9
— Bilal bin Saqib MBE (@Bilalbinsaqib) March 15, 2025
Before he became the CEO of the PCC, Saqib was appointed Chief Advisor to the Finance Minister of the Pakistan Crypto Council. As CEO, he will reportedly put his knowledge and experience to work in the nation’s favor to integrate cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies into its financial ecosystem while making sure they develop a robust regulatory framework for digital assets in alignment with global best practices.
CZ believes crypto can unlock limitless potential
News of CZ’s appointment was announced on April 7, 2025, while he was on a visit to Islamabad, where he had meetings with high-ranking officials, including the Prime Minister, Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, and leaders from the State Bank of Pakistan and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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“Pakistan is a country of 240 million people, over 60% of whom are under the age of 30. The potential here is limitless,” CZ said during the announcement.
The Pakistan Crypto Council, established under the Finance Division, is leading the digital transformation initiative. The council aims to regulate and integrate blockchain technology and digital assets into the nation’s financial ecosystem, making it one of the driving forces of crypto adoption in the country.
The appointment comes after CZ signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) last week with the Kyrgyz Republic’s National Investment Agency (NIA) to boost blockchain growth in Kyrgyzstan.
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