Changpeng Zhao, co-founder of Binance and one of the most influential figures in the world of cryptocurrency, has been appointed as a Strategic Advisor to the Pakistan Crypto Council.
Announced on April 7, 2025, Zhao’s appointment marks a bold move for Pakistan as it embraces the digital finance revolution to carve out a space in the global Web3 and blockchain landscape.
This collaboration between Zhao (widely known as CZ), and Pakistan, a country viewed as a promising hub for cryptocurrency adoption, marks a new chapter in the country’s pursuit of digital financial growth. By bringing in CZ, Pakistan is not just investing in expertise; it’s sending a powerful signal to the world that it’s serious about the future of finance.
With a growing digital economy, youth-driven innovation, and increasing interest in cryptocurrencies, Pakistan aspires to boost foreign investment opportunities and build a future-ready financial ecosystem. CZ’s involvement not only brings strategic know-how but also global credibility to these aspirations to establish a transparent regulatory framework to promote blockchain adoption and attract foreign investors.
Key Highlights
- Former Binance CEO will guide Pakistan’s efforts to create a competitive digital finance ecosystem.
- Zhao’s expertise could help Pakistan attract crucial foreign investment in a market with significant growth potential.
- Pakistan plans to develop a clear regulatory framework to foster blockchain adoption and bring in international investors.
- In 2024, Pakistan ranked ninth among Central and Southern Asia and Oceania (CSAO) countries in the Global Adoption Index by Chainalysis.
Pakistan’s Crypto Ambitions
As part of its evolving economic strategy, Pakistan is placing digital finance at the forefront—and Zhao’s appointment underscores its commitment to becoming a regional leader in blockchain innovation. The recently established Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) is tasked with building the regulatory framework necessary to support the responsible growth of crypto trading and blockchain integration.
“This is a landmark moment for Pakistan,” said Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, who chairs the PCC. “We are sending a clear message to the world: Pakistan is open for innovation. With CZ onboard, we are accelerating our vision to become a regional powerhouse for Web3, digital finance, and blockchain-driven growth.”
CZ’s role in shaping Pakistan’s Financial Future
With Zhao’s guidance, Pakistan seeks to develop a legal and regulatory foundation for digital assets that aligns with international standards and encourages investor participation.
“Pakistan is opening its doors to the future of finance,” said Bilal Bin Saqib, the CEO of Pakistan 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.”
The appointment comes at a critical time. With a population of 240 million—more than 60% of whom are under the age of 30—Pakistan offers immense potential for crypto adoption. Zhao himself emphasized this during the announcement: “The potential here is limitless.”
Beyond regulation, Zhao’s involvement is also expected to strengthen blockchain education initiatives and support workforce development, ensuring the country is equipped to lead in this digital transition.
As the former CEO of Binance, Zhao led the company to become the world’s top crypto exchange by trading volume. His experience navigating global regulatory environments will be instrumental in helping Pakistan overcome the challenges of infrastructure development and policy design.
Zhao, one of the most recognizable figures in the crypto world, led Binance from 2017 to 2023, building it into the world’s largest crypto exchange. He stepped down as CEO in late 2023 after pleading guilty to U.S. regulatory violations and serving a brief sentence. Despite the controversy, his continued engagement in global crypto development—now in an advisory role—reflects his long-term commitment to advancing blockchain adoption.
Why Crypto matters for Pakistan
Pakistan’s move toward digital finance is not just a tech-forward initiative—it’s an economic necessity. Facing a series of financial hurdles, including a foreign currency crisis, the country is actively seeking sustainable avenues for growth.
In a March 2025 interview with Bloomberg, Bilal Bin Saqib stated: “Pakistan is done sitting on the sidelines. We want to attract international investment because Pakistan is a low-cost, high-growth market with a Web3-native workforce ready to build.”
Pakistan has long been considered a promising market for cryptocurrency adoption due to its young population, large diaspora, and thriving underground market for foreign exchange trades. The country’s remittance inflows have surged, particularly following a crackdown on black-market dollar trades. These trends have contributed to its high ranking in the Central and Southern Asia and Oceania (CSAO) region in the 2024 Chainalysis Crypto Adoption Index.
Balancing Innovation and Crypto Regulation
Despite growing interest in crypto, regulatory ambiguity remains a challenge. Concerns from the State Bank of Pakistan about market volatility and illicit use have led to a cautious approach. This is where Zhao’s expertise becomes crucial—helping strike a balance between encouraging innovation and ensuring market stability.
For Pakistan, Zhao represents the type of global influence needed to gain investor confidence. His global experience could be instrumental in crafting smart, adaptive policies in alignment with international best practices, creating opportunities for both local entrepreneurs and foreign investors.
As Pakistan builds out its digital finance infrastructure, the real test will be in execution. With Zhao’s guidance, the country has a rare opportunity to become a blockchain innovation hub—not just in South Asia, but on the global stage.