Key Takeaways:
- Pakistan appointed ex-Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao as crypto adviser to boost regulation and infrastructure.
- The move aligns with Pakistan’s strategy to attract international investment in its growing digital asset sector.
- Crypto adoption in Pakistan is rising, fueled by remittance flows, currency instability, and a tech-savvy population.
Pakistan has appointed former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao as a crypto adviser to help shape the nation’s digital asset strategy.
The move, announced by the Ministry of Finance on April 7, comes as the country seeks to capitalize on growing cryptocurrency adoption.
JUST IN: 🇵🇰 PAKISTAN APPOINTS BINANCE FORMER CEO CZ AS STRATEGIC ADVISOR ON CRYPTO pic.twitter.com/oWBoBDWjLg
— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) April 7, 2025
Zhao, a prominent figure in the crypto world, stepped down from Binance in 2023 after pleading guilty to violating U.S. anti-money laundering laws and serving a four-month prison sentence.
Despite his legal troubles, Pakistan sees his expertise as a valuable asset.
The Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), formed in March, aims to establish a transparent regulatory framework and attract foreign investment.
PCC CEO Bilal bin Saqib emphasized the country’s potential, citing a young, Web3-savvy workforce and a high-growth environment.
Factors like overseas remittances, a volatile rupee, and informal forex markets have driven strong retail crypto use.
Recent efforts to curb black market dollar trading have led to a rise in remittances through official channels.
According to Chainalysis, Pakistan ranks high in crypto adoption in the region, and surveys show significant local interest in digital assets for their stability and speed.
Zhao’s appointment signals Pakistan’s intent to move from the sidelines to the forefront of crypto innovation.