Binance Founder to Help Shape National Crypto Roadmap
In a bold move to modernize its financial infrastructure, Pakistan has appointed Changpeng Zhao, co-founder and former CEO of Binance, as a strategic advisor to its newly formed Crypto Council. The announcement marks a significant shift in Islamabad’s stance toward digital assets, as the government signals its intent to embrace Web3 and blockchain innovation.
According to Pakistan’s Finance Ministry, Zhao will advise on regulatory frameworks, infrastructure development, education, and national adoption strategies. His role is positioned as central to Pakistan’s broader goal of building a globally competitive digital finance platform, especially in the aftermath of the country narrowly avoiding a sovereign default in 2023.
“With CZ onboard, we are accelerating our vision to make Pakistan a regional powerhouse for Web3, digital finance, and blockchain-driven growth,” said Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
Honored to help Pakistan 🇵🇰 adopt crypto!https://t.co/31EwW1HlsR
— CZ 🔶 BNB (@cz_binance) April 7, 2025
From Regulatory Caution to Global Collaboration
Zhao’s appointment follows a series of high-level meetings in Islamabad, where he engaged with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. The visit comes as Pakistan shifts away from its previously cautious stance on crypto, led largely by its central bank, which had expressed concerns over volatility and risk.
Now, with the launch of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) and international consultations already underway, the government appears to be charting a more progressive and regulated course. PCC CEO Bilal Bin Saqib confirmed that the council is engaging with regulators in El Salvador, Nigeria, Malaysia, and the European Union to draw on global best practices.
“Pakistan is no longer avoiding crypto. It is preparing to embrace it responsibly,” Saqib told Cryptonews.
CZ Growing Influence in Global Crypto Policy
The appointment reinforces CZ’s expanding role as an international crypto policy advisor following his departure from Binance amid legal settlements in the United States. Despite stepping back from operational leadership, Zhao has continued to engage with governments worldwide, including Kyrgyzstan and Malaysia, to help shape pro-blockchain regulatory frameworks.
His involvement in Pakistan’s crypto strategy offers a strong signal to investors that the country is serious about institutional-grade adoption and eager to reposition itself in the Web3 era.
For Pakistan, where over 230 million people—a majority under the age of 30—form a vast untapped demographic for digital finance, the move also reflects a desire to empower youth and drive economic recovery through tech innovation.
Final Thoughts: A Regional Web3 Contender in the Making?
Pakistan’s embrace of CZ and the Crypto Council signals not just regulatory evolution but a strategic positioning shift. By incorporating global voices and prioritizing structured digital asset development, the country is aiming to transform from a crypto-skeptic to a regional leader in blockchain innovation.
If successful, this model could provide a blueprint for other emerging economies balancing macroeconomic recovery, youthful populations, and the promise of Web3. With CZ now advising from within, Pakistan may soon become one of South Asia’s most watched crypto frontiers.
