Pakistan Appoints Changpeng Zhao as Crypto Adviser to Boost Blockchain Adoption
KEY FACTS: Pakistan appointed Changpeng Zhao, the former CEO of Binance, as a strategic adviser to the newly formed Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) on April 7, 2025, expressing its intent to become a regional hub for blockchain and cryptocurrency innovation. Zhao, a prominent figure in the crypto world despite his 2024 legal troubles in the U.S., will guide Pakistan in developing regulations, infrastructure, and adoption strategies for digital assets, leveraging his experience in building the world’s largest crypto exchange. As announced by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, this decision aims to boost economic growth, attract foreign investment, and enhance financial inclusion in a country of 247 million with a young, tech-savvy population.
CZ with Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance. Source: Business Recorder
Pakistan Appoints Changpeng Zhao as Crypto Adviser to Boost Blockchain Adoption
The government has appointed Changpeng Zhao, the renowned founder and former CEO of Binance, as a strategic adviser to the newly established Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC). The announcement, confirmed by Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance and first reported by Bloomberg, positions Zhao, who is widely known as "CZ" as a pivotal figure in guiding the nation’s embrace of blockchain technology and digital assets. This high-profile appointment underscores Pakistan’s determination to become a regional hub for Web3 innovation and digital finance, aligning with progressive nations like Singapore, Dubai, and Switzerland. CZ acknowledged the appointment in a post on his X handle.
Honored to help Pakistan 🇵🇰 adopt crypto!
Source: Changpeng Zhao/ X
The Pakistan Crypto Council, established in March under the Finance Division, is tasked with overseeing the adoption and regulation of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies across the country. With a population of 247 million and a burgeoning tech-savvy workforce, Pakistan sees this move as a strategic step to harness the potential of digital assets to boost economic growth, attract international investment, and enhance financial inclusion. Zhao’s appointment, formalized during a meeting in Islamabad chaired by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on April 7, brings a wealth of expertise and global credibility to these efforts.
Changpeng Zhao is one of the most recognizable names in the cryptocurrency world, having founded Binance in 2017 and grown it into the largest crypto exchange by trading volume before stepping down as CEO in November 2023. His tenure at Binance was marked by rapid expansion and innovation, though it was not without controversy. Zhao resigned after pleading guilty to charges related to violating U.S. money laundering laws, for which he served a four-month prison sentence in 2024. Despite this, his influence in the crypto industry remains undeniable, making his appointment a coup for Pakistan.
During the Islamabad meeting, Zhao signed official documents to cement his role as strategic adviser, a moment captured in images shared by local media. His mandate includes advising the PCC on cryptocurrency regulation, infrastructure development, education, and adoption strategies. Working closely with both government officials and private-sector stakeholders, Zhao aims to help Pakistan craft a compliant, inclusive, and globally competitive crypto ecosystem. “Pakistan is opening its doors to the future of finance,” said Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council, echoing the optimism surrounding this development.
“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.”
Finance Minister Aurangzeb hailed Zhao’s appointment as a “landmark” moment, emphasizing its potential to elevate Pakistan’s standing in the global digital economy. He stated:
“With CZ onboard, we are accelerating our vision to make Pakistan a regional powerhouse for Web3, digital finance, and blockchain-driven growth...”
The move comes at a time when Pakistan is seeking to diversify its economic base and leverage its low-cost, high-growth market to attract foreign investment. Saqib, a prominent figure in Pakistan’s blockchain community who has represented the country at global forums like NFT NYC and ETH Barcelona, added:
“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.”
Zhao’s involvement is expected to bring not only technical expertise but also a signal to the international community that Pakistan is serious about integrating blockchain technology into its economic framework.
His recent engagements with other nations, such as signing a memorandum of understanding with Kyrgyzstan to advance crypto technologies, suggest a pattern of Zhao positioning himself as a global consultant on blockchain adoption post-Binance. In a recent social media post, Zhao stated:
“I officially and unofficially advise a few governments on their crypto regulatory frameworks and blockchain solutions for government efficiency, expanding blockchain to more than trading.”
Pakistan now joins this list, amplifying its ambitions on the world stage. The appointment has sparked widespread discussion about its implications for Pakistan’s economy and society. Proponents argue that Zhao’s guidance could unlock significant opportunities, including job creation in the tech sector, increased financial access for the unbanked, and the development of innovative blockchain applications tailored to Pakistan’s needs. With a young, digitally literate population, the country is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing global interest in decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 technologies.
Zhao’s appointment could position Pakistan to compete with regional players like India, where crypto adoption has faced regulatory hurdles, and the UAE, which has aggressively pursued blockchain innovation. The contrast with India, in particular, has drawn attention, with some analysts suggesting that Pakistan’s proactive stance could give it a competitive edge in South Asia.
For Zhao, this role marks a new chapter following his departure from Binance and his release from prison in September 2024. While his felony charge limits his involvement in certain business activities, his advisory work with governments like Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan demonstrates his continued influence in shaping the global crypto landscape. His high-profile status could also help Pakistan lure foreign investment into an industry that is increasingly seen as a driver of economic transformation.
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