Can Binance’s Founder Steer Pakistan Toward Crypto Dominance?

Pakistan is making significant strides in the cryptocurrency sector, aiming to position itself as a regional leader in digital finance. A pivotal development in this journey is the appointment of Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the founder and former CEO of Binance, as the strategic adviser to the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC). This move underscores Pakistan’s commitment to integrating blockchain technology and digital assets into its financial ecosystem.

Pakistan’s Crypto Landscape: An Overview

Cryptocurrency adoption in Pakistan has been on an upward trajectory. The country is estimated to have between 15 to 20 million crypto users and ranks among the top nations for crypto adoption and freelance economies. This burgeoning interest has prompted the government to explore regulatory frameworks to harness the potential of digital currencies.​

In March 2025, the Government of Pakistan launched the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) to guide and support the development of blockchain technology and digital assets nationwide. The council aims to develop clear regulatory guidelines, engage stakeholders from both public and private sectors, and position Pakistan as a key player in the global digital asset landscape.

Changpeng Zhao’s Role and Expertise

Changpeng Zhao, widely recognized as CZ, is a leading name in the cryptocurrency industry. As the co-founder of Binance—the largest crypto exchange globally by trading volume—he brings extensive expertise in the realm of digital finance. His appointment as the strategic adviser to the PCC is seen as a strategic move to leverage his expertise in shaping Pakistan’s crypto policies and infrastructure.​

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CZ’s role encompasses providing guidance on regulation, infrastructure development, education, and the adoption of crypto technologies in Pakistan. His involvement is expected to attract international investment and foster innovation within the country’s fintech and freelancer economy.

Government’s Vision and Initiatives

The Pakistani government, under the leadership of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, has expressed a clear intent to embrace innovation in digital finance. The establishment of the PCC and the appointment of CZ are part of a broader strategy to make Pakistan a regional powerhouse for Web3, digital finance, and blockchain-driven growth.

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In addition to regulatory efforts, Pakistan is exploring the issuance of a digital rupee and plans to utilize surplus electricity by supporting Bitcoin mining and AI data centers. These initiatives aim to address challenges in the energy sector and position the country as a hub for emerging tech talent.​

Challenges and Considerations

Although the outlook is optimistic, Pakistan still encounters various obstacles on its path to becoming a leader in the crypto space. Regulatory clarity remains a critical issue, as the country seeks to balance innovation with compliance to international standards, such as those set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).​

Furthermore, CZ’s recent legal issues, including a guilty plea to violating U.S. anti-money laundering regulations and a subsequent four-month prison sentence, may raise concerns about his advisory role. However, his expertise and vision for the crypto industry are widely recognized, and his involvement could provide valuable insights for Pakistan’s crypto initiatives.

The Road Ahead

Pakistan’s collaboration with CZ and the proactive steps taken by the government signal a strong commitment to integrating cryptocurrency into the national economy. By focusing on regulatory frameworks, infrastructure development, and education, Pakistan aims to create a conducive environment for crypto adoption and innovation.​

The success of these initiatives will depend on effective implementation, continuous stakeholder engagement, and adherence to international compliance standards. If navigated effectively, Pakistan has the potential to emerge as a significant player in the global crypto landscape.​

In conclusion, the appointment of Changpeng Zhao as a strategic adviser to the Pakistan Crypto Council marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s journey toward crypto dominance. Leveraging CZ’s expertise, coupled with the government’s commitment to innovation, positions Pakistan on a promising path in the evolving world of digital finance.

Global Interest in Pakistan’s Crypto Market

Pakistan’s entry into the crypto spotlight is not a coincidence. The country holds tremendous untapped potential for digital innovation due to several factors:

1. Youth Population: Over 60% of Pakistan’s population is under the age of 30. This tech-savvy, mobile-first generation is more open to adopting digital assets and decentralized technologies.
2. Growing Freelance Economy: Pakistan ranks among the top five freelancing nations globally. As freelancers often work with clients overseas, they prefer faster and more accessible payment methods—crypto being a leading option.
3. Restricted Access to Conventional Banking: A significant portion of Pakistan’s population still lacks access to formal banking services. Cryptocurrency can provide these individuals with access to financial services, helping bridge the gap between traditional and digital economies.

These conditions make Pakistan a fertile ground for crypto growth—and strategic vision from someone like CZ can help convert this potential into long-term results.

How CZ Can Add Value to Pakistan’s Crypto Revolution

Despite his recent legal troubles, CZ’s track record of building Binance into a global crypto giant cannot be ignored. His unique mix of technical expertise, business acumen, and global network can be a game-changer for Pakistan’s Web3 ambitions.

Here’s how CZ can steer Pakistan toward crypto dominance:

1. Policy Formulation & Framework Development

Pakistan has taken some initial steps toward formulating crypto regulations, but there’s still a lack of clarity that hinders mainstream adoption. CZ, having worked with regulators worldwide, can guide the PCC on drafting effective policies that promote growth while ensuring compliance.

He can help shape a regulatory framework that:

• Encourages startups to build in Pakistan
• Protects investors and users
• Prevents scams and money laundering
• Aligns with global standards, like FATF and G20 norms

2. Exchange Infrastructure & Onboarding

Establishing local cryptocurrency exchanges and Web3 startups could mark a pivotal moment for Pakistan’s digital economy. CZ can share insights on building secure, scalable, and user-friendly platforms. Local exchanges could also help onboard millions of Pakistanis into the digital asset economy using local fiat and familiar interfaces.

This infrastructure can:

• Reduce reliance on global platforms
• Boost tax revenue
• Promote employment in the tech and finance sectors

3. Attracting Global Investment

CZ’s international network and reputation could help Pakistan attract investors, VCs, and blockchain companies. This could lead to the establishment of incubators, innovation hubs, and joint ventures in the country—similar to what Dubai and Singapore have done in recent years.

Education and Talent Development

One of Pakistan’s strongest assets is its growing pool of tech talent. However, the majority still lacks formal training in blockchain development, smart contracts, DeFi protocols, and related Web3 tools.

To bridge this gap, CZ and the PCC could collaborate with:

• Universities to launch certified blockchain programs
• Online platforms to provide Web3 courses in Urdu and regional languages
• Hackathons and developer grants to encourage innovation

Binance Academy and Binance Labs could even set up local chapters in Pakistan to train the next generation of crypto-native entrepreneurs and engineers.

Also Read: Revolutionary Crypto Payments: Kraken Partners with Mastercard in Europe, UK

Potential Economic Impact

If implemented correctly, a thriving crypto ecosystem can significantly boost Pakistan’s economy. Here’s what the long-term impact could look like:

• Increased Remittances: Crypto can help overseas Pakistanis send money home faster and cheaper, bypassing traditional banking systems that often take high fees.
• Job Creation: From developers to marketers, compliance officers to data scientists, Web3 offers jobs across diverse skill sets.
• Boost to Export Economy: Freelancers and software exporters can receive payments seamlessly, improving cash flow and foreign reserves.
• Improved Transparency: With blockchain, the government can digitize records, prevent corruption, and improve accountability across public sectors.

Criticism and Caution

Despite the optimism, CZ’s role isn’t without controversy. Critics argue:

• His involvement could expose Pakistan to geopolitical tensions, especially given U.S. regulatory scrutiny.
• His legal case may undermine Pakistan’s credibility in choosing a controversial figure for such a key role.
• There is a risk of over-centralizing crypto decisions around a single advisor.

However, supporters argue that CZ’s experience is exactly what Pakistan needs at this critical juncture—especially if he serves as a strategic guide, rather than a direct policymaker.

Final Thoughts: A Defining Moment for Pakistan

Pakistan’s decision to engage with Changpeng Zhao reflects a bold step toward embracing digital transformation. With the right mix of policy, education, and investment, the country has the potential to become a leading crypto and Web3 hub in South Asia and beyond.

Pakistan’s potential to achieve crypto dominance will hinge on its capacity to:

• Build a robust and clear regulatory environment
• Foster local talent and innovation
• Collaborate with global experts while maintaining national interests
• Address challenges proactively and transparently

The road ahead is long and filled with obstacles, but the pieces are beginning to fall into place. And with the right guidance from industry leaders like CZ, Pakistan just might make history.

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