Changpeng Zhao (CZ), founder and former CEO of Binance, has been appointed as a strategic adviser to Pakistan’s newly established Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC)—a move that could mark a turning point for the country’s approach to digital assets and blockchain innovation.
Strategic Advisory Role
The announcement was made following a high-level meeting in Islamabad, attended by Pakistan’s Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, along with top officials from the State Bank, Securities and Exchange Commission, and the ministries of law and information technology.
As a strategic adviser, CZ will work with the PCC to guide the development of crypto regulations, help build blockchain infrastructure, and lead educational initiatives designed to boost public and institutional understanding of digital assets.
Why This Matters
1. This development is notable for several reasons: Government-Backed Crypto Council: The formation of the PCC, which took place in March 2025, represents Pakistan’s formal entry into the digital finance space. The council is tasked with overseeing and promoting responsible crypto adoption in the country.
2. CZ’s Influence: With years of experience leading the world’s largest crypto exchange, CZ’s involvement brings credibility, global visibility, and potential foreign investment to Pakistan’s evolving digital economy.
3. Economic Diversification: At a time when Pakistan is facing economic instability, this initiative suggests the government is looking to crypto and blockchain technology as part of a broader strategy for innovation, financial inclusion, and economic resilience.
Potential Impact on the Crypto Industry
The appointment of CZ and Pakistan’s structured approach to crypto could have several wider implications:
1. Boost in Regional Adoption: Pakistan may become a leading hub for crypto innovation in South Asia, influencing neighboring countries to explore more structured frameworks.
2. Institutional Confidence: Involving a high-profile figure like CZ can boost institutional and investor confidence, potentially attracting blockchain startups, exchanges, and global partnerships.
3. Regulatory Model: If successful, the Pakistan Crypto Council could serve as a model for other emerging markets that are seeking to balance innovation with regulation.
4. Binance’s Indirect Role: Although CZ has stepped down from Binance leadership, his continued presence in global crypto development hints at Binance’s ongoing soft influence in shaping the future of decentralized finance.
Conclusion
Changpeng Zhao’s advisory role in Pakistan is more than symbolic—it reflects a broader shift toward legitimizing and scaling the crypto sector in developing economies. With strategic leadership and a government-backed framework, Pakistan may soon emerge as a key player in the global digital asset space.
