Binance co-founder CZ pushes ASEAN crypto passport

Binance co-founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao backed crypto license passporting across ASEAN on July 28 during a fireside discussion at the ASEAN Tech Summit Manila 2026. Summary CZ backed simplified ASEAN crypto licensing, allowing regulated firms to avoid full repeat applications regionally. ASEAN currently has no bloc-wide crypto passport, leaving approvals and supervision with national regulators separately. Four jurisdictions already use streamlined ASEAN fund authorisations, offering a limited model for future coordination. The session covered digital assets, stablecoins and the future of regional finance.Zhao supported a proposal raised by FinTech Alliance PH founding chair Lito Villanueva. Under the idea, a crypto company licensed in one ASEAN jurisdiction could seek simplified approval elsewhere instead of submitting another complete application. The proposal would still allow host regulators to assess applicants and impose local conditions. It would not automatically permit a company to operate across every ASEAN market. ASEAN crypto license passport could reduce repeat filings Crypto companies operating across Southeast Asia currently face separate licensing processes, complian...