Pakistan taps Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao to steer its journey into digital finance innovation

As strategic adviser, CZ will help position Pakistan as a forward-looking player in the w\eb3 economy, advancing digital asset policies and blockchain innovation.

Cover art/illustration via CryptoSlate. Image includes combined content which may include AI-generated content.

Binance co-founder Changpeng ‘CZ’ Zhao has been named strategic adviser to the newly formed Pakistan Crypto Council; a move government officials described as a major step in the country’s push toward becoming a global leader in blockchain innovation.

Zhao’s appointment was announced on April 7 following a meeting in Islamabad chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.

The session brought together senior officials from Pakistan’s financial and regulatory agencies, including the heads of the State Bank of Pakistan, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the federal ministries for law and information technology.

Aurangzeb said:

“This marks a pivotal moment for Pakistan. We’re sending a clear signal that Pakistan welcomes innovation and is serious about building a future-ready digital economy.”

As a strategic adviser, Zhao will offer guidance on regulatory frameworks, infrastructure development, education, and digital asset adoption. He is expected to work closely with both government agencies and the private sector to support the growth of a secure and inclusive crypto ecosystem.

The council’s chief executive, Bilal Bin Saqib, said Zhao’s involvement would help position Pakistan as a forward-looking player in the web3 economy.

Saqib said:

“Pakistan is opening its doors to the future of finance. Having CZ on board is not only a major endorsement but also a catalyst for long-term digital growth.”

According to a statement from the Finance Division, Zhao also held separate meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Dar during his visit.

Zhao highlighted Pakistan’s demographic advantage, pointing to its population of over 240 million — more than half of whom are under the age of 30 — as a sign of the country’s untapped digital potential.

The Pakistan Crypto Council, formed under the Finance Division in March, is led by the finance minister and includes top officials from key regulatory and legal institutions. The council is tasked with advancing digital asset policies and laying the groundwork for responsible blockchain innovation.

Pakistan currently ranks among the top 10 countries in global crypto adoption, with an estimated 20 million users and annual crypto transaction volumes exceeding $20 billion. With remittances reaching $35 billion each year, officials see strong opportunities to integrate blockchain technology into cross-border financial systems.

Saqib, who has previously represented Pakistan at global blockchain forums, including NFT NYC and ETH Barcelona, was appointed last month as the finance minister’s lead crypto adviser.

Zhao’s role adds international weight to the council’s mission, placing Pakistan in line with jurisdictions such as Singapore and the UAE that are positioning themselves as global hubs for digital finance.

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