Changpeng Zhao "CZ", former CEO of Binance, has been named a strategic advisor to the Pakistan Crypto Council as the country ramps up efforts to establish itself as a regional blockchain and crypto hub.
Background
- The Pakistan Crypto Council, a newly established regulatory body within the Pakistani government, was formed in March 2025 to guide the country's growing interest in blockchain technology and digital assets.
- As part of its early initiatives, the Council has recruited prominent global crypto figure, CZ, to advise on key areas such as infrastructure development, regulatory clarity, education, and institutional adoption.
- CZ stepped down from his role at Binance in late 2023 after pleading guilty to violating the Bank Secrecy Act in the U.S., resulting in a $50 million fine and a brief prison sentence.
- Despite this, he remains active in the crypto space, stating on April 3 via X that he advises “a few governments” on blockchain strategies, without engaging in politics.
Why Should You Pay Attention?
- CZ’s involvement signals Pakistan’s intention to take crypto seriously by engaging high-profile industry veterans.
- His advisory role could bring technical expertise, global visibility, and strategic insight to Pakistan’s evolving crypto regulatory industry, potentially encouraging foreign investment and institutional collaboration.
- The move also reflects growing international competition in digital asset development, following the pro-crypto stance of the newly elected U.S. administration.
Who Said What?
- Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council, told Bloomberg TV:
“Trump is making crypto a national priority, and every country, including Pakistan, will have to follow suit or it will be at the risk of getting left behind.”
- He added:
“Our plan is very clear — Pakistan is done sitting on the sidelines. We want to have regulatory clarity, a pro-business legal framework, and attract international investment. We want Pakistan to lead blockchain-powered finance.”
- CZ, in a post on X, wrote:
I don't get involved in politics or anything else. Just crypto.”
Zooming Out
- The appointment of CZ to a formal advisory role in Pakistan represents a key milestone in the globalization of crypto governance. It comes at a time when multiple governments are repositioning themselves in the digital asset race, with Pakistan clearly aiming to leverage blockchain to boost its economic and regulatory modernization.
- Whether CZ’s expertise will significantly accelerate Pakistan’s crypto adoption remains to be seen, but his involvement undoubtedly puts the country on the international crypto radar.
