Pakistan Appoints Former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao as Crypto Adviser
Former Binance CEO and founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao has been appointed as an adviser to Pakistan’s newly formed Crypto Council. Zhao’s appointment comes as Pakistan prepares to legalize crypto to attract global capital.
Pakistan is introducing a major policy overhaul to reverse its long-time anti-crypto stance.
CZ Joins Pakistan’s Crypto Council (PCC)
Bloomberg reports that former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao has been appointed as a strategic adviser to Pakistan’s Crypto Council (PCC). Zhao will advise Pakistan’s newly formed regulatory body on crypto regulation, infrastructure, and adoption. The PCC was formed in March 2025 to oversee the adoption of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies in Pakistan. The establishment of the PCC is part of Pakistan’s broader effort to introduce a legal framework for cryptocurrency use in foreign investment.
In an April 7 press release, Pakistan’s Finance Ministry confirmed CZ’s appointment as part of its move to reshape the crypto landscape and its drive to secure international investment. The Ministry expanded on CZ’s advisory role, stating:
“As an official Strategic Advisor to the Council, CZ will provide guidance on regulation, infrastructure, education, and adoption. He will work closely with the Government of Pakistan and the private sector to create a compliant, inclusive, and globally competitive crypto ecosystem.”
“This is a landmark moment for Pakistan,” said Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Finance Minister of Pakistan and Chairman of PCC.
Adding;
“We are sending a clear message to the world: Pakistan is open for innovation. With CZ onboard, we are accelerating our vision to make Pakistan a regional powerhouse for Web3, digital finance, and blockchain-driven growth.”
Pakistan Pivots to Attract Global Capital
Pakistan is undertaking a significant policy shift after announcing it is legalizing crypto and preparing to introduce a legal framework for cryptocurrency use in foreign investment. In March 2025, Bloomberg reported Pakistan’s plans to legalize cryptocurrency, and the development of a regulatory framework aimed at its use for foreign investment was confirmed by Bilal Bin Saqib, Chief Advisor to the Finance Minister, in an interview with Bloomberg.
According to Saqib, the initiative is part of a plan to attract global capital by offering a clear, regulated environment for crypto-based investment. In his Bloomberg interview, Saqib said:
“Pakistan is done sitting on the sidelines. We want to attract international investment because Pakistan is a low-cost high-growth market with 60% of the population under 30. We have a Web3 native workforce ready to build.”
Pakistan’s recent change of heart is remarkable, given that in 2023, the government announced an intention to ban crypto services and underscored its position that it would not legalize crypto trading.
The new pro-crypto sentiment is evident, however. Pakistan’s progressive Web-3 attitude is likely to thrive under its vast young population and, with the advice of one of the most influential figures in Web3, is poised to succeed.
Bilal Bin Saqib, the chief advisor to the Finance Minister and also the CEO of the PCC, commented on CZ’s appointment, saying:
“Pakistan is opening its doors to the future of finance. And who better to guide us on this journey than CZ — a pioneer who built the world’s largest crypto exchange and changed the way billions think about financial freedom.”
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
source : https://cryptodaily.co.uk