Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao Joins Pakistan Crypto Council

Changpeng Zhao Becomes Strategic Adviser to the Pakistan Crypto Council Amid National Web3 Ambitions

Changpeng Zhao, popularly known as CZ, has officially joined the Pakistan Crypto Council as a Strategic Adviser — a move seen as a significant endorsement of the country’s pivot towards blockchain and digital finance. With CZ’s unparalleled influence in the crypto world, his involvement is expected to add credibility and accelerate innovation in Pakistan’s nascent Web3 space.

As part of his advisory role, Changpeng Zhao will work closely with government entities to support regulation, infrastructure development, education, and mass adoption of crypto technologies in the country. He emphasized Pakistan’s enormous potential, citing its youthful population — over 60% under 30 — and growing interest in decentralized finance. The crypto council’s CEO, Bilal Bin Saqib, hailed this as a landmark moment for the future of Web3 in Pakistan. 

Changpeng Zhao’s Legacy and His Pioneering Role in Pakistan’s Digital Shift

Zhao is best known for founding Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. Launched in 2017, Binance quickly rose to prominence due to its user-friendly interface, low trading fees, and broad range of crypto assets. Though the exchange has faced regulatory scrutiny across multiple jurisdictions, CZ’s vision of decentralized, accessible finance has helped shape the global narrative around crypto adoption.

In late 2023, Changpeng Zhao stepped down from his role as CEO of Binance, but his reputation remains formidable within the Web3 sector, and his appointment in Pakistan signals a new phase in his career. Currently, CZ is leveraging his experience to advise governments and build compliant crypto infrastructure worldwide — with Pakistan being the latest frontier.

What Is the Pakistan Crypto Council, and Where Is the Industry Headed?

The Pakistan Crypto Council, launched in March 2025 under the Ministry of Finance, represents a strategic shift in Pakistan’s approach to crypto and blockchain technologies. It is a government-backed body under the Finance Division, created to develop a regulatory framework for cryptocurrency. It aims to position Pakistan as a competitive hub for blockchain, digital finance, and Web3 technologies in the global crypto ecosystem. Previously cautious, the Pakistani government is now actively creating a framework to foster regulatory certainty and innovation while safeguarding financial stability and consumer interests.

The Council is chaired by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and includes senior leadership from the State Bank of Pakistan, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), and various law and IT departments. With Changpeng Zhao on board, the Pakistan Crypto Council is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s future in digital finance.

Experts view the council’s creation — and Zhao’s appointment — as a sign that Pakistan wants to follow in the footsteps of crypto-forward nations like Singapore, Switzerland, and the UAE. However, there are challenges, from weak digital infrastructure and energy shortages to concerns around the criminal misuse of digital assets. Regulatory clarity, enforcement, and public education will be key to ensuring responsible crypto adoption.

Despite skeptics warning against over-hyping the potential of blockchain without solving real-world problems, leaders at the Council remain optimistic. According to CEO Bilal bin Saqib, 15 to 20 million Pakistanis already own or trade crypto assets on global platforms like Binance — but without a clear framework, this activity remains unregulated. 

A Clear Vision for Pakistan’s Web3 Future

As Changpeng Zhao joins the Pakistan Crypto Council, a new chapter is being written in the country’s financial playbook that merges innovation with governance. CZ brings credibility and expertise to the table, and his presence is expected to fast-track the nation’s crypto maturity.

Ultimately, the vision for Pakistan’s crypto ecosystem rests on local leadership. Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council, envisions a legal, compliant, and thriving crypto economy that not only welcomes innovation but also protects investors and attracts global capital. Saqib has said that the Pakistan Crypto Council intends to make Pakistan a regional powerhouse for Web3 and digital finance. With leaders like him and strategic minds like CZ, that future may be closer than we think.