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- Changpeng Zhao’s advisory role signals Pakistan’s serious commitment to becoming a regional hub for crypto innovation.
- With over 60% of its population under 30, Pakistan is leveraging youth to mainstream blockchain and digital finance.
Binance founder Changpeng Zhao has stepped into a key advisory role with the Pakistan Crypto Council, shaking up the country’s financial scene. With a population of 240 million and over 60% under the age of 30, Pakistan isn’t just dabbling in crypto—it’s making a full-blown move into the digital frontier.
Zhao’s appointment was made public by the Finance Division on Monday, shortly after his meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, who chaired the main session with top officials, called the appointment a “landmark moment for Pakistan.”
“We are sending a clear message to the world: Pakistan is open for innovation. With Zhao onboard, we are accelerating our vision to make Pakistan a regional powerhouse for Web3, digital finance, and blockchain-driven growth,” said Aurangzeb.
Youth-Heavy Nation Pushes Forward on Crypto Front
Zhao’s addition isn’t symbolic. The billionaire, who built Binance into the world’s largest crypto exchange, is expected to provide real-world guidance on everything from regulation and infrastructure to education and the adoption of digital assets.
Zhao sees huge potential. “Pakistan is a country of 240 million people, over 60% of whom are under the age of 30. The potential here is limitless,” he said during his visit. His role will involve working closely with both government and private sectors to shape a crypto ecosystem that’s globally competitive and fully compliant.
The timing lines up with a broader push by the newly formed Pakistan Crypto Council, which officially launched just a month ago. The council’s goal is to integrate blockchain and digital assets into the mainstream financial system—no small feat, but one that’s gathering momentum quickly.
From Black Market Shifts to Chainalysis Rankings
Pakistan’s economy has long been tugged by unofficial foreign exchange markets, but there’s a noticeable shift. A crackdown on black market dollar trading led to a surge in formal remittance flows by the end of last year.
“This increase might be because remittances that had previously been sent using the black market are now being sent via official channels,” economist John Ashbourne of Fitch Solutions told Bloomberg.
As it stands, Pakistan already holds a top position in Chainalysis’ 2024 crypto adoption index, propelled by strong retail use and centralized service activity. That traction isn’t just on paper—it reflects a growing on-the-ground reality where crypto is being used not just as an investment but as a necessity.
Bilal Bin Saqib, head of the Pakistan Crypto Council and also the finance minister’s adviser on crypto, underlined the importance of Zhao’s entry.
Pakistan is opening its doors to the future of finance. And who better to guide us on this journey than Zhao — a pioneer who built the world’s largest crypto exchange and changed the way billions think about financial freedom.
