Ex-Binance CEO CZ Joins Pakistan Crypto Council as Advisor Amid Push for Digital Asset Leadership

Islamabad, Pakistan — In a bold move to position itself as a regional blockchain leader, Pakistan has appointed former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao as a strategic advisor to its newly established Crypto Council, which officially launched in March 2025. The appointment marks a pivotal step in Pakistan’s evolving approach to digital asset adoption, aiming to reverse declining foreign investment through progressive regulation and Web3 innovation.

Pakistan Eyes Global Crypto Relevance with CZ on Board

The Pakistan Crypto Council—spearheaded by Bilal Bin Saqib, a prominent entrepreneur and the council’s CEO—was created to accelerate the country’s participation in the blockchain and cryptocurrency economy. With a sharp 45% year-over-year drop in foreign direct investment (FDI) reported in February 2025, the government has turned its focus to digital finance infrastructure as a new economic growth engine.

CZ’s advisory role, announced shortly after the council’s inaugural meeting on March 21, underscores the country’s commitment to establishing a robust regulatory environment for crypto businesses and investors. On social media, Zhao clarified that while he will advise on blockchain policy and innovation, he will remain non-political in his involvement.

A New Chapter for CZ and Pakistan’s Blockchain Vision

This development also marks a significant return to influence for CZ following his departure from Binance’s top role. Since stepping down, Zhao has been steadily reintegrating into the Web3 landscape through projects like YZi Labs, a blockchain venture firm, and Giggle Academy, a nonprofit digital education platform targeting primary and secondary school students.

His presence in Pakistan aligns with a broader global shift toward clear crypto regulations, particularly as the U.S. tightens oversight under President Trump’s renewed regulatory agenda. For Pakistan, Zhao’s insight into global crypto markets offers critical expertise for building institutional trust and investor confidence.

Binance Still Dominates, MGX Injects $2 Billion

While CZ assumes his new advisory role, Binance continues to solidify its dominance in the crypto sector. In March 2025, the exchange received $2 billion in strategic funding from MGX, an Abu Dhabi-based tech conglomerate. The deal secured a minority stake in Binance and signals strong institutional confidence in the exchange’s long-term vision.

Binance also led global spot trading volumes in February 2025, processing a staggering $651.5 billion, which accounted for 36.8% of the global market share.

Pakistan’s Crypto Council: Building a Web3-Ready Economy

The core mission of the Pakistan Crypto Council is to craft crypto-friendly legislation, build local capacity, and promote Web3 education and adoption. The council aims to attract foreign blockchain firms and foster partnerships that drive economic recovery and financial inclusion.

With CZ now offering strategic guidance, Pakistan is poised to emerge as a key player in South Asia’s blockchain ecosystem—one that balances innovation with regulation and builds a resilient, forward-looking digital economy.

Stay tuned for further updates as the Pakistan Crypto Council unveils its regulatory roadmap and policy initiatives in the months ahead.