Former Binance CEO CZ joins Pakistan Crypto Council as advisor

Former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao has been appointed as a strategic advisor to the Pakistan Crypto Council, a newly formed regulatory body established in mid‑March to drive blockchain innovation and attract international investment. In his new role, CZ is set to guide efforts in developing crypto infrastructure, enhancing industry education, and boosting overall adoption.
Speaking on social media, he emphasized that he “officially and unofficially advises a few governments on their crypto regulatory frameworks and blockchain solutions,” reinforcing his ongoing commitment to the industry—while stressing his focus remains strictly on crypto rather than politics, reports Bloomberg.
Global context and industry momentum
CZ’s appointment comes at a time of significant transition in the cryptocurrency landscape. His new role is particularly notable given his departure from Binance in November 2023, when he pleaded guilty to violating the Bank Secrecy Act—resulting in a four‑month prison sentence and a $50 million fine. Despite these challenges, CZ continues to influence global crypto policy, as regulators and regional bodies, such as New York’s and California’s financial regulators, increasingly assert their oversight over digital assets. Concurrently, Binance has been expanding its footprint in South Asia and the Middle East, having secured $2 billion in funding from MGX and leading the crypto spot market in February with nearly $651.5 billion in trades.
As Pakistan intensifies its push to become a blockchain hub, industry observers will closely monitor how CZ’s expertise contributes to establishing a regulatory framework that supports both innovation and market stability.
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