**Changpeng Zhao Joins Pakistan Crypto Council Amid Stock Market Challenges**
Changpeng Zhao, the visionary behind Binance, is stepping into the role of advisor for the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC). This exciting development comes at a time when the Pakistan Stock Market is facing significant challenges, raising concerns about the nation’s economic stability. The KSE-100 Index recently experienced a staggering drop of 3,882 points, prompting a temporary halt in trading. As the market grapples with these issues, many are looking to cryptocurrency and blockchain technology as potential catalysts for growth and investment in Pakistan.
The news of Zhao’s appointment has sparked enthusiasm, especially since he expressed his eagerness to assist Pakistan in embracing cryptocurrency, stating, “I’m honored to help Pakistan adopt crypto!” Despite stepping down as CEO of Binance in 2023, Zhao’s expertise remains invaluable. The Pakistani government’s decision to enlist him as an advisor is a strategic move, particularly as the country seeks to navigate its current economic hurdles.
Pakistan is actively working to attract foreign investment, and part of this effort involves enhancing its financial systems through blockchain technology. Established in March 2025, the Pakistan Crypto Council is a government initiative aimed at integrating digital assets and blockchain into the country’s economy. Zhao’s involvement with the PCC signals Pakistan’s commitment to becoming a key player in the crypto space, including areas like decentralized finance (DeFi) and tokenization.
Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council, remarked, “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 transformed how billions view financial freedom?” Zhao will lend his expertise to the PCC in crafting regulations that foster a supportive environment for cryptocurrency. The council will also focus on promoting blockchain infrastructure, spearheading educational initiatives, and encouraging the adoption of blockchain technology.
Saqib highlighted that Zhao’s extensive knowledge and experience in the crypto realm will be “valuable” as Pakistan aspires to become the crypto capital of South Asia. The aim is to establish laws that stimulate innovation while adhering to international standards, particularly the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) guidelines aimed at combating money laundering and terrorism financing.
Zhao’s new role comes at a particularly challenging time for both the cryptocurrency and global equity markets. Following significant market turmoil on April 7, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) faced a major crash, leading to circuit breakers being activated to pause trading. The KSE-100 Index fell dramatically, closing at 114,909, highlighting the urgent need for market stabilization. While there were signs of recovery by the end of that day, concerns linger about the potential for continued downturns as the market adjusts to these turbulent conditions.
