World Liberty Financial, a U.S.-based financial firm with ties to Donald Trump’s business network, has signed a landmark agreement with the Pakistan Crypto Council aimed at advancing blockchain innovation across the country. The move underscores Pakistan’s ambition to position itself as a hub for decentralized finance (DeFi), stablecoin infrastructure, and real-world asset tokenization.
As part of the partnership, World Liberty Financial will collaborate with the Council to establish regulatory sandboxes designed to safely test blockchain products in real-world conditions. The agreement also outlines plans to expand stablecoin use in key sectors such as remittances and international trade—areas critical to Pakistan’s economy—while simultaneously supporting the country’s push into asset tokenization and decentralized finance protocols.
The Letter of Intent was formally signed during a high-profile meeting attended by World Liberty founders Zach Witkoff, Zak Folkman, and Chase Herro, alongside Pakistan’s central bank governor, finance minister, and IT secretary. Local media reports suggest the initiative is intended not only to modernize Pakistan’s financial landscape but also to attract greater international collaboration in building crypto infrastructure.
Pakistan Eyes Crypto Boom With Blockchain Push
The Pakistan Crypto Council, operating under the country’s emerging regulatory framework, is tasked with guiding blockchain initiatives and setting policies that foster sustainable growth in the digital economy. By aligning with a U.S. firm tied to influential political figures, Pakistan signals a strategic move to attract global investors to its rapidly expanding crypto sector.
According to blockchain intelligence firm Chainalysis, Pakistan ranked ninth globally for crypto adoption in 2023, with an estimated 25 million active users and over $300 billion in annual transaction volume. This surge reflects not just rising interest in digital assets, but also a demographic advantage: roughly 60% of Pakistan’s population is under the age of 30.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized the role of technology and youth in shaping Pakistan’s economic future:
“Pakistan’s youth and technology sector are our greatest assets. Through partnerships like this, we are opening new doors for investment, innovation, and global leadership in the blockchain economy.”
Pakistan Taps CZ Binance Amid Shift Toward Crypto Regulation
As Pakistan embraces fresh partnerships to grow its blockchain ecosystem, it is also taking steps to balance innovation with regulatory oversight. In a sign of its evolving approach, the Pakistan Crypto Council recently appointed former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao as an advisor to help craft the country’s digital asset strategies and regulatory framework.
In parallel, Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) unveiled a proposed crypto regulatory framework earlier this month. The plan targets key financial risks, including terrorism financing, money laundering, and weak Know Your Customer (KYC) practices—issues that have historically raised concerns from international watchdogs such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The roadmap envisions a phased rollout starting in 2026, with ongoing consultation from both domestic and international crypto firms.
This regulatory push marks a stark departure from Pakistan’s previous position. In May 2023, then-finance minister Aisha Ghaus Pasha had declared that Pakistan would never legalize cryptocurrencies, citing FATF compliance concerns. Now, with figures like Changpeng Zhao and World Liberty Financial supporting its crypto ambitions, Pakistan is signaling a cautious but clear pivot toward integrating digital assets into its financial future.
Quick Facts
- World Liberty Financial, a firm linked to Trump’s network, has partnered with the Pakistan Crypto Council to promote blockchain adoption.
- The partnership includes plans for an “American Crypto Center” in Pakistan to boost crypto education and innovation.
- Pakistan has appointed former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao as an advisor on digital asset strategies.
