digital asset regulation Pakistan

Key Points:* Pakistan launches regulatory body for cryptocurrency and blockchain industries.

• Oversees exchanges, wallets, and tokenization applications.
• Aims to formalize $25 billion informal crypto market. Pakistan announced the formation of the Digital Asset Authority to regulate its cryptocurrency sector on May 21, 2025.

This regulatory move aims to standardize the crypto market valued at over $25 billion, aligning with global innovations and providing new investment avenues.

Pakistan Introduces Digital Asset Authority with $25 Billion Market Target

Pakistani authorities have established the Digital Asset Authority to regulate the cryptocurrency and blockchain industries. The newly formed agency will handle licenses and compliance for crypto exchanges and other digital entities. The framework is designed to align with Financial Action Task Force standards.

Actions under this new regulatory body include managing the informal crypto market and introducing innovative applications such as national asset tokenization. The changes are expected to facilitate investments and promote new financial channels through blockchain initiatives.

“Pakistan must regulate not just to catch up — but to lead. With the PDAA, we are creating a future-ready framework that protects consumers, invites global investment, and puts Pakistan at the forefront of financial innovation,” said Muhammad Aurangzeb, Finance Minister of Pakistan and Chairman of the Pakistan Crypto Council. He emphasized the importance of global investment and innovation, as Pakistan positions itself within the digital asset sphere.

Bitcoin’s Market Dominance and Pakistan’s Regulatory Impact

Did you know? Global efforts to regulate digital assets have seen significant increases, with Pakistan joining nations like the UAE and Singapore, promoting structured frameworks for developing innovations within the crypto market.

Cryptocurrency leader Bitcoin (BTC) holds a dominant 63.26% market presence, with a current price of $109,614.84, according to CoinMarketCap. The market cap stands at $2.18 trillion, and BTC has seen a price rise of 2.54% over 24 hours and 5.57% in the past week.

Bitcoin(BTC), daily chart, screenshot on CoinMarketCap at 00:52 UTC on May 22, 2025. Source: CoinMarketCap Expert insights from the Coincu research team indicate that aligning with global regulations could boost international trust in Pakistan’s growing crypto sector. Implementation of comprehensive frameworks is expected to accelerate market alignment and technological advancements, potentially attracting foreign investments.