🧭 Crypto Regulation Pulse: Pakistan & FATF
🇵🇰 Pakistan Steps Into the Crypto Arena
Pakistan just launched a National Crypto Council under its Ministry of Finance. Members include Binance (with CZ as external advisor), and local fintech/blockchain players.
Key moves:
– 🇵🇰 BTC Reserve (national digital sovereignty plan)
– ⚡ 2 GW for Web3 infrastructure (AI, mining, data centers)
– 💼 Crypto Hub: A special economic zone modeled after DMCC Dubai
📣 Message to Emerging Markets: Crypto can be infrastructure, not just risk.
🌍 Meanwhile, the FATF Tightens the Screws
🧾 June 2025 Update: New Travel Rule guidelines now require:
– Sender & receiver info (name, address, ID) for crypto transfers > $1K
– Self-custody wallets must comply if interacting with CEXs
– Penalties include gray-listing jurisdictions
🧩 Impact:
– Privacy protocols may clash with compliance
– Countries vary: 🇸🇬/🇦🇪 more flexible than 🇺🇸/🇪🇺
– DEX UIs & bridges likely to face pressure
🏛️ Winners:
– Regulated exchanges (Coinbase, Bitstamp)
– Institutional players waiting on clarity
🎯 Bottom Line:
Pakistan is going full steam on crypto infrastructure, while FATF pushes compliance rails globally.
Projects must now choose:
🔐 Build compliance in — or go full-onchain & permissionless.
