The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has permitted banks and financial institutions to open accounts for licensed virtual asset service providers (VASPs), marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to digital assets and crypto currencies. Read More: Pakistan loses $600m to illegal crypto trades The move follows the enactment of the Virtual Assets Act, 2026, under […]
Fintech
Ahsan Iqbal calls for equipping youth with Fintech and AI skills
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof Ahsan Iqbal has said that digital technologies can transform the economy and stressed the need to equip Pakistan’s youth with modern skills to benefit from global economic opportunities. Addressing the ceremony at Fintech Edge Institute, here on Saturday, he said that every sector of the economy […]
Pakistani startups see modest rebound in venture capital
KARACHI: After two challenging years, Pakistan’s startup ecosystem showed signs of stability in 2025, with venture capital activity recovering slightly from the lows of 2024. According to Data Darbar, local startups raised about $36.6 million in equity across 10 disclosed rounds, a modest increase from $22.5 million the previous year, though deal volume slipped slightly […]
China to launch action plan to expand digital yuan use
China will launch an “action plan” on January 1 aimed at strengthening the management and operational framework of its digital currency, a senior central bank official said on Monday, signalling a renewed push to expand the use of the digital yuan. Read More: China’s new digital yuan: Lessons for Pakistan People’s Bank of China (PBoC) Deputy Governor […]
Zar stablecoin sparks debate on regulation and national interest
ISLAMABAD: The launch of Zar, a new stablecoin venture by Sadapay, backed by $12.9 million in seed funding, has reignited debates on balancing commercial innovation with national financial safeguards in Pakistan. The venture, funded by leading global investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Coinbase Ventures, and VanEck, aims to broaden access to capital inflows, particularly remittances. Read […]
SBP pushes innovation, trust in Pakistan’s digital finance
KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmed on Wednesday highlighted the importance of trust and cybersecurity in digital finance, noting that the central bank is advancing plans to establish an innovation hub. The initiative comes as SBP launches the first cohort of its Regulatory Sandbox to test new solutions in areas such as […]
Pakistan urged to regulate crypto, explore digital rupee
ISLAMABAD: Pakistanis are estimated to have invested between $20-30 billion in asset-backed crypto instruments, with trading potentially reaching $300 billion — nearly the size of the country’s $400 billion GDP, experts told the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) Conference on Friday. The figures, they stressed, remain indicative due to the absence of a legal framework […]
Ripple raises $500 million at $40 billion valuation
SAN FRANCISCO – Crypto firm Ripple has raised $500 million in a new funding round led by Fortress Investment Group and Citadel Securities, valuing the company at $40 billion, the firm announced on Wednesday. The strategic investment follows Ripple’s $1 billion tender offer earlier this year at the same valuation. The company said the fresh […]
Global crypto leaders spotlight Pakistan’s Bilal Bin Saqib
Pakistan’s Minister for Crypto and Blockchain, Bilal Bin Saqib, has been named among the world’s most influential crypto leaders. The Wall Street Journal included him in its latest investigative report, highlighting his role in shaping the global crypto landscape. According to media sources, Bilal Bin Saqib is recognized as a bridge between the East and […]