Pakistan-Malaysia Digital Finance Partnership Targets Crypto Innovation

In a significant development aimed at enhancing Pakistan-Malaysian digital finance partnership, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan met with Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), to discuss potential areas of cooperation in blockchain technology, digital assets, and Shariah-compliant financial systems.

The discussion centered on the prospect of establishing a Pakistan-Malaysia Digital Finance Partnership — a proposed initiative that seeks to develop financial frameworks aligned with both international standards and Islamic principles. The envisioned partnership aims to support the creation of FATF-compliant and Shariah-aligned models for digital assets, which could serve as reference points for other member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Bilal Bin Saqib noted that Malaysia’s established role in Islamic finance and Pakistan’s evolving regulatory landscape in the crypto sector could create synergies for collaborative progress. He emphasized the potential to develop standards for ethical innovation in digital finance, including initiatives related to halal stablecoins, tokenized sukuks, and compliant regulatory sandboxes.

The Pakistan Crypto Council has been advocating for the development of a crypto regulatory framework that accommodates the specific needs of emerging markets. According to the organization, the goal is to create policies that support innovation while maintaining adherence to international regulatory expectations.

During the meeting, the parties identified several key areas for potential cooperation. These included the coordination of regulatory efforts between the financial authorities of both countries, as well as the development of cross-border programs aimed at advancing talent in Web3 technologies and digital finance education.

This engagement marks a step toward a broader economic and technological collaboration between Pakistan and Malaysia. Both sides expressed an interest in building a long-term partnership that aligns with shared priorities in digital innovation and financial inclusion.

The meeting comes shortly after Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, also known as “CZ,” was appointed as a Strategic Advisor to the Pakistan Crypto Council — a development that has drawn increased international attention to Pakistan’s growing presence in the digital asset space.