Pakistan to Launch Digital Assets Authority to Regulate Crypto Market and Foster Financial Innovation

The Pakistani Ministry of Finance has announced a significant initiative to regulate digital assets in the country, unveiling plans for the establishment of the Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA). This dedicated body aims to oversee the blockchain-based financial infrastructure, ensuring compliance with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards while promoting economic inclusion and responsible adoption of digital assets. Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized the need for Pakistan to lead in financial innovation, stating that the PDAA will regulate various components of the digital asset ecosystem, including exchanges and decentralized finance applications. The move is expected to regulate a burgeoning $25 billion informal crypto market, facilitate the tokenization of national assets, and empower local startups.