Nations Explore Public Sector Cryptocurrency Usage With Experts to Include Binance Founder CZ

Nations have added Binance Founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao to the list of cryptocurrency industry experts upon whom they rely to explore upgrading their public sector blockchain usage, leveraging his broad Binance experience. The choice may seem ironic. Zhao was convicted for violating U.S. money laundering laws, served a four-month sentence, and stepped down as Binance CEO in 2023. He is now advising governments, presumably pro bono, based on his recent post.

Zhao’s X post in April 2025, highlights his contributions: “I officially and unofficially advise a few governments on their crypto regulatory frameworks and blockchain solutions for gov efficiency, expanding blockchain to more than trading. I find this work extremely meaningful.” His efforts span multiple nations such as Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Bhutan.

In April 2025, Pakistan appointed Zhao as an adviser to its Crypto Council, aiming to craft a regulatory framework for digital assets. Bloomberg reported Pakistan’s ambition to attract foreign investment, capitalizing on its Web3-savvy workforce and high crypto adoption, as evidenced by Chainalysis’ 2024 index. Zhao’s role is pivotal in shaping policies to integrate blockchain into Pakistan’s economy, particularly for remittances, which surged after a crackdown on black market trades.

Similarly, Kyrgyzstan welcomed Zhao to advise on its digital currency and blockchain initiatives. Meeting President Sadyr Japarov, Zhao recommended Bitcoin and Binance’s BNB for the nation’s crypto reserve. Kyrgyzstan aims to use blockchain to enhance transparency and reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, though concerns linger about the energy demands of crypto mining straining its grid.

Zhao’s influence extends to Bhutan, which adopted Bitcoin, Ethereum, and BNB for its strategic reserves. At Token2049 in April 2025, Zhao emphasized the significance of acquiring crypto reserves, noting, “The later you do it, the more expensive your crypto will be.”

Zhao joins a host of other government advisors, including BlockTribune‘s publisher’s chief executive, Edward “Coach” Weinhaus (Athena Bitcoin Global founder).

Zhao’s critique of slow European adoption spared Montenegro, suggesting Zhao is less concerned about a comeback as CEO of the company he founded than he is of the company’s mission.