Pakistan Ends Bitcoin and Crypto Banking Ban, Opens Financial System to Licensed Firms
By Micah Zimmerman
Pakistan’s central bank has reversed its ban on banking services for cryptocurrency firms, allowing regulated banks to open accounts for licensed virtual asset service providers (VASPs) under the new Virtual Assets Act 2026. This integrates digital assets into the formal financial system with strict AML and compliance safeguards, though banks are prohibited from investing in or holding cryptocurrencies. The move positions Pakistan as a regulated hub for crypto activity.
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