ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA) said it has invited global exchanges and virtual asset service providers to apply for licensing under the country’s new Virtual Asset Ordinance, 2025.
The authority said the move aims to create a safe and transparent digital assets ecosystem in line with global standards from the Financial Action Task Force, IMF and World Bank.
According to PVARA, Pakistan’s digital assets market already has over 40 million users with an estimated annual trading volume of over $300 billion.
The licensing process is open to exchanges operating under international regulators such as the US SEC, UK FCA, EU VASP, UAE VARA, or Singapore MAS, provided they demonstrate compliance with anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, and cybersecurity requirements.
PVARA Chairman and Minister of State for Crypto and Blockchain, Bilal Bin Saqib, said the invitation aims to encourage leading global firms to help build an inclusive digital financial future for Pakistan.
Submissions are being accepted on a rolling basis via email to PVARA’s headquarters in Islamabad.
