Pakistan launches crypto licensing regime with September 5 registration deadline for exchanges and service providers.
Regulation & Gov ·
Pakistan has launched a cryptocurrency licensing framework requiring exchanges and service providers to register by September 5, marking the country's entry into formal regulatory oversight of digital asset operations. The deadline applies to entities offering crypto trading, custody, or related services within Pakistani jurisdiction.
The licensing regime establishes registration requirements for market participants, though the specific regulatory standards, fee structures, and compliance obligations remain detailed in Pakistan's announcement. The framework represents a shift from the largely unregulated environment that has characterized Pakistan's crypto sector to date.
It remains unclear how strictly the September 5 deadline will be enforced, whether extensions or phased compliance periods will be granted, and what penalties apply to non-compliant operators. The full regulatory framework's impact on the existing crypto ecosystem and cross-border service provision has not yet been assessed.