After joining Pakistan’s Crypto Council, Binance’s former CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao recently met with Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in a strategic meeting to discuss the Southeast Asian country’s aims in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency adoption.
Strategic Meeting
In a post on X, Ibrahim revealed that he met with Zhao on April 22, 2025, to explore Malaysia’s potential as a leading hub for the expanding digital assets and blockchain sector.
“I welcome continued discussions with agencies such as the Securities Commission, Bank Negara Malaysia and the Ministry of Digital to explore ways to facilitate and promote responsible innovation.”
Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister, Malaysia
He also recognized that government leadership plays a crucial role in advancing blockchain adoption, particularly through initiatives like digitization and the exploration of tokenizing financial instruments and other applications.
“With the right steps, Malaysia can position itself at the forefront of this global digital transformation.”
Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister, Malaysia
Before this meeting, Ibrahim had prior discussions with UAE officials and Zhao in January, focusing on modernizing Malaysia’s financial system and aligning with global digital finance trends, with the country considering the development of a cryptocurrency policy.
Who is Changpeng Zhao?
He is a Chinese-born Canadian entrepreneur and the co-founder of Binance. He has a background in computer science and previously worked on high-frequency trading systems for financial markets.
Zhao launched Binance in 2017, and under his leadership, the platform grew rapidly, becoming a major player in the crypto industry. However, in 2023, he stepped down as CEO after reaching a settlement related to anti-money laundering violations in the U.S.
Despite this, he remains a significant figure in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space, actively engaging in discussions about digital finance and innovation.
Recently, Zhao became an advisor to Pakistan’s newly established Crypto Council, with the goal of influencing the country’s digital asset landscape. His role will involve guiding improvements in Pakistan’s crypto regulations, infrastructure, education, and adoption strategies.
CZ in PH
In June 2022, Zhao visited the Philippines to discuss Binance’s expansion plans, including its intention to acquire a crypto exchange license in the country. Months after, in October, he returned to the country for his second visit following his previous discussions about Binance’s plans to register as a virtual asset service provider and the ongoing regulatory challenges with local authorities.
In 2023, Zhao attended ACTAI Global’s Web3 Meetup in El Nido, Palawan, where local and international web3 leaders, including notable figures like BreederDAO’s Renz Chong and Animoca Brands’ Yat Siu, gathered to explore opportunities for collaboration in blockchain and innovation.
In February, 2025, he claimed that a “local player” was blocking Binance’s efforts to secure regulatory approval in the Philippines, reigniting discussions about the exchange’s licensing challenges, which have included opposition from local organizations and regulatory bodies like the Securities and Exchange Commission and National Telecommunications Commission.
This article is published on BitPinas: Binance Founder CZ Meets Malaysia PM to Discuss Blockchain and Crypto Growth
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