The Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA) has officially invited global exchanges and Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) to apply for licensing under the newly introduced Virtual Assets Ordinance, 2025.
According to PVARA, the initiative seeks to establish a secure, transparent, and globally compliant digital assets ecosystem in Pakistan, aligning with standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), IMF, and World Bank.
Growing Digital Asset Market in Pakistan
Pakistan’s digital assets sector is already expanding rapidly, with over 40 million users and an estimated annual trading volume exceeding $300 billion, as per PVARA figures.
Eligibility for Licensing
The licensing process is open to exchanges regulated under internationally recognized authorities, including:
- US SEC
- UK FCA
- EU VASP
- UAE VARA
- Singapore MAS
Applicants must demonstrate strong compliance with anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorism financing (CTF), and cybersecurity standards to qualify.
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Government’s Vision
Bilal bin Saqib, Chairman of PVARA and Minister of State for Crypto and Blockchain, said the initiative aims to attract global leaders in the digital asset space to help Pakistan build an inclusive and innovative financial ecosystem.
“By opening doors to the world’s leading exchanges, we are creating opportunities for investment, innovation, and long-term financial inclusion,” he added.
Application Process
Submissions are being accepted on a rolling basis via email to PVARA’s headquarters in Islamabad.
