Crypto Industry Urges Unified Body to Safeguard Pakistani Investors Af

Crypto Industry Urges Unified Body to Safeguard Pakistani Investors After Binance Hack

Asia Web3 Alliance Japan president Hinza Asif says Pakistan needs an industry association to protect crypto investors after a multi-billion dollar Binance breach.

NationPulse Desk

Nov 2, 2026 · 10:44 AM 2 min read

Key takeaways

Hinza Asif of AWAJ says Pakistan needs a formal crypto industry body after a Binance breach.

Pakistan ranked third in Chainalysis' 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index.

Around 40 million crypto-linked accounts are estimated, with $10-20 billion exposure.

PVARA's regulatory role could be complemented by an independent industry association.

Asif calls for a national digital finance platform, grievance mechanisms and cybersecurity awareness.

Asia Web3 Alliance Japan (AWAJ) President Hinza Asif said Pakistan's growing cryptocurrency market requires a formal industry body to represent investors and improve engagement with global exchanges, following a multibillion-dollar cybersecurity breach at Binance.

She highlighted concerns about how Pakistani investors would be represented if a major international platform faced a security or financial crisis.

In a statement, Asif noted the country's digital-asset sector is hampered by a lack of reliable investor data and the absence of an organized platform for participants to coordinate or raise concerns during major incidents.

Pakistan placed third in Chainalysis' 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index, reflecting the size of its crypto activity. Estimates suggest about 40 million crypto-linked accounts exist, with digital-asset exposure between $10 billion and $20 billion, though these numbers have not been officially verified as individual investors.

Crypto Investors Face Uncertainty During Exchange Crises

Asif warned that cybersecurity breaches at major exchanges could cause financial losses, unauthorized transactions and withdrawal disruptions, potentially eroding investor confidence.

She said the exact impact of the Binance incident on Pakistani investors remains unclear and needs independent verification.

"The question is who will represent and protect Pakistani investors if an international exchange faces a major cybersecurity or financial crisis," she said, adding that Pakistan lacks a mechanism to coordinate investor complaints and engage with international exchanges in such situations.

AWAJ Calls for Industry Representation

Welcoming regulatory steps by the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA), Asif stated that the regulator and an independent industry association would have complementary roles.

While PVARA would handle regulatory matters within its legal mandate, an industry body could give fintech firms, blockchain businesses, technology professionals and investors a platform to raise concerns and interact with policymakers.

Asif also urged the creation of a national digital finance platform backed by reliable market research, coordinated investor grievance mechanisms, cybersecurity awareness and formal partnerships with international industry organisations.

She added that Pakistan's digital-finance potential goes beyond crypto trading to include blockchain applications, digital payments, fintech entrepreneurship and international investment.

Questions and answers

What did Hinza Asif say about investor protection after the Binance hack?

She said Pakistan lacks a mechanism to represent and protect investors if an international exchange faces a major cybersecurity or financial crisis.

How many crypto-linked accounts are estimated in Pakistan?

Estimates put the number at around 40 million.

What role does AWAJ envision for a new industry body?

It would provide a platform for fintech companies, blockchain businesses, technology professionals and investors to raise concerns and engage with policymakers.