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Pakistan opens crypto licensing with a Sept. 5 registration deadline

The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority says firms must apply for a no-objection certificate or stop operating if they miss the Sept. 5 cutoff.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Regulation

Pakistan has opened its cryptocurrency licensing regime under the Virtual Assets Act 2026, with a Sept. 5 deadline for digital asset firms to register, the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority said.

Companies have until Sept. 5 to submit an application for a no-objection certificate, or otherwise cease operations, as the regulator moves toward formal oversight of crypto activities.

PVARA said the licensing framework covers 11 types of crypto-related activity, including custody, exchanges, broker-dealer services, and derivatives, and it emphasized strict operational and security standards for safeguarding customer funds.

The effort builds on earlier regulatory steps after the State Bank of Pakistan lifted a ban in April that had prevented financial institutions from providing banking services to crypto firms, while banks remain prohibited from investing in, trading, or holding crypto assets themselves.

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