First policy framework to regulate virtual assets

Pakistan has developed its first-ever complete policy framework for the regulation of virtual assets (VAs) and virtual asset service providers (VASPs), marking a significant step towards conforming to international financial integrity norms and promoting responsible digital innovation. A spokesman for the FIA said in a press release on Thursday that this framework has been developed by the National Working Group on VAs/VASPs, formed by the Ministry of Finance on January 2024, under the overall supervision of the AML/CFT Authority, spearheaded by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and comprising senior officials of the State Bank, SECP, FMU, FBR, NACTA, MoITT and other national stakeholders from public and private sector.