Pakistan’s PVARA opens consultation on 2026 virtual asset regulations

The draft rules and business manuals seek feedback through July 2 on licensing, governance, market conduct, cybersecurity and client asset safeguards for virtual asset service providers.

Summary

Pakistan’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority, or PVARA, has launched a public consultation on the draft Pakistan Virtual Asset Services Regulations, 2026 and related business manuals. The feedback window opened on June 11 and will run until July 2 at 16:00 PKT for exchanges, custodians, brokers, token issuers and other VASPs (virtual asset service providers). The proposed framework under the Virtual Assets Act, 2026 covers licensing, governance, market conduct, cybersecurity, AML/CFT/CPF (anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing and counter-proliferation financing), operational resilience, and rules on client asset segregation and custody.

Terms & Concepts
  • PVARA: Pakistan’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority.
  • VASPs: Virtual asset service providers such as exchanges and custodians.
  • AML/CFT/CPF: Rules covering illicit finance and proliferation risk controls.