Former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao Will Begin Advising the Kyrgyz Republic

Former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao will begin advising the Kyrgyz Republic on blockchain and crypto-related regulation and tech

Changpeng "CZ" Zhao, the former CEO of Binance, will be advising the Kyrgyz Republic on blockchain and crypto-related regulation and technology. The National Investment Agency (NIA) of Kyrgyzstan has signed a memorandum of understanding with CZ to provide technical expertise and consulting services for the Central Asian country.

"I officially and unofficially advise a few governments on their crypto regulatory frameworks and blockchain solutions for gov efficiency, expanding blockchain to more than trading," CZ said on X on April 2. "I find this work extremely meaningful."

I officially & unofficially advise a few governments on their crypto regulatory frameworks & blockchain solutions for gov efficiency, expanding blockchain to more than trading. I find this work extremely meaningful.

— Changpeng Zhao (@cz_binance) April 2, 2024

His comments came in response to an earlier X post from President Sadyr Zhaparov announcing that the NIA had signed a memorandum with CZ.

The NIA is responsible for promoting foreign investments and assisting international companies in identifying business opportunities within the country.

"This cooperation marks an important step towards strengthening technological infrastructure, implementing innovative solutions, and preparing highly qualified specialists in blockchain technologies, virtual asset management, and cybersecurity," Zhaparov said.

"Such initiatives are crucial for the sustainable growth of the economy and the security of virtual assets, ultimately generating new opportunities for businesses and society as a whole."

Kyrgyzstan, which officially changed its name from the Republic of Kyrgyzstan to the Kyrgyz Republic in 1993, is a mountainous, land-locked country.

It is considered well-suited for crypto mining operations due to its abundant renewable energy resources, much of which is underutilized.

Over 30% of Kyrgyzstan’s total energy supply comes from hydroelectric power plants, but only 10% of the country’s potential hydropower has been developed, according to a report by the International Energy Agency.

CZ has met with several other state officials in Asia

Malaysia also recently tapped CZ for guidance on crypto-related matters, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim meeting him personally in January.

CZ has also met with officials in the UAE and Bitcoin-stacking country Bhutan — however, it isn’t clear what those meetings entailed.

CZ’s latest pursuits come a little over six months after he was released from a four-month prison sentence in the US for violating several anti-money laundering laws.

Since being released, CZ has made investments in blockchain tech, artificial intelligence and biotechnology companies.

CZ also recently donated 1,000 BNB (BNB) — worth almost $600,000 — to support earthquake relief efforts in Thailand and Myanmar after the natural disaster in late April.