Pakistan, World Liberty Financial affiliate sign MoU to boost digital payments

Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan has entered into an agreement with SC Financial Technologies, a company connected to World Liberty Financial—the cryptocurrency venture—to examine the potential use of a US dollar-linked stablecoin for cross-border payments.

Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) World Liberty Financial Zachary Witkoff signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of the respective sides.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir witnessed the ceremony.

The Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority on Wednesday announced that the (MoU) will facilitate discussions and technical collaboration around emerging digital payment systems.

Today, World Liberty Financial signed an MoU with the Ministry of Finance to explore innovation in digital finance, particularly the use of stablecoins for cross-border transactions, signalling growing global interest in Pakistan as a key market for digital assets. pic.twitter.com/rYzbfHYysd

— Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (@PakistanVARA) January 14, 2026

This step marks one of the first publicly disclosed partnerships between World Liberty Financial, which launched its crypto-based finance platform in September 2024, and a sovereign nation. It also reflects the warming diplomatic and economic relations between Pakistan and the United States.

Under the agreement, SC Financial Technologies will collaborate with Pakistan’s central bank to explore the integration of its USD1 stablecoin into a regulated digital payments framework.

According to sources familiar with the deal, the plan is for the stablecoin to operate alongside Pakistan’s own digital currency infrastructure, complementing existing financial systems.

The announcement came during a visit to Pakistan by Zach Witkoff, co-founder and CEO of World Liberty Financial and SC Financial Technologies.

Witkoff, who is the son of US special envoy Steve Witkoff, met with senior Pakistani officials to discuss digital payment frameworks, cross-border settlements, and foreign exchange processes.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized that the government aims to remain at the forefront of financial innovation by engaging with credible global players while ensuring that any new models align with regulatory standards, economic stability, and national interests.

Documents from July 2025 show that SC Financial Technologies, registered in Delaware, co-owns the USD1 stablecoin with World Liberty Financial. Stablecoins, which are digital tokens generally pegged to the US dollar, have seen rapid growth in recent years.

While the United States has rolled out federal rules viewed as supportive of the crypto sector, countries worldwide are considering the role of stablecoins in modernizing payment systems.

Pakistan has been actively exploring digital currency solutions to reduce reliance on cash and enhance cross-border payment efficiency, particularly for remittances—a vital source of foreign exchange.

The central bank governor revealed in July that the country is preparing to pilot a digital currency and finalizing legislation to regulate virtual assets.

Earlier, a delegation of World Liberty Financial USA led by its Chief Executive Officer Zachary Witkoff called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.

Talking to the guests, the premier said that rapidly growing pace of digital payments and financial innovation are essential parts of Pakistan's rapidly expanding digital economy.

Welcoming the delegation, the prime minister shared his vision for digital Pakistan aimed at increased connectivity, access, transparency and openness for the citizens.

He appreciated the growing international interest in Pakistan's digital financial markets and noted with deep sense of satisfaction that Pakistan is fast becoming part of global digital finance.

Zachary Witkoff showed keen interest to engage with Pakistan for a secure and transparent digital payment infrastructure, including innovations in cross-border settlement and foreign exchange processes.

He lauded Pakistan's policy framework which is helping to position the country as a leading contender in the global digital finance landscape.

Witkoff expressed his keen desire to further deepen engagement with Pakistan to explore next-generation digital payment and cross-border finance innovations.