Pakistan's central bank let banks and payment operators open accounts for licensed virtual asset service providers, ending a seven-year restriction from 2018. The directive took effect immediately and also covers firms holding a No Objection Certificate during the licensing process. Banks must use segregated Pakistani-rupee client money accounts for authorized VASP settlement. The policy shift follows the March 6 passage of the Virtual Assets Act, 2026, which created PVARA and set penalties for unlicensed activity.