Changpeng Zhao supports an ASEAN cryptocurrency license passport system

PANews July 28, citing Cointelegraph, reported that Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao said at the ASEAN Technology Summit Manila 2026 that he supports mutual recognition of crypto licenses across the ASEAN region. He believes that a company operating in a regulated market should enter other markets through simplified approval processes rather than applying from scratch. He noted that cross-regional coordination at the technical level is easy, and that allowing more licensed platforms to compete can improve services and reduce consumer costs. The proposal was put forward by Lito Villanueva, founder and chair of the Philippines Fintech Alliance.

At present, ASEAN has no regional mechanism for mutual recognition of crypto licenses, but there are precedents. Under the collective investment scheme framework of the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum, funds can issue in participating countries with simplified authorization after being approved in their home country. Under the professional liquidity framework, the ACMF Pass allows licensed investment advisers to quickly register to provide cross-border services.