Leaked messages show FaZe Banks pressuring the MLG team into giving him preferential treatment.
The FaZe Banks crypto pump-and-dump controversy is once again heating up. On Wednesday, July 31,leaked texts appeared that appear to show Ricky Bengston, also known as FaZe Banks, pressured the MLG team into giving him preferential treatment.
Messages show FaZe Banks asking to buy large amounts of tokens over the counter, alongside influencer Aydin Ross and another investor. He also explicitly stated that he was not interested in buying at the current market price, instead asking for a special discount. After the founder refused, he threatened to stop promoting the token.
The texts also revealed that FaZe held 0.6% of the token supply and wanted to accumulate at least 1%. This conflicts with his earlier public statements that MLG was a passion project and that he did not receive any compensation from the team.
FaZe Banks’ apparent intention was to buy large amounts of tokens without moving the market, all while continuing to promote the token to his audience. This strategy aligns with a classic “pump-and-dump” scheme, suggesting that FaZe Banks intended to pull the rug on his followers.
The controversy stems from FaZe Banks’ promotion of 360noscope420blazeit (MLG) memecoin in October 2024. His tweets sent the token skyrocketing to more than $150 million in market cap before collapsing to just $10 million.
MLG memecoin, based on gaming culture, partnered with influencers such as FaZe Banks and Aydin Ross, both popular among gamers. The memecoin appealed specifically to their audience, who saw it as a nod to gaming nostalgia. On July 28, following public scrutiny over his role in the MLG crash, FaZe Banks stepped down as CEO of FaZe Clan gaming.

Highlights: Pakistan is considering a digital rupee and CBDC to cut remittance costs. The crypto market in Pakistan could unlock $25B in new economic growth. The CBDC pilot phase is in development with World Bank and IMF support. Pakistan is moving forward with plans to integrate blockchain technology into its financial system. The nation is considering introducing a rupee-backed stablecoin and central bank digital currency (CBDC). The objectives of these efforts are to reduce remittance costs, modernize access to finances, and promote economic growth. At the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) Conference, leading financial authorities outlined the massive growth potential of crypto. They estimate Pakistanis holding up to $30 billion in crypto holdings. The annual crypto trading might soon reach $300 billion, which is nearly equivalent to the total GDP of the country. Zafar Masud, the president of the Pakistan Banks Association, pointed out the booming global stablecoin market. According to him, the nation is capable of exploiting $20-25 billion in the adoption of digital assets. He confirmed that Pakistan is “actively exploring a rupee-backed stablecoin” to increase access and efficiency. A digital rupee would enhance secure cross-border payment and financial inclusion. More than 100 million Pakistani adults are still unbanked, and the innovation is a pressing case. Pakistan Considers Rupee-Backed Stablecoin Amid $25B Loss Warnings Pakistani regulators are actively exploring the development of a sovereign-backed digital currency amid growing recognition of the transformative potential of cryptocurrencies and bloc…https://t.co/CVr2s8UeoU pic.twitter.com/Fma8WTIGP3 — Crypto Breaking News (@CryptoBreakNews) November 8, 2025 CBDC Prototype Underway The State Bank of Pakistan is proceeding with the development of its digital currency. Faisal Mazhar, the Deputy Director of Payments, revealed that a prototype of CBDC is underway. Additionally, the World Bank and International Monetary Fund are assisting this initiative. He further added that there would be a pilot phase before the full rollout of the currency. The CBDC is expected to make remittances cheaper and financial services more accessible across the country. According to the global specialist Yara Wu, such technology would make remittances faster, secure, and cheaper. Sajid Amin of SDPI emphasized the necessity of having proper regulation. He noted the relevance of cybersecurity, digital literacy, and risk management to safeguard consumers and investors. Fintech Innovation Fuels Growth The fintech industry in Pakistan is also on the rise. ZAR, a start-up that provides dollar-backed stablecoins, recently raised $12.9 million. Top investors, such as Andreessen Horowitz, Coinbase Ventures, and Dragonfly Capital, were the source of funding. ZAR has raised $12.9 million to bring ROCK. SOLID. DOLLARS. to the Global South Led by @a16zcrypto, with @dragonfly_xyz, @vaneck_us, @cbVentures, and Endeavor Catalyst. pic.twitter.com/0DKOlWMwSO — ZAR (@zardotapp) October 28, 2025 ZAR is dedicated to making stablecoins accessible to underserved populations in Pakistan. Their mission focuses on bridging the financial gap in emerging markets. Moreover, the firm is seeking to assist millions of people who have yet to access traditional banking services. In addition, this move matches government-led digital finance initiatives. The increased adoption is a positive sign of increasing cryptocurrency interest in Pakistan. Pakistan moved to the third position globally in the 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index by Chainalysis. To build further on this momentum, Pakistan established a regulatory framework regarding virtual asset services. Licensing and supervision are being managed by the Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA). Firms have to comply with stringent compliance criteria under the Virtual Assets Ordinance 2025. These include the anti-money laundering (AML), know-your-customer (KYC), and counter-terrorism financing measures. This goal is to create a regulated, safe digital economy. Furthermore, PVARA also encouraged international crypto exchanges and service providers to apply for licenses in September. eToro Platform Best Crypto Exchange Over 90 top cryptos to trade Regulated by top-tier entities User-friendly trading app 30+ million users 9.9 Visit eToro eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment, and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

