Capacity development

UK sets up expert commission to speed up NHS adoption of AI

Doctors, researchers and technology leaders will work together to accelerate the safe adoption of AI in the NHS, under a new commission launched by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

The body will draft recommendations to modernise healthcare regulation, ensuring patients gain faster access to innovations while maintaining safety and public trust.

MHRA stressed that clear rules are vital as AI spreads across healthcare, already helping to diagnose conditions such as lung cancer and strokes in hospitals across the UK.

Backed by ministers, the initiative aims to position Britain as a global hub for health tech investment. Companies including Google and Microsoft will join clinicians, academics, and patient advocates to advise on the framework, expected to be published next year.

A commission that will also review the regulatory barriers slowing adoption of tools such as AI-driven note-taking systems, which early trials suggest can significantly boost efficiency in clinical care.

Officials say the framework will provide much-needed clarity for AI in radiology, pathology, and virtual care, supporting the digital transformation of NHS.

MHRA chief executive Lawrence Tallon called the commission a ‘cultural shift’ in regulation. At the same time, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said it will ensure patients benefit from life-saving technologies ‘quickly and safely’.

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Expanded AI model support arrives in Microsoft 365 Copilot

Microsoft is expanding the AI models powering Microsoft 365 Copilot by adding Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet 4 and Claude Opus 4.1. Customers can now choose between OpenAI and Anthropic models for research, deep reasoning, and agent building across Microsoft 365 tools.

The Researcher agent can now run on Anthropic’s Claude Opus 4.1, giving users a choice of models for in-depth analysis. The Researcher draws on web sources, trusted third-party data, and internal work content—encompassing emails, chats, meetings, and files—to deliver tailored, multistep reasoning.

Claude Sonnet 4 and Opus 4.1 are also available in Copilot Studio, enabling the creation of enterprise-grade agents with flexible model selection. Users can mix Anthropic, OpenAI, and Azure Model Catalogue models to power multi-agent workflows, automate tasks, and manage agents efficiently.

Claude in Researcher is rolling out today to Microsoft 365 Copilot-licensed customers through the Frontier Program. Customers can also use Claude models in Copilot Studio to build and orchestrate agents.

Microsoft says this launch is part of its strategy to bring the best AI innovation across the industry to Copilot. More Anthropic-powered features will roll out soon, strengthening Copilot’s role as a hub for enterprise AI and workflow transformation.

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Quantum-classical hybrid outperforms, according to HSBC and IBM study

HSBC and IBM have reported the first empirical evidence of the value of quantum computers in solving real-world problems in bond trading. Their joint trial showed a 34% improvement in predicting the likelihood of a trade being filled at a quoted price compared to classical-only techniques.

The trial used a hybrid approach that combined quantum and classical computing to optimise quote requests in over-the-counter bond markets. Production-scale trading data from the European corporate bond market was run on IBM quantum computers to predict winning probabilities.

The results demonstrate how quantum techniques can outperform standard methods in addressing the complex and dynamic factors in algorithmic bond trading. HSBC said the findings offer a competitive edge and could redefine how the financial industry prices customer inquiries.

Philip Intallura, HSBC Group Head of Quantum Technologies, called the trial ‘a ground-breaking world-first in bond trading’. He said the results show that quantum computing is on the cusp of delivering near-term value for financial services.

IBM’s latest Heron processor played a key role in the workflow, augmenting classical computation to uncover hidden pricing signals in noisy data. IBM said such work helps unlock new algorithms and applications that could transform industries as quantum systems scale.

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US military unveils automated cybersecurity construct for modern warfare

The US Department of War has unveiled a new Cybersecurity Risk Management Construct (CSRMC), a framework designed to deliver real-time cyber defence and strengthen the military’s digital resilience.

A model that replaces outdated checklist-driven processes with automated, continuously monitored systems capable of adapting to rapidly evolving threats.

The CSRMC shifts from static, compliance-heavy assessments to dynamic and operationally relevant defence. Its five-phase lifecycle embeds cybersecurity into system design, testing, deployment, and operations, ensuring digital systems remain hardened and actively defended throughout use.

Continuous monitoring and automated authorisation replace periodic reviews, giving commanders real-time visibility of risks.

Built on ten core principles, including automation, DevSecOps, cyber survivability, and threat-informed testing, the framework represents a cultural change in military cybersecurity.

It seeks to cut duplication through enterprise services, accelerate secure capability delivery, and enable defence systems to survive in contested environments.

According to acting CIO Kattie Arrington, the construct is intended to institutionalise resilience across all domains, from land and sea to space and cyberspace. The goal is to provide US forces with the technological edge to counter increasingly sophisticated adversaries.

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Banks join forces to create MiCAR-compliant digital currency

A group of European banks has launched plans for a MiCAR-compliant euro-denominated stablecoin. Founding members include ING, Banca Sella, KBC, Danske Bank, DekaBank, UniCredit, SEB, CaixaBank and Raiffeisen Bank International.

The stablecoin will leverage blockchain technology to provide a trusted digital payment standard across Europe. The digital currency will enable fast, low-cost, 24/7 payments, cross-border settlements, and more efficient digital asset and supply chain management.

Its introduction is expected in the second half of 2026, with regulatory oversight from the Dutch Central Bank as an e-money institution.

The initiative aims to create a European alternative to US-dominated stablecoins, strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy in payments. Banks can offer services like stablecoin wallets and custody, boosting adoption and innovation in financial services.

Floris Lugt, Digital Assets lead at ING, highlighted the importance of collaboration: ‘Digital payments can bring transparency and efficiency through blockchain’s programmability and instant settlement. An industry-wide approach is essential, and banks must adopt common standards to succeed.’

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UN urges global rules to ensure AI benefits humanity

The UN Security Council debated AI, noting its potential to boost development but warning of risks, particularly in military use. Secretary-General António Guterres called AI a ‘double-edged sword,’ supporting development but posing threats if left unregulated.

He urged legally binding restrictions on lethal autonomous weapons and insisted nuclear decisions remain under human control.

Experts and leaders emphasised the urgent need for global regulation, equitable access, and trustworthy AI systems. Yoshua Bengio of Université de Montréal warned of risks from misaligned AI, cyberattacks, and economic concentration, calling for greater oversight.

Stanford’s Yejin Choi highlighted the concentration of AI expertise in a few countries and companies, stressing that democratising AI and reducing bias is key to ensuring global benefits.

Representatives warned that AI could deepen digital inequality in developing regions, especially Africa, due to limited access to data and infrastructure.

Delegates from Guyana, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Algeria, and Panama called for international rules to ensure transparency, fairness, and prevent dominance by a few countries or companies. Others, including the United States, cautioned that overregulation could stifle innovation and centralise power.

Delegates stressed AI’s risks in security, urging Yemen, Poland, and the Netherlands called for responsible use in conflict with human oversight and ethical accountability.Leaders from Portugal and the Netherlands said AI frameworks must promote innovation, security, and serve humanity and peace.

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Cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover exposes UK supply chain risks

The UK’s ministers are considering an unprecedented intervention after a cyberattack forced Jaguar Land Rover to halt production, leaving thousands of suppliers exposed to collapse.

A late August hack shut down JLR’s IT networks and forced the suspension of its UK factories. Industry experts estimate losses of more than £50m a week, with full operations unlikely to restart until October or later.

JLR, owned by India’s Tata Motors, had not finalised cyber insurance before the breach, which left it particularly vulnerable.

Officials are weighing whether to buy and stockpile car parts from smaller firms that depend on JLR, though logistical difficulties make the plan complex. Government-backed loans are also under discussion.

Cybersecurity agencies, including the National Cyber Security Centre and the National Crime Agency, are now supporting the investigation.

The attack is part of a wider pattern of major breaches targeting UK institutions and retailers, with a group calling itself Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters claiming responsibility.

A growing threat that highlights how the country’s critical industries remain exposed to sophisticated cybercriminals, raising questions about resilience and the need for stronger digital defences.

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CFTC launches tokenised collateral initiative for derivatives

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has announced a new initiative to allow tokenised collateral, including stablecoins, in derivatives markets.

Acting Chairman Pham said the move follows the February 2025 Crypto CEO Forum and advances the President’s Working Group report. The aim is to modernise collateral management, improve capital efficiency, and strengthen blockchain’s role in US financial markets.

Industry leaders said stablecoins like USDC can lower costs, unlock liquidity, and offer round-the-clock market access. Circle, Coinbase, Crypto.com, Ripple, and Tether praised the CFTC for providing clear rules on valuation, custody, and settlement for tokenised collateral.

Stablecoins are seen as a key part of modern finance, offering faster settlement, deeper liquidity, and greater market resilience. Experts said the initiative will strengthen US leadership in financial innovation and improve institutional efficiency and transparency.

The CFTC is inviting public feedback on the use of tokenised collateral, including stablecoins, in derivatives markets. Submissions will help shape regulations, pilot programmes, and advisory committee recommendations.

Comments can be submitted through the CFTC website until 20 October 2025, with all contributions published online.

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WhatsApp introduces message translations to break language barriers

WhatsApp is introducing message translations to make communication across languages easier for its global user base of over 3 billion people. The feature lets users translate messages directly in one-to-one chats, groups, or Channel updates.

Users can translate messages by pressing them long and selecting the desired language. Translations can be saved for future use, and Android users can enable automatic translation for entire chat threads so all incoming messages are translated automatically.

The translations are processed entirely on the user’s device, ensuring that WhatsApp cannot access the content of private messages. The on-device approach protects users’ privacy while facilitating seamless communication.

Message translations are rolling out gradually, starting with six languages for Android- English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic and 19+ languages for iPhone, with additional languages planned for the future. The update aims to help users break down language barriers and connect more easily worldwide.

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Gatik and Loblaw to deploy 50 self-driving trucks in Canada

Autonomous logistics firm Gatik is set to expand its partnership with Loblaw, deploying 50 new self-driving trucks across North America over the next year. The move marks the largest autonomous truck deployment in the region to date.

The slow rollout of self-driving technology has frustrated supply chain watchers, with most firms still testing limited fleets. Gatik’s large-scale deployment signals a shift toward commercial adoption, with 20 trucks to be added by the end of 2025 and an additional 30 by 2026.

The partnership was enabled by Ontario’s Autonomous Commercial Motor Vehicle Pilot Program, a ten-year initiative allowing approved operators to test automated commercial trucks on public roads. Officials hope it will boost road safety and support the trucking sector.

Industry analysts note that North America’s truck driver shortage is one of the most pressing logistics challenges facing the region. Nearly 70% of logistics firms report that driver shortages hinder their ability to meet freight demand, making automation a viable solution to address this issue.

Gatik, operating in the US and Canada, says the deployment could ease labour pressure and improve efficiency, but safety remains a key concern. Experts caution that striking a balance between rapid rollout and robust oversight will be crucial for establishing trust in autonomous freight operations.

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