E-commerce and trade

IMF calls for stronger AI regulation in global securities markets

Regulators worldwide are being urged to adopt stronger oversight frameworks for AI in capital markets after an IMF technical note warned that rapid AI adoption could reshape securities trading while increasing systemic risk.

AI brings major efficiency gains in asset management and high-frequency trading instead of slower, human-led processes, yet opacity, market volatility, cyber threats and model concentration remain significant concerns.

The IMF warns that AI could create powerful data oligopolies where only a few firms can train the strongest models, while autonomous trading agents may unintentionally collude by widening spreads without explicit coordination.

Retail investors also face rising exposure to AI washing, where financial firms exaggerate or misrepresent AI capability, making transparency, accountability and human-in-the-loop review essential safeguards.

Supervisory authorities are encouraged to scale their own AI capacity through SupTech tools for automated surveillance and social-media sentiment monitoring.

The note highlights India as a key case study, given the dominance of algorithmic trading and SEBI’s early reporting requirements for AI and machine learning. The IMF also points to the National Stock Exchange’s use of AI in fraud detection as an emerging-market model for resilient monitoring infrastructure.

The report underlines the need for regulators to prepare for AI-driven market shocks, strengthen governance obligations on regulated entities and build specialist teams capable of understanding model risk instead of reacting only after misconduct or misinformation harms investors.

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Agentic AI, digital twins, and intelligent wearables reshape security operations in 2026

Operational success in security technology is increasingly being judged through measurable performance rather than early-stage novelty.

As 2026 approaches, Agentic AI, digital twins and intelligent wearables are moving from research concepts into everyday operational roles, reshaping how security functions are designed and delivered.

Agentic AI is no longer limited to demonstrations. Instead of simple automation, autonomous agents now analyse video feeds, access data and sensor logs to investigate incidents and propose mitigation steps for human approval.

Adoption is accelerating worldwide, particularly in Singapore, where most business leaders already view Agentic AI as essential for maintaining competitiveness. The technology is becoming embedded in workflows rather than used as an experimental add-on.

Digital twins are also reaching maturity. Instead of being static models, they now mirror complex environments such as ports, airports and high-rise estates, allowing organisations to simulate emergencies, plan resource deployment, and optimise systems in real time.

Wearables and AR tools are undergoing a similar shift, acting as intelligent companions that interpret the environment and provide timely guidance, rather than operating as passive recording devices.

The direction of travel is clear. Security work is becoming more predictive, interconnected and immersive.

Organisations most likely to benefit are those that prioritise integration, simulation and augmentation, while measuring outcomes through KPIs such as response speed, false-positive reduction and decision confidence instead of chasing technological novelty.

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Indian banks turn to AI for revenue growth

Indian banks and financial institutions are deploying AI at scale to increase revenue generation. Post-pandemic digitisation has accelerated adoption beyond pilot projects.

Executives say AI deployment now focuses on customer engagement, credit decisions and risk management. Indian revenue growth is replacing cost reduction as the primary objective.

Industry leaders highlight a shift towards agentic AI, where autonomous systems perform complex business tasks. Banking workflows are increasingly handled with minimal human intervention.

Cloud providers say Indian finance is entering a mature AI phase. Digital infrastructure investments are expected to deepen competitive advantage across the sector.

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Digital rules dispute deepens as US administration avoids trade retaliation

The US administration is criticising foreign digital regulations affecting major online platforms while avoiding trade measures that could disrupt the US economy. Officials say the rules disproportionately impact American technology companies.

US officials have paused or cancelled trade discussions with the UK, the EU, and South Korea. Current negotiations are focused on rolling back digital taxes, privacy rules, and platform regulations that Washington views as unfair barriers to US firms.

US administration officials describe the moves as a negotiating tactic rather than an escalation toward tariffs. While trade investigations into digital practices have been raised as a possibility, officials have stressed that the goal remains a negotiated outcome rather than a renewed trade conflict.

Technology companies have pressed for firmer action, though some industry figures warn that aggressive retaliation could trigger a wider digital trade war. Officials acknowledge that prolonged disputes with major partners could ultimately harm both US firms and global markets.

Despite rhetorical escalation and targeted threats against European companies, the US administration has so far avoided dismantling existing trade agreements. Analysts say mounting pressure may soon force Washington to choose between compromise and more concrete enforcement measures.

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EU crypto tax reporting rules take effect in January

The European Union’s new tax-reporting directive for crypto assets, known as DAC8, takes effect on 1 January. The rules require crypto-asset service providers, including exchanges and brokers, to report detailed user and transaction data to national tax authorities.

DAC8 aims to close gaps in crypto tax reporting, giving authorities visibility over holdings and transfers similar to that of bank accounts and securities. Data collected under the directive will be shared across EU member states, enabling a more coordinated approach to enforcement.

Crypto firms have until 1 July to ensure full compliance, including implementing reporting systems, customer due diligence procedures, and internal controls. After that deadline, non-compliance may result in penalties under national law.

For users, DAC8 strengthens enforcement powers. Authorities can act on tax avoidance or evasion with support from counterparts in other EU countries, including seizing or embargoing crypto assets held abroad.

The directive operates alongside the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, which focuses on licensing, customer protection, and market conduct, while DAC8 ensures the tax trail is monitored.

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ChatGPT becomes more customisable for tone and style

OpenAI has introduced new Personalisation settings in ChatGPT that allow users to fine-tune warmth, enthusiasm and emoji use. The changes are designed to make conversations feel more natural, instead of relying on a single default tone.

ChatGPT users can set each element to More, Less or Default, alongside existing tone styles such as Professional, Candid and Quirky. The update follows previous adjustments, where OpenAI first dialled back perceived agreeableness, then later increased warmth after users said the system felt overly cold.

Experts have raised concerns that highly agreeable AI could encourage emotional dependence, even as users welcome a more flexible conversational style.

Some commentators describe the feature as empowering, while others question whether customising a chatbot’s personality risks blurring emotional boundaries.

The new tone controls continue broader industry debates about how human-like AI should become. OpenAI hopes that added transparency and user choice will balance personal preference with responsible design, instead of encouraging reliance on a single conversational style.

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EU credits DMA as Apple opens iOS 26.3 to third-party accessories

The European Commission has welcomed Apple’s latest interoperability updates in iOS 26.3, crediting the Digital Markets Act for compelling the company to open its ecosystem.

The new features are currently in beta and allow third-party accessories to integrate more smoothly with iPhones and iPads, instead of favouring Apple’s own devices.

Proximity pairing will let headphones and other accessories connect through a simplified one-tap process, similar to AirPods. Notification forwarding to non-Apple wearables will also become available, although alerts can only be routed to one device at a time.

Apple is providing developers with the tools needed to support the features, which apply only within the EU.

The DMA classifies Apple as a gatekeeper and requires fairer access for rivals, with heavy financial penalties for non-compliance.

Apple has repeatedly warned that the rules risk undermining security and privacy, yet the company has already introduced DMA-driven changes such as allowing alternative app stores and opening NFC access.

Analysts expect the moves to reduce ecosystem lock-in and increase competition across the EU market. iOS 26.3 is expected to roll out fully across Europe from 2026 following the beta cycle, while further regulatory scrutiny may push Apple to extend interoperability even further.

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Small businesses battle rising cyber attacks in the US

Many small businesses in the US are facing a sharp rise in cyber attacks, yet large numbers still try to manage the risk on their own.

A recent survey by Guardz found that more than four in ten SMBs have already experienced a cyber incident, while most owners believe the overall threat level is continuing to increase.

Rather than relying on specialist teams, over half of small businesses still leave critical cybersecurity tasks to untrained staff or the owner. Only a minority have a formal incident response plan created with a cybersecurity professional, and more than a quarter do not carry cyber insurance.

Phishing, ransomware and simple employee mistakes remain the most common dangers, with negligence seen as the biggest internal risk.

Recovery times are improving, with most affected firms able to return to normal operations quickly and very few suffering lasting damage.

However, many still fail to conduct routine security assessments, and outdated technology remains a widespread concern. Some SMBs are increasing cybersecurity budgets, yet a significant share still spend very little or do not know how much is being invested.

More small firms are now turning to managed service providers instead of trying to cope alone.

The findings suggest that preparation, professional support and clearly defined response plans can greatly improve resilience, helping organisations reduce disruption and maintain business continuity when an attack occurs.

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ChatGPT may move beyond GPTs as OpenAI develops new Skills feature

OpenAI is said to be testing a new feature for ChatGPT that would mark a shift from Custom GPTs toward a more modular system of Skills.

Reports suggest the project, internally codenamed Hazelnut, will allow users and developers to teach the AI model standalone abilities, workflows and domain knowledge instead of relying only on role-based configurations.

The Skills framework is designed to allow multiple abilities to be combined automatically when a task requires them. The system aims to increase portability across the web version, desktop client and API, while loading instructions only when needed instead of consuming the entire context window.

Support for running executable code is also expected, providing the model with stronger reliability for logic-driven work, rather than relying entirely on generated text.

Industry observers note similarities to Anthropic’s Claude, which already benefits from a skill-like structure. Further features are expected to include slash-command interactions, a dedicated Skill editor and one-click conversion from existing GPTs.

Market expectations point to an early 2026 launch, signalling a move toward ChatGPT operating as an intelligent platform rather than a traditional chatbot.

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Italy orders Meta to lift WhatsApp AI restrictions

Italy’s competition authority has ordered Meta to halt restrictions limiting rival AI chatbots on WhatsApp. Regulators say the measures may distort competition as Meta integrates its own AI services.

The Italian watchdog argues Meta’s conduct risks restricting market access and slowing technical development. Officials warned that continued enforcement could cause lasting harm to competition and consumer choice.

Meta rejected the ruling and confirmed plans to appeal, calling the decision unfounded. The company stated that WhatsApp Business was never intended to serve as a distribution platform for AI services.

The case forms part of a broader European push to scrutinise dominant tech firms. Regulators are increasingly focused on the integration of AI across platforms with entrenched market power.

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