E-commerce and trade

AI governance becomes urgent for mortgage lenders

Mortgage lenders face growing pressure to govern AI as regulatory uncertainty persists across the United States. States and federal authorities continue to contest oversight, but accountability for how AI is used in underwriting, servicing, marketing, and fraud detection already rests with lenders.

Effective AI risk management requires more than policy statements. Mortgage lenders need operational governance that inventories AI tools, documents training data, and assigns accountability for outcomes, including bias monitoring and escalation when AI affects borrower eligibility, pricing, or disclosures.

Vendor risk has become a central exposure. Many technology contracts predate AI scrutiny and lack provisions on audit rights, explainability, and data controls, leaving lenders responsible when third-party models fail regulatory tests or transparency expectations.

Leading US mortgage lenders are using staged deployments, starting with lower-risk use cases such as document processing and fraud detection, while maintaining human oversight for high-impact decisions. Incremental rollouts generate performance and fairness evidence that regulators increasingly expect.

Regulatory pressure is rising as states advance AI rules and federal authorities signal the development of national standards. Even as boundaries are debated, lenders remain accountable, making early governance and disciplined scaling essential.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Hybrid AI could reshape robotics and defence

Investors and researchers are increasingly arguing that the future of AI lies beyond large language models. In London and across Europe, startups are developing so-called world models designed to simulate physical reality rather than simply predict text.

Unlike LLMs, which rely on static datasets, world models aim to build internal representations of cause and effect. Advocates say these systems are better suited to autonomous vehicles, robotics, defence and industrial simulation.

London based Stanhope AI is among companies pursuing this approach, claiming its systems learn by inference and continuously update their internal maps. The company is reportedly working with European governments and aerospace firms on AI drone applications.

Supporters argue that safety and explainability must be embedded from the outset, particularly under frameworks such as the EU AI Act. Investors suggest that hybrid systems combining LLMs with physics aware models could unlock large commercial markets across Europe.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot! 

Next-gen AI infrastructure boosted by Samsung HBM4

Samsung Electronics has commenced mass production and commercial shipments of its next-generation HBM4 memory, marking the first industry deployment of the advanced high-bandwidth solution.

The launch strengthens the company’s position in AI infrastructure hardware as demand for accelerated computing intensifies.

Built on sixth-generation 10nm-class DRAM and a 4nm logic base die, HBM4 delivers transfer speeds of 11.7Gbps, with performance scalable to 13Gbps. Bandwidth per stack has surged, reducing data bottlenecks as AI models and processing demands grow.

Engineering upgrades extend beyond raw speed. Enhanced stacking architecture, low-power design integration, and thermal optimisation have improved energy efficiency and heat dissipation, supporting large-scale data centre deployments and sustained GPU workloads.

Production scale-up is already in motion, backed by expanded manufacturing capacity and industry partnerships. Samsung expects HBM revenue growth to accelerate into 2026, with next-generation variants and custom configurations scheduled for future release cycles.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot! 

Illicit trafficking payments rise across blockchain channels

Cryptocurrency flows linked to suspected human trafficking services surged sharply in 2025, with transaction volumes rising 85% year-on-year, according to new blockchain analysis.

Investigators say the financial activity reflects the rapid expansion of digitally enabled exploitation networks operating across borders.

Growth is linked to Southeast Asia-based illicit networks, including scam compounds, gambling platforms, and laundering groups operating via encrypted messaging channels.

Analysts identified multiple trafficking service categories, each with distinct transaction structures and payment preferences.

Stablecoins became the dominant payment method, especially for escort networks, thanks to their price stability and ease of conversion. Larger transfers and structured pricing models indicate increasingly professionalised operations supported by organised financial infrastructure.

Despite the scale of the activity, blockchain transparency continues to provide enforcement advantages. Transaction tracing has aided investigations, shutdowns, and arrests, strengthening digital forensics in combating trafficking-linked financial crime.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

EU considers blanket crypto ban targeting Russia

European Union officials are weighing a sweeping prohibition on cryptocurrency transactions involving Russia, signalling a more rigid sanctions posture against alternative financial networks.

Policymakers argue that the rapid emergence of replacement crypto service providers has undermined existing restrictions.

Internal European Commission discussions indicate concern that digital assets are facilitating trade flows supporting Russia’s war economy. Authorities say platform-specific sanctions are ineffective, as new entities quickly replicate restricted services.

Proposals under review extend beyond private crypto platforms. Measures could include sanctions on additional Russian banks, restrictions linked to the digital ruble, and scrutiny of payments infrastructure tied to sanctioned trade channels.

The consensus remains uncertain, with some states warning that a blanket ban could shift activity to non-European markets. Parallel trade controls targeting dual-use exports to Kyrgyzstan are also being considered as part of broader anti-circumvention efforts.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

Women driving tech innovation as Web Summit marks 10 years

Web Summit’s Women in Tech programme marked a decade of work in Qatar by highlighting steady progress in female participation across global technology sectors.

The Web Summit event recorded an increase in women-founded startups and reflected rising engagement in Qatar, where female founders reached 38 percent.

Leaders from the initiative noted how supportive networks, mentorship, and access to role models are reshaping opportunities for women in technology and entrepreneurship.

Speakers from IBM and other companies focused on the importance of AI skills in shaping the future workforce. They argued that adequate preparation depends on understanding how AI shapes everyday roles, rather than relying solely on technical tools.

IBM’s SkillsBuild platform continues to partner with universities, schools, and nonprofit groups to expand access to recognised AI credentials that can support higher earning potential and new career pathways.

Another feature of the event was its emphasis on inclusion as a driver of innovation. The African Women in Technology initiative, led by Anie Akpe, is working to offer free training in cybersecurity and AI so women in emerging markets can benefit from new digital opportunities.

These efforts aim to support business growth at every level, even for women operating in local markets, who can use technology to reach wider communities.

Female founders also used the platform to showcase new health technology solutions.

ScreenMe, a Qatari company founded by Dr Golnoush Golsharazi, presented its reproductive microbiome testing service, created in response to long-standing gaps in women’s health research and screening.

Organisers expressed confidence that women-led innovation will expand across the region, supported by rising investment and continuing visibility at major global events.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

AI workshops strengthen digital skills in Wales tourism sector

Wales has launched a national programme of practical AI workshops to help tourism and hospitality businesses adopt digital tools. Funded by Visit Wales and the Welsh Government, the initiative aims to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness by assisting companies to save time and enhance their online presence.

Strong demand reflects growing readiness within the sector to embrace AI. Delivered through Business Wales, the free sessions have quickly reached near capacity, with most places booked shortly after launch. The programme is tailored to small and medium-sized enterprises and prioritises hands-on learning over technical theory.

Workshops focus on simple, immediately usable tools that improve website content, search visibility, and customer engagement. Organisers highlight that AI-driven search features are reshaping how visitors discover tourism services, making accuracy, consistency, and authoritative digital content increasingly important.

At the centre of the initiative is Harri, a bespoke AI tool explicitly developed for Welsh tourism businesses. Designed to reflect the local context, it supports listings management, customer enquiries, and search optimisation. Early feedback indicates that the approach delivers practical and measurable benefits.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!

BlockFills freezes withdrawals as Bitcoin drops below $65,000

BlockFills, an institutional digital asset trading and lending firm, has suspended client deposits and withdrawals, citing market volatility as Bitcoin experiences significant declines.

A notice sent to clients last week stated the suspension was intended ‘to further the protection of our clients and the firm.’ The Chicago-based company serves approximately 2,000 institutional clients and provides crypto-backed lending to miners and hedge funds.

Clients were informed they could continue trading under certain restrictions, though positions requiring additional margin could be closed.

The suspension comes as Bitcoin fell below $65,000 last week, down roughly 25% in 2026 and approximately 45% from its October peak near $120,000. In the digital asset industry, withdrawal halts are often interpreted as warning signs of potential liquidity constraints.

Several crypto firms, including FTX, BlockFi, and Celsius, imposed similar restrictions during prior downturns before entering bankruptcy proceedings.

BlockFills has not specified how long the suspension will last. A company spokesperson said the firm is ‘working hand in hand with investors and clients to bring this issue to a swift resolution and to restore liquidity to the platform.’

Founded in 2018 with backing from Susquehanna and CME Group, there is currently no public evidence of insolvency.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot! 

AML breach triggers major fine for a Netherlands crypto firm

Dutch regulators have fined a cryptocurrency service provider for operating in the Netherlands without the legally required registration, underscoring intensifying enforcement across Europe’s digital asset sector.

De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) originally imposed an administrative penalty of €2,850,000 on 2 October 2023. Authorities found the firm breached the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Act by offering unregistered crypto services.

Registration rules, introduced on 21 May 2020, require providers to notify supervisors due to elevated risks linked to transaction anonymity and potential misuse for money laundering or terrorist financing.

Non-compliance prevented the provider from reporting unusual transactions to the Financial Intelligence Unit-Netherlands. Regulators weighed the severity, duration, and culpability of the breach when determining the penalty amount.

Legal proceedings later altered the outcome. The Court of Rotterdam ruled on 19 December 2025 to reduce the fine to €2,277,500 and annulled the earlier decision on objection.

DNB has since filed a further appeal with the Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal, leaving the case ongoing as oversight shifts toward MiCAR licensing requirements introduced in December 2024.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot! 

Facebook boosts user creativity with new Meta AI animations

Meta has introduced a new group of Facebook features that rely on Meta AI to expand personal expression across profiles, photos and Stories.

Users gain the option to animate their profile pictures, turning a still image into a short motion clip that reflects their mood instead of remaining static. Effects such as waves, confetti, hearts and party hats offer simple tools for creating a more playful online presence.

The update also includes Restyle, a tool that reimagines Stories and Memories through preset looks or AI-generated prompts. Users may shift an ordinary photograph into an illustrated, anime or glowy aesthetic, or adjust lighting and colour to match a chosen theme instead of limiting themselves to basic filters.

Facebook will highlight Memories that work well with the Restyle function to encourage wider use.

Feed posts receive a change of their own through animated backgrounds that appear gradually across accounts. People can pair text updates with visual backdrops such as ocean waves or falling leaves, creating messages that stand out instead of blending into the timeline.

Seasonal styles will arrive throughout the year to support festive posts and major events.

Meta aims to encourage more engaging interactions by giving users easy tools for playful creativity. The new features are designed to support expressive posts that feel more personal and more visually distinctive, helping users craft share-worthy moments across the platform.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!