Cryptocurrencies

UN to train governments in blockchain and AI

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) plans to launch a ‘Government Blockchain Academy’ next year to educate public sector officials on blockchain, AI, and other emerging technologies.

The initiative aims to help governments leverage tech for economic growth and sustainable development.

The academy will partner with the Exponential Science Foundation, a non-profit promoting blockchain and AI. Training will cover financial services, digital IDs, public procurement, smart contracts, and climate finance to help governments boost transparency, inclusion, and resilience.

UNDP officials highlighted that developing countries, including India, Pakistan, and Vietnam, are already among the leading adopters of crypto technology.

The academy will provide in-person and online courses, workshops, and forums to guide high-impact blockchain initiatives aligned with national priorities.

The programme follows last year’s UNDP blockchain academy, created in partnership with the Algorand Foundation, which trained over 22,000 staff members to support sustainable growth projects in participating countries.

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PayPal launches one-time links for easy payments

PayPal has introduced PayPal links, a new way for users to send and receive money via personalised, one-time links. Users can share links through text, chat, or email, add notes or emojis, and cancel or remind recipients before links expire after 10 days.

The service will initially be available in the US, with the UK, Italy, and other markets set to follow later this month.

The company confirmed gifts, reimbursements, and split payments remain exempt from tax reporting to keep personal transfers private. PayPal said the links are designed to simplify payments, attract new users, and enhance interoperability with Venmo and other wallets.

Crypto support also allows peer-to-peer transfers between digital assets and stablecoins.

PayPal also introduced Pay with Crypto, enabling merchants to accept over 100 cryptocurrencies and wallets, including Coinbase and MetaMask, with instant conversion to stablecoins or fiat. The platform charges just 0.99% per transaction, cutting costs compared with international credit card payments.

Looking ahead, Venmo users can shop online and in-store at millions of merchants starting in 2026. PayPal said these initiatives aim to expand global reach, provide more payment options, and drive growth for merchants while enhancing the user experience.

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European regulators push for stronger oversight in crypto sector

European regulators from Italy, France, and Austria have called for changes to the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). Their proposals aim to fix supervisory gaps, improve cybersecurity, and simplify token white paper approvals.

The regulation, which came into force in December 2024, requires prior authorisation for firms offering crypto-related services in Europe. However, early enforcement has shown significant gaps in how national authorities apply the rules.

Regulators argue these differences undermine investor protection and threaten the stability of the European internal market.

Concerns have also been raised about non-EU platforms serving European clients through intermediaries outside MiCA’s scope. To counter this, authorities recommend restricting such activity and ensuring intermediaries only use platforms compliant with MiCA or equivalent standards.

Additional measures include independent cybersecurity audits, mandatory both before and after authorisation, to bolster resilience against cyber-attacks.

The proposals suggest giving ESMA direct oversight of major crypto providers and centralising white paper filings. Regulators say the changes would boost legal clarity, cut investor risks, and level the field for European firms against global rivals.

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Bank of England faces backlash over stablecoin cap plans

Cryptocurrency groups are urging the Bank of England to abandon proposals that would cap the amount of stablecoins individuals and businesses can hold. Industry leaders argue the measures would leave the UK with stricter oversight than the US and the European Union.

Under the plan, individuals would face limits between £10,000 and £20,000, while businesses would be restricted to about £10 million in systemic stablecoins.

The central bank maintains that caps are needed to protect financial stability and prevent deposit outflows from banks. Executives argue the approach is unworkable and could damage London’s role as an economic hub.

Coinbase executive Tom Duff Gordon warned the limits would harm UK savers and undermine confidence in sterling. Others highlighted practical issues, noting that enforcement could require digital IDs, and pointed out the absence of similar caps on cash or bank accounts.

The Payments Association said the rules’ make no sense’ given how other jurisdictions are approaching stablecoins.

By contrast, the US introduced the GENIUS Act in July, setting licensing and reserve requirements without placing restrictions on holdings. The EU’s MiCA framework also avoids caps, focusing instead on reserves, governance, and regulatory oversight.

Industry voices now caution that the UK risks falling behind its global peers if the BoE proceeds with the current plan.

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Quantum breakthroughs could threaten Bitcoin in the 2030s

The rise of quantum computing is sparking fresh concerns over the long-term security of Bitcoin. Unlike classical systems, quantum machines could eventually break the cryptography protecting digital assets.

Experts warn that Shor’s algorithm, once run on a sufficiently powerful quantum computer, could recover private keys from public ones in hours, leaving exposed funds vulnerable. Analysts see the mid-to-late 2030s as the key period for cryptographically relevant breakthroughs.

ChatGPT-5’s probability model indicates less than a 5% chance of Bitcoin being cracked before 2030, but risk rises to 45–60% between 2035 and 2039, and nearly certainty by 2050. Sudden progress in large-scale, fault-tolerant qubits or government directives could accelerate the timeline.

Mitigation strategies include avoiding key reuse, auditing exposed addresses, and gradually shifting to post-quantum or hybrid cryptographic solutions. Experts suggest that critical migrations should be completed by the mid-2030s to secure the Bitcoin network against future quantum threats.

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Bitcoin rallies above 116k on rate cut hopes

Bitcoin climbed nearly 4.42% over the past week, trading at $116,031 on Monday as investor optimism grows ahead of an expected US rate cut. Analysts say the rally is driven by technical factors and expectations of a 25bps Fed rate cut.

Edul Patel, CEO of Mudrex, highlighted that Bitcoin is holding above $115,400, with $117,100 acting as key resistance and $113,500 providing strong support.

Other cryptocurrencies are showing mixed trends, with Solana breaking out at $242 and potentially reaching $261 if buying momentum continues, while Ethereum consolidates around $4,600–$4,700.

The broader crypto market capitalisation stood at roughly $4.06 trillion, with institutional flows via ETH ETFs and shrinking exchange reserves tightening sell-side pressure. Analysts warn that high long-term Treasury yields may limit gains despite rising speculative demand ahead of the Fed decision.

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New AI and digital ministry in Kazakhstan to drive national transformation

Kazakhstan is stepping up its digital ambitions with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announcing the creation of a Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development. Speaking during his annual state-of-the-nation address, Tokayev said the move is part of the country’s goal to become a fully digital nation within three years.

The new ministry will lead efforts to modernise the economy through AI, big data, and platform technologies, guided by a forthcoming national strategy called Digital Kazakhstan. Tokayev stressed that digital transformation is not optional but essential for Kazakhstan, which he described as being at the crossroads of global technological shifts.

He warned that while opportunities are vast, challenges such as geopolitical tensions, economic inequality, and even AI-based weapons are on the rise. For Kazakhstan, he said, the priority is to ensure stability, prosperity, and a secure future for the younger generation by embracing decisive reforms and adapting to the new technological order.

A major part of this vision is the development of Alatau City, a planned innovation hub near Almaty. Designed as the country’s first fully digital city, it will feature Smart City technologies, digital payments, and cryptocurrency use. Tokayev revealed that land and infrastructure are already prepared, and international partnerships, including with a Chinese company behind Shenzhen’s rise, are set to drive the project forward.

To secure Alatau City’s success, the government plans to grant it special status under direct state supervision within days, followed by a new law defining its governance and financial structure. Tokayev emphasised that the project is not merely a showcase but a practical step toward positioning Kazakhstan as a leader in digital innovation, blending cutting-edge technology with modern urban living.

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Bank of Russia plans crypto derivatives access for funds

The Bank of Russia plans to allow investment funds to purchase cryptocurrency derivatives next year, a senior official confirmed at the Capital Markets 2025 forum. Currently, only brokers can offer such instruments to qualified investors.

Deputy head of the bank’s Investment Finance Intermediation Department, Valery Krasinsky, explained that the move aims to level the playing field for management companies. Futures on Bitcoin ETFs are available via brokers, and mutual funds could soon access them under new rules.

Access to crypto funds will remain limited to highly qualified investors. Individuals must meet strict financial thresholds, including securities and deposits exceeding 100 million rubles or an annual income of over 50 million.

The CBR is also finalising a list of base assets for derivative financial instruments, with a draft regulatory act expected in 2026.

Authorities have indicated a cautious expansion of investor access. The Ministry of Finance is considering easing the criteria for ‘highly qualified’ investors, signalling a gradual opening of Russia’s crypto market while preserving the dominance of traditional stock and bond investments.

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BingX introduces world’s first AI-powered crypto trading tool

BingX, a leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 AI company, has unveiled BingX AI Master, the world’s first AI-powered crypto trading strategist. The tool makes trading more innovative and more accessible, using AI optimisation with strategies from five leading digital investors.

BingX AI Master guides users through the entire trading process, from generating ideas to executing trades and reviewing results. Key features include 24/7 strategy ideas, instant alerts, AI backtesting, dynamic orders, and transparent performance reviews.

BingX has introduced a trading competition with a 3,000,000 USDT prize pool to mark the launch. Users can compete directly against BingX AI Master, with additional rewards from task-based lucky draws, trading volume contests, and the AI 1v1 Arena.

Founded in 2018, BingX serves over 20 million users worldwide and offers a full suite of AI-driven trading tools. The company expands its AI portfolio with BingX AI Master and AI Bingo, reinforcing its role in AI-driven crypto trading.

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South Korea to grant crypto firms venture company status

South Korea will grant cryptocurrency firms ‘venture company’ status from 16 September, giving them access to tax breaks, financing support, and other incentives. The move follows a partial revision of the Venture Business Act removing restrictions on crypto trading and brokerage.

The regulatory change aims to stimulate growth in the crypto and blockchain sectors. Advantages include research and development grants, credit guarantees, and the ability for existing venture companies to expand into crypto without losing their status.

Minister Han Seong-sook said the measure will help create a transparent and responsible ecosystem for venture capital and innovation.

Crypto firms were first restricted in October 2018, and the ban’s removal reflects industry maturity and better user protections. Officials expect the change to accelerate growth in virtual asset trading, blockchain technologies, smart contracts, and cybersecurity.

South Korea’s crypto industry has already benefited from a friendlier environment under President Lee Jae-myung. The market is projected to reach $1.1 billion in revenue in 2025 and $1.3 billion by 2026, with exchange users surpassing 16 million, over 30% of the population.

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