A new study from the Bitcoin Policy Institute, testing 36 AI models across more than 9,000 responses, found that AI agents overwhelmingly prefer Bitcoin over other forms of money.
Bitcoin was the most frequently selected monetary instrument overall, chosen in 48.3% of all responses, whilst almost 91% of responses favoured some form of digital currency over traditional fiat, with no model ranking fiat as its top overall preference.
The preference for Bitcoin was especially pronounced in long-term savings scenarios, where 79.1% of AI responses chose it as the best way to preserve purchasing power over multi-year horizons. For payments and cross-border transfers, however, stablecoins edged ahead, selected in 53.2% of responses compared to Bitcoin’s 36%.
The Bitcoin Policy Institute acknowledged that the study’s methodology had limitations, noting that scenario framing may have influenced results and that the models’ preferences reflect patterns in training data rather than real-world adoption.
Anthropic models showed the strongest Bitcoin preference at 68%, compared to 43% for Google, 39% for xAI, and 26% for OpenAI.
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Brazil’s central bank has introduced a regulatory framework requiring licensed crypto exchanges to prove asset sufficiency daily starting on 1 January 2027. The measures align digital asset intermediaries with banking standards on capital management, accounting, and data protection.
Under the rules, exchanges must submit daily attestations confirming that platforms hold adequate fiat and token reserves. Supervisors will review the reports to ensure companies can cover operational, liquidity, and cybersecurity risks while protecting customer balances.
The framework also mandates strict segregation of company and client assets. Exchanges must maintain separate accounts for customer fiat and digital holdings to prevent commingling of funds and improve transparency for regulators.
Platforms operating in Brazil will also be required to follow a specialised accounting manual for digital assets. Standardised rules for classification, valuation, and impairment aim to ensure financial statements clearly reflect exposures across regulated entities.
Authorities will expand oversight of cross-border transfers handled by domestic crypto exchanges. Platforms must report the origins of transactions and the blockchain pathways they follow. The central bank said the framework aims to strengthen resilience and protect customer funds.
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The money-movement solution Ripple Payments has been expanded to integrate both traditional and digital payment rails. The upgrade strengthens its enterprise-grade platform, enabling custody, collections, and liquidity management while supporting global fintech expansion.
The company emphasised that the platform now processes fiat currencies and stablecoins on a single infrastructure.
Operating in more than 60 major markets, Ripple supports corporate on-chain treasury operations through managed custody and virtual account capabilities.
Recent acquisitions of Palisade and Rail have enhanced custody, treasury automation, virtual accounts, and collections, allowing firms to collect, hold, exchange, and pay out both fiat and stablecoins seamlessly.
The expanded platform offers named virtual accounts and wallet issuance, automated collection flows, fund exchange, and settlement functions. Managed custody supports large-scale wallet issuance, fast transaction signing, and transfers to operating accounts.
Companies can collect fiat and stablecoins in integrated accounts with automated FX conversion and settlement. Ripple highlighted its liquidity management expertise, enabling clients to deploy corporate assets optimally.
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Turkey’s ruling AK Party has introduced a bill in parliament to formalise cryptocurrency taxation and revise key tax and spending rules. The legislation links crypto taxation to Turkey’s Capital Markets Law and sets a clear framework for digital assets.
Under the proposal, regulated crypto platforms would withhold a 10% tax on gains quarterly, applicable to both individuals and companies, residents and non-residents. Transaction service providers are subject to a 0.03% tax, and investors on unlicensed platforms must declare gains annually.
The president would have the authority to adjust the withholding tax between 0% and 20%, depending on factors such as token type, holding period, issuer, or wallet type. Exemptions include VAT-free crypto deliveries and corporate tax changes for foundation university hospitals from 2027.
If approved, the crypto taxation provisions would take effect two months after publication, signalling Turkey’s first formal steps to regulate digital assets and integrate them into the national tax system.
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Thales has successfully demonstrated a world-first capability that prepares 5G networks for the era of quantum computing. The test proved that SIM and eSIM cards can be remotely upgraded to support post-quantum cryptography, boosting security without disrupting services or user experience.
The breakthrough highlights the potential of crypto-agile networks to evolve securely as quantum threats emerge.
Replacing millions of devices is impractical, so Thales enables operators to deploy quantum-safe algorithms directly to existing devices. Remote upgrades preserve data and connectivity while instantly boosting security, keeping 5G networks resilient and trusted.
The demonstration reinforces Thales’ leadership in post-quantum cryptography, with dedicated research teams developing quantum-resistant methods and contributing to international standards, including NIST initiatives.
Operators can now protect long-term investments, secure critical services, and prepare for the next generation of quantum computing without operational disruptions.
Thales’ approach offers a practical roadmap for telecoms to adopt quantum-safe security today, ensuring continuity, trust, and resilience across mobile networks as digital threats evolve.
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Russia’s central bank reports that two-thirds of pyramid scheme operators use crypto, with funds sent to over 4,600 fraudster-controlled wallets in 2025. Authorities identified 7,087 online scams last year, most of which used crypto and money mules to collect illicit funds.
Officials highlighted that these schemes typically operate without physical offices, engaging victims via social media, chat apps, and phone calls. Nearly 1,500 firms offered fake crypto investments, and 84% of scammers used cryptocurrency to raise funds, up from 77% in 2024.
The central bank has blocked 21,500 web pages and social media posts linked to fraudulent operators.
The government is fast-tracking regulations, warning that only licensed firms can offer investments to Russian retail investors. Authorities plan to continue monitoring sophisticated online schemes and enhance public awareness to combat crypto-enabled fraud.
Crypto markets remain active, with Bitcoin trading at $66,566, up 3.8%, and Ethereum at $1,990, up more than 6% in the past 24 hours.
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South Korea’s finance minister, Koo Yun-cheol, has pledged urgent reforms to how government agencies manage digital assets following high-profile failures in state custody.
Recent incidents revealed that police and tax authorities mishandled seized cryptocurrency, highlighting weaknesses in oversight and security practices. Authorities will review current management methods and implement measures to prevent future losses.
Operational risks around securing crypto in public institutions have become increasingly apparent. A notable case involved Seoul police in Gangnam losing access to 22 BTC, worth around $1.4 million, after failing to retain private keys and allowing a third-party firm to manage the assets.
Prosecutors are now investigating potential bribery linked to the case.
The government says it holds only digital assets acquired through lawful enforcement, such as seizures for unpaid taxes or criminal cases. The reforms aim to strengthen security, improve operational controls, and restore confidence in the public sector’s handling of crypto amid growing scrutiny.
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Autonomous AI agents are transforming finance by executing transactions independently and speeding up workflows in digital assets and programmable finance. Software can manage wallets and move funds across blockchains in seconds, narrowing detection windows.
AI agents don’t create new crimes but increase speed and complexity, making accountability essential. Responsibility rests with developers, operators, and beneficiaries, with investigators tracing control, configuration, and economic benefit to determine liability.
Weak oversight or misconfigured rules can lead to significant compliance and enforcement consequences.
Investigations face new challenges as autonomous agents operate across multiple blockchains, decentralised exchanges, and global jurisdictions.
Real-time analytics and automated tracing are essential to link transactions to accountable actors before funds move. Governance architecture and monitoring systems increasingly serve as evidence in regulatory or criminal actions.
Institutions and law enforcement are using AI monitoring, anomaly detection, and automated containment systems. Autonomous AI impacts sanctions and national security, emphasising the need for human oversight alongside automation.
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Efforts to secure a foothold in Europe have led Binance to select Greece as its entry point for operating under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets framework. A licence would let the exchange offer services across the European Union when the rules take effect in July 2026.
Strategic considerations outweigh speed in the decision. Co-chief executive Richard Teng cited workforce quality, safety, and long-term growth potential as decisive factors, even though several larger EU economies have already issued more licences.
Regulatory attention continues to shape the company’s trajectory. Founder Changpeng Zhao remains a shareholder, as leadership says reforms aim to make the platform one of the most regulated exchanges globally.
Expansion plans unfold amid turbulent market conditions. Bitcoin’s prices remain well below last year’s highs, dampening retail sentiment, yet institutional participation has remained resilient, supporting liquidity amid volatility.
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The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has clarified that many crypto-perpetual contracts, including those for Bitcoin and Ether, are likely to be classified as contracts for difference (CFDs).
Due to their leverage, complexity, and risk, these products should target a narrow audience, with distribution strategies aligned accordingly.
The announcement came as Kraken launched perpetual futures for ten tokenised assets, including major indices, gold, and top tech and crypto stocks. ESMA warned that mass marketing or promotions targeting inexperienced investors are inappropriate under its guidance.
Firms must ensure that derivatives falling within the CFD category comply with product intervention requirements. Requirements include leverage limits, risk warnings, margin close-outs, negative balance protection, and a ban on incentives or benefits.
Non-advised services must include an appropriateness assessment to protect investors from unsuitable offerings.
ESMA also emphasised the importance of identifying and managing conflicts of interest arising from these products. The statement seeks to ensure firms market and distribute leveraged crypto products responsibly.
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