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First Dutch credit institution enters crypto market under MiCA framework

ClearBank Europe has become the first Dutch credit institution to secure Crypto Asset Service Provider status under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation. The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets confirmed the approvalafter the bank completed its MiCAR notification on 9 April 2026.

The new status allows ClearBank to deliver regulated digital asset services across the European Union. The institution will use Circle’s Mint platform to provide clients with access to EURC, a euro-referenced stablecoin, and USDC, a US dollar-referenced stablecoin.

Under MiCA rules, the EU credit institutions can access a notification pathway distinct from the standard licensing regime for crypto service providers.

ClearBank becomes the first Dutch bank to complete the process, enabling seamless movement between fiat and digital assets within a regulated banking environment.

ClearBank operates under European Central Bank authorisation and is supervised by De Nederlandsche Bank. Its digital asset strategy, developed since gaining its banking licence in the Netherlands, is now advancing to its first large-scale implementation through MiCA compliance.

The development signals how the EU regulation is evolving to integrate traditional banking institutions into the crypto ecosystem, creating a more unified and compliant framework for digital asset adoption across financial markets.

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FBI reports billions lost to crypto and AI scams

The Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that cyber-enabled crimes cost Americans nearly $21 billion in 2025, according to its latest Internet Crime Report. The Internet Crime Complaint Center recorded more than 1 million complaints, marking a rise from the previous year.

Investment fraud, phishing, extortion, and tech support scams remained the most common threats, with older adults reporting disproportionately high losses. Individuals over 60 accounted for approximately $7.7 billion in losses, reflecting a sharp year-on-year increase.

Cryptocurrency-related fraud was the most financially damaging category, with losses exceeding $11 billion across more than 180,000 complaints. The report also highlighted emerging risks linked to AI, including deepfake identities, voice cloning, and fabricated media used to manipulate victims.

The FBI has expanded initiatives such as Operation Level Up to identify ongoing scams and reduce losses, while emphasising early reporting and awareness measures. Officials say scammers increasingly use psychological pressure and realistic digital impersonation to deceive victims.

Rising losses highlight how rapidly evolving digital fraud techniques are outpacing public awareness, with crypto and AI tools making scams more scalable and convincing.

Strengthening detection, reporting, and education will be critical to reducing financial harm and improving resilience against increasingly sophisticated online crime networks.

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Microsoft outlines approach to scaling AI across organisational systems

A shift from early AI adoption towards what it terms ‘frontier transformation’ has been described by Microsoft, where AI is integrated into core organisational processes.

Such an approach reflects how AI is increasingly embedded within everyday workflows rather than used in isolated pilots.

According to Microsoft, scaling AI requires moving beyond experimentation and establishing structured operating models. It includes addressing practical challenges such as data integration, system reliability, and alignment with organisational objectives.

A framework that also highlights the importance of governance and execution, with AI systems expected to operate under defined standards similar to other critical infrastructure. Something that involves coordination across platforms, internal processes, and external partners.

Why does it matter?

Frontier transformation illustrates a broader transition in how organisations approach AI deployment, focusing on long-term integration, operational consistency, and scalable implementation across different sectors.

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China pushes blockchain adoption in banking sector

The State Administration of Taxation and the National Financial Regulatory Administration of China have called on banks to integrate blockchain and privacy computing into lending systems, aiming to improve transparency and expand access to financing for small businesses.

The initiative focuses on upgrading the ‘bank-tax interaction’ model by strengthening data sharing between financial institutions, tax authorities, and enterprises.

Authorities emphasise the need to standardise data exchange and reduce information asymmetry, which has long limited credit access for smaller firms. Improved credit models and faster approvals aim to support compliant businesses while boosting financial efficiency.

The directive aligns with China’s broader strategy to build a national data infrastructure supported by blockchain technology. A roadmap led by the National Development and Reform Commission targets nationwide implementation by 2029, with projected annual investment reaching 400 billion yuan.

Despite strict restrictions on cryptocurrency trading, China continues to promote blockchain as a core technology for economic development. Earlier initiatives, including blockchain invoicing, show a steady push to integrate the technology into real-world finance and administration.

Strengthening data sharing and transparency in lending could improve access to finance for small businesses, which remain a key driver of economic growth.

Wider blockchain integration may also support more efficient financial systems, reinforce trust in institutional processes, and advance China’s long-term digital infrastructure strategy.

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Experts warn of potential quantum disruption to blockchain security

A survey by the Global Risk Institute has highlighted growing concern that quantum computing could undermine the cryptographic foundations of cryptocurrencies within the next decade.

Experts estimate a 28% to 49% probability that quantum machines capable of breaking current encryption standards could emerge within 10 years, with the probability rising further over a 15-year horizon.

Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin rely on public-key cryptography to secure transactions and verify ownership. Advanced quantum algorithms could reverse-engineer private keys from public data, exposing wallets and weakening blockchain security.

The risk is seen as particularly relevant for long-term stored assets and static addresses. Industry researchers and technology firms are already exploring post-quantum cryptography to mitigate potential disruption.

Efforts led by standards bodies such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology focus on developing encryption methods resistant to both classical and quantum attacks, although full migration across decentralised systems remains complex.

The findings place quantum readiness alongside broader digital security priorities, as financial systems, communications networks, and public infrastructure share similar cryptographic dependencies.

The evolving timeline is prompting early-stage preparation across the cryptocurrency ecosystem, where system upgrades must balance security, decentralisation, and continuity.

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Employee interest grows in crypto payroll options

A survey conducted by Oobit among 1,004 full-time employees indicates growing interest in receiving salaries in cryptocurrency, reflecting a gradual shift in how workers view digital assets as part of everyday income.

Around 43% of respondents said they would be interested in receiving at least part of their pay in crypto, while 32% stated they would likely opt in if their employer introduced such an option. Interest was notably stronger among employees with prior crypto ownership or trading experience.

Adoption is already visible, with one in five workers having been paid in crypto, mainly through freelance or side work. Despite this, employer-led crypto payroll remains limited, with only 7% of employees saying their company currently offers it.

Concerns remain a key factor slowing wider uptake, particularly price volatility, cited by half of respondents. Barriers include preference for traditional currency, limited usability, and trust concerns, while clearer regulation and easier conversion tools could improve confidence.

Crypto compensation reflects a broader shift in how labour and value are being redefined within increasingly digital economies. Its gradual integration into payroll systems signals a move towards more flexible, borderless financial structures in which traditional and digital assets coexist.

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Latvia gains EIB expertise to scale technology companies

The European Investment Bank (EIB) will guide Latvia on promoting technological innovation and scaling high-growth companies.

Cooperation with the Ministry of Economics and the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) aims to strengthen national policies, financing tools, and support mechanisms.

EIB experts will assess existing support for businesses, research, and emerging technologies, while exploring regional alignment with Estonia and Lithuania to foster Baltic-wide initiatives.

The advisory programme includes capacity-building for public authorities and universities, ensuring practical, market-aligned solutions. Riga Technical University’s development plan will be evaluated to link investments with national innovation objectives.

Recommendations will provide a strategic roadmap to amplify the innovation ecosystem of Latvia and attract international investment.

The initiative falls under the InvestEU programme, using data-driven insights to bridge early-stage financing gaps, support scale-ups, and enhance high-growth sectors.

Latvia’s goal is to expand its tech ecosystem, increase competitiveness, and integrate with Europe’s dynamic innovation networks.

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Corning and Meta start construction on North Carolina AI cable facility

Corning Incorporated and Meta Platforms have begun construction on a major expansion of Corning’s optical cable manufacturing facility in Hickory, North Carolina. The project will support advanced AI data centres using US-developed technology.

The initiative is part of a multiyear, up to $6 billion agreement between the two companies to accelerate the deployment of high-performance data centres. Under the agreement, Corning will supply Meta with new optical fibre, cable, and connectivity solutions.

Meta will act as the anchor customer for the Hickory expansion, which will produce optical cable critical for AI infrastructure. The expansion is expected to strengthen domestic manufacturing and create additional skilled jobs in North Carolina.

Corning currently employs more than 5,000 people in the state and plans to increase its workforce by 15 to 20 percent. Executives emphasised the partnership’s role in advancing US innovation and supporting the next generation of AI infrastructure.

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Eurasian Development Bank Fund expands digital cooperation with Uzbekistan

A delegation from the Fund for Digital Initiatives (FDI) of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) visited Uzbekistan to enhance cooperation in digital transformation and AI technologies. Tigran Sargsyan, Vice Chairman of the EDB Management Board, met with Sherzod Shermatov, Minister of Digital Technologies and National CIO.

The meeting highlighted ongoing initiatives, including solutions in water management, labour markets, jewellery trade, and air quality monitoring. Uzbekistan’s Ministry representatives expressed interest in evaluating FDI-supported projects and presenting their own digital solutions.

Both parties agreed to develop a joint roadmap for implementing the projects and strengthening long-term collaboration. The FDI delegation also toured IT Park Uzbekistan to understand its role in innovation and startup development.

The visit marked a step toward accelerating Uzbekistan’s digital transformation and expanding economic and technological ties with the EDB Fund. Planned projects aim to integrate AI and digital tools to support sustainable growth and innovation.

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IMF warns of rising risks in tokenised financial systems

The International Monetary Fund has warned that central banks could struggle to keep pace as tokenisation reshapes financial systems. Converting traditional assets into blockchain-based tokens is seen as a structural shift, improving efficiency while introducing new systemic risks.

According to the IMF, faster settlement and automation may reduce risks but also shorten reaction times during market stress. Instant transactions could trigger rapid margin calls and capital movements, limiting the ability of regulators to intervene effectively in emerging crises.

Tobias Adrian, Financial Counsellor of the International Monetary Fund and Head of their Monetary and Capital Markets Department, emphasised that tokenisation is transforming how financial products are issued, traded, and managed.

Concerns include unpredictable capital flows, faster currency shifts, and pressure on monetary sovereignty. Authorities are encouraged to replace legacy regulatory frameworks with more flexible systems capable of monitoring liquidity and leverage in real time.

Large institutions such as BlackRock, JPMorgan Chase, and Nasdaq are piloting tokenised markets, with strong growth potential projected. Estimates range from a few trillion dollars to as much as 16 trillion dollars by 2030, highlighting both the scale of opportunity and uncertainty surrounding adoption.

Tokenisation reflects a broader shift in how value is created, exchanged, and trusted in the digital age, gradually moving finance towards more programmable and interconnected systems.

Its importance lies in how it may redefine the relationship between institutions, markets, and users, shaping not only efficiency and access but also the future balance between innovation, governance, and stability.

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