Bitcoin has retested the $65,000 resistance level, driven by continued accumulation from whales and sharks. The cryptocurrency has surged by over 21% this month, signalling a technical bull market. MicroStrategy, the largest corporate Bitcoin holder, has played a pivotal role in this push, purchasing an additional $458 million worth of Bitcoin and bringing its total holdings to 252,220. Institutional investors have also been active, with over $600 million inflows into Bitcoin funds this month.
Several factors are behind these gains, including falling interest rates, increased global money supply, and stimulus measures like China’s plan to inject $142 billion into its economy. Investors increasingly turn to Bitcoin as a hedge against rising US public debt, which has now surpassed $35.4 trillion. Technical indicators, such as the formation of an inverse head and shoulders pattern and a rising RSI, point to strong momentum building.
Despite this positive outlook, Bitcoin’s next key test lies in overcoming a critical descending trendline that has persisted since March. A clear breakout above this line must confirm a sustained bullish rally.
AstraZeneca has struck an $18 million deal with biotechnology firm Immunai Inc. to use its AI model of the immune system, which is intended to improve the efficiency of specific cancer drug trials. This collaboration aligns with AstraZeneca’s broader strategy to harness artificial AI for drug discovery and development, building on a previous $247 million agreement with US-based Absci to create cancer-fighting antibodies.
Founded in 2018, Immunai utilises single-cell genomics and machine learning to decode the immune system and enhance the development of new therapeutics. This collaboration will concentrate on optimising clinical decision-making processes, including dose selection and biomarker identification, by leveraging Immunai’s advanced platform.
AstraZeneca will initially gain access to Immunai’s AI tools to support its cancer research efforts, with the option to extend the collaboration down the line. This flexibility allows AstraZeneca to evaluate the effectiveness of Immunai’s technology in enhancing drug trial efficiency and potentially integrate additional capabilities as the partnership progresses. According to Iker Huerga, AstraZeneca’s chief data scientist for oncology R&D, this collaboration is expected to provide valuable insights into the immune system and improve clinical decision-making processes, such as dose selection and biomarker identification. The partnership underscores AstraZeneca’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to advance cancer treatment and drug development.
Intel and the US government are expected to finalise a direct funding package of $8.5 billion by the end of this year to increase domestic semiconductor production. The funding is part of a larger $20 billion commitment from the US government, including grants and loans to expand Intel’s chip manufacturing capabilities in Arizona. The funds will support the construction of two new factories and the modernisation of an existing facility, as the US pushes to strengthen its semiconductor supply chain.
Despite advanced talks, there is no guarantee the deal will be finalised before the year’s end, as potential disruptions, such as a takeover of Intel, could pose risks. Qualcomm recently approached Intel to explore a possible acquisition, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing discussions. Once a chip manufacturing leader, Intel has struggled in recent years, losing ground to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and missing out on opportunities in the AI chip market dominated by competitors like Nvidia and AMD.
The US government’s funding initiative reflects a broader strategy to revitalise American chip production amid global supply chain challenges. President Joe Biden’s administration has prioritised strengthening domestic technology industries, and this substantial financial commitment to Intel underscores the government’s determination to regain a competitive edge in the semiconductor sector.
Visa has launched a new platform to help banks test tokenized assets and smart contracts, marking a significant step in its growing involvement in the digital asset sector. The payment giant’s tokenised asset sandbox has already been trialled by Spain’s Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, to guide banks in navigating the evolving financial landscape. Visa’s initiative is part of a broader push to integrate fiat-backed tokens into the blockchain, offering regulated solutions for banks to issue their tokens and engage in on-chain capital markets.
Cuy Sheffield, Visa’s Head of Crypto, highlighted the growing opportunity for banks as real-world assets become tokenised on blockchains. He stressed that a regulated approach is essential, ensuring customers can access these digital markets safely. Visa’s move aligns with trends in traditional finance, where firms like BlackRock see immense potential in tokenising financial assets, a development that could revolutionise the industry. Central Banks are also exploring how tokenisation can modernise finance, with Visa playing a key role in advancing this transition.
The National Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced new regulations to curtail telecom fraud in Taiwan significantly. These measures establish a comprehensive framework to identify users categorised as ‘high-risk’ based on their repeated involvement in fraudulent activities. As a result, these high-risk users will face strict limitations and be permitted to apply for only three telephone numbers across the three major telecom providers within three years. The initiative is designed to deter fraudulent behaviour by restricting access to essential communication services.
Moreover, these regulations align with the recently enacted Fraud Hazard Prevention Act, which provides a foundational legal framework for addressing and mitigating fraud within the telecom sector. The NCC also prioritises collaboration with governmental agencies such as the National Police Agency (NPA) and the National Immigration Agency (NIA). That partnership aims to develop a comprehensive strategy for effectively combating telecom fraud and protecting consumers.
To further this goal, the NCC implements advanced verification systems allowing telecom companies to access NIA and NPA databases. That access will enable them to reauthenticate user identities upon receiving fraud alerts, ensuring that only legitimate users can access telecom services. This proactive approach fosters a safer environment for subscribers and empowers providers to make informed decisions to prevent fraud before it occurs.
In addition to these domestic initiatives, the NCC focuses on the international dimensions of telecom fraud, particularly regarding international roaming services. Under the new regulations, telecom providers must verify that users activating roaming services have entered Taiwan and can present appropriate identification.
That crucial measure aims to curb the misuse of these services for fraudulent purposes. Furthermore, the NCC plans to monitor high-risk offshore telecom operators, assessing their involvement in fraudulent activities and exploring the potential need for mutual legal assistance agreements with their home countries to strengthen enforcement efforts.
Meta, Facebook’s owner, has been fined €91 million ($101.5 million) by the EU’s privacy regulator for mishandling user passwords. The issue, which surfaced five years ago, involved Meta storing certain users’ passwords in plaintext, a format lacking encryption or security protection. Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC), which oversees GDPR compliance for many US tech firms operating in the EU, launched an investigation after Meta reported the incident.
Meta admitted the error, emphasising that third parties had not accessed the exposed passwords. However, storing passwords in an unprotected format is considered a major security flaw, as it exposes users to significant risks if unauthorised individuals access the data. Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle underscored that storing passwords without encryption is widely unacceptable due to potential abuse.
This fine adds to Meta’s growing list of penalties under the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). To date, Meta has been fined a total of 2.5 billion euros for various data breaches, including a record €1.2 billion fine in 2023, which Meta is currently appealing. These repeated infractions highlight ongoing concerns about how the company handles sensitive user data.
Dell has launched the Dell AI for Telecom Program, a strategic initiative to streamline the integration of AI solutions for communications service providers (CSPs). The program addresses the rising demand for advanced technologies in the telecommunications sector, empowering CSPs to optimise operations and meet evolving customer needs.
A cornerstone of this initiative is the expanded partnership with NVIDIA, which focuses on co-developing customised AI solutions through the Dell AI Factory. The program aims to enhance network performance and customer service, offering solutions such as advanced customer care platforms, operational automation, and robust network troubleshooting capabilities.
Dell is forging strategic partnerships with key industry players to drive innovation and expedite AI adoption. For example, its collaboration with Lintasarta, an Indonesian ICT solutions provider, aims to offer GPU-as-a-Service to national businesses, granting them access to high-performance AI infrastructure.
Furthermore, Dell is working with SK Telecom to develop an AI chat agent and the Mobile Network Operator (MNO) AI Platform, seamlessly integrating AI into existing business support systems to streamline telecom operations. To bolster these initiatives, Dell Professional Services will assist CSPs in strategising, implementing, and managing AI solutions tailored explicitly for the telecommunications sector. Overall, these concerted efforts position Dell’s initiatives as pivotal in driving network cloud transformation, reducing operational costs, and unlocking new revenue streams through innovative AI applications.
Stablecoins are expected to lead the push for institutional adoption of cryptocurrency across Asia, according to Michael Gronager, CEO of Chainalysis. Speaking at the Token2049 conference in Singapore, he highlighted how stablecoins, whose value is tied to assets like the US dollar, are becoming a fundamental part of crypto trading. These digital assets account for two-thirds of blockchain transactions and are seen as a stable medium for both trading and storing value.
Despite Asia’s rapid uptake of crypto, with five countries in the top ten of Chainalysis’ Global Adoption Index, the US remains the most influential market. Gronager explained that much of the global trading volume originates from the US, and the industry continues to watch US regulators closely for signals on crypto policy.
Looking ahead to the upcoming US elections, Gronager believes the result will not significantly impact the crypto landscape, whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris wins. Instead, he predicts that moving beyond the election will bring stability to the sector.
Worldpay, the global payment giant, is set to enter the blockchain space by verifying transactions, aiming to enhance its understanding of how funds flow through digital ledgers. According to a Bloomberg report from 26th September, the payment provider is in discussions with various blockchains to become a validator—an entity responsible for monitoring and confirming transactions on digital networks. Sanchit Mall, Worldpay’s web3 and crypto lead for the Asia-Pacific region, emphasised the company’s desire to be involved at the foundational level of blockchain ecosystems.
In 2024, Worldpay has already processed stablecoin transactions worth $1.3 billion, a notable increase from less than $1 billion in 2023. However, this still represents a small fraction of the total $2.3 trillion in annual transactions handled by Worldpay. As a validator, the company will need to stake a portion of the blockchain’s cryptocurrency, earning fees for its transaction verification efforts.
Worldpay’s move into blockchain validation marks a significant step, joining a competitive field that includes well-known validators like Coinbase and Galaxy Digital. Previously, the company has engaged in crypto-related initiatives, such as partnering with web3 payment provider Wert to improve access for cardholders and participating in trials for Fireblocks’ cryptocurrency custody solutions.
HP has introduced its newest innovation, the HP Print AI experience, designed to change the way we print. Now in exclusive beta, this feature includes Perfect Output, which improves webpage printouts by automatically eliminating unwanted elements such as ads and unusual formatting. As a result, users will get only the essential text and images they need.
Beyond enhancing web page printing, HP Print AI optimises spreadsheet outputs to keep charts and tables intact on a single page. Users can also create personalised greeting cards through conversational prompts, allowing them to incorporate custom styles and fonts. Additionally, the technology can upscale images and remove unwanted objects from photos, further enriching the printing experience.
HP plans to roll out additional features for Print AI through 2025, although details on compatible printers are still pending. While users anticipate these upgrades, the inclusion of a chat interface may offer a more interactive way to address common printing frustrations, enhancing the overall experience with HP printers.
