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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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.
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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.
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Cybercriminals are increasingly abusing legitimate administrative software to access corporate networks, making malicious activity harder to detect. Attackers are blending into normal operations by relying on trusted workforce and IT management tools rather than custom malware.
Recent campaigns have repurposed ‘Net Monitor for Employees Professional’ and ‘SimpleHelp’, tools usually used for staff oversight and remote support. Screen viewing, file management, and command features were exploited to control systems without triggering standard security alerts.
Researchers at Huntress identified the activity in early 2026, finding that the tools were used to maintain persistent, hidden access. Analysis showed that attackers were actively preparing compromised systems for follow-on attacks rather than limiting their activity to surveillance.
The access was later linked to attempts to deploy ‘Crazy’ ransomware and steal cryptocurrency, with intruders disguising the software as legitimate Microsoft services. Monitoring agents were often renamed to resemble standard cloud processes, thereby remaining active without attracting attention.
Huntress advised organisations to limit software installation rights, enforce multi-factor authentication, and audit networks for unauthorised management tools. Monitoring for antivirus tampering and suspicious program names remains critical for early detection.
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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.
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Bison Bank plans to integrate Bison Digital Assets into its core operations, moving closer to becoming Portugal’s first cryptobank. The investment bank plans to support client-led asset tokenisation projects, signalling a wider move into regulated digital finance.
The strategy is backed by the EU’s MiCA framework, which provides legal clarity and regulatory certainty for cryptoasset firms. Regulatory approval under MiCA allows the bank to operate in Portugal while dealing in and investing in cryptoassets on behalf of clients.
Alongside the structural integration, the bank outlined three initiatives: issuing the first stablecoin by a Portuguese bank, advancing tokenised asset offerings, and completing its transition into a cryptobank.
Tokenisation is designed to enable fractional ownership, continuous trading, improved liquidity, and transparent settlement for assets ranging from real estate to bonds.
Although no official launch date has been confirmed, chief executive António Henriques indicated that the new services are expected to become available in the first half of the year, subject to final regulatory and operational steps.
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Efforts to reform US cryptocurrency regulation have hit another delay, as Senate senators pushed back the crucial markup of the CLARITY Act. The vote has been moved to the last week of January to secure bipartisan support.
Disagreements persist over stablecoin rewards, DeFi regulation, and regulatory authority between the SEC and CFTC. Without sufficient support, the bill risks stalling in committee and losing momentum for the year.
The CLARITY Act aims to bring structure to the US digital asset landscape, clarifying which tokens are classed as securities or commodities and expanding the CFTC’s supervisory role. It sets rules for market oversight and asset handling, providing legal clarity beyond the current enforcement-focused system.
The House passed its version in mid-2025, but the Senate has yet to agree on wording acceptable to all stakeholders. Delaying the markup gives Senate leaders time to refine the bill and rebuild support for potential 2026 reform.
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Ghana has formally legalised Bitcoin and cryptocurrency trading after parliament approved the Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, 2025, closing a long-standing regulatory gap in the country’s digital asset market.
The legislation establishes a licensing and supervisory regime for crypto businesses under the Bank of Ghana. The central bank will oversee the sector, prioritising consumer protection and financial stability, while unlicensed operators may face sanctions or closure.
Under the new framework, individuals can trade crypto legally, while companies must meet reporting and compliance requirements. Officials say the law responds to fraud and money laundering risks while acknowledging the scale of crypto adoption nationwide.
Around 3 million Ghanaians have used cryptocurrency, with transactions totalling roughly $3 billion by June 2024. Licensing rules will be introduced gradually in 2026, as Ghana aligns with a broader African shift toward formal crypto regulation.
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Visa survey data points to a significant shift in holiday shopping behaviour, with AI now embedded in everyday purchasing decisions. Nearly half of US consumers report using AI tools, mainly to discover gift ideas and compare prices more efficiently.
Digital currencies are also moving closer to the mainstream. More than one in four respondents would welcome cryptocurrency as a gift, while interest among Gen Z rises sharply. Expectations surrounding stablecoins are growing, with many consumers anticipating their wider adoption over the next decade.
Gen Z continues to lead adoption of digital-first commerce, favouring biometrics, social media shopping, overseas purchases and crypto payments.
Digital wallets are gaining parity with physical cards among younger shoppers, signalling a shift in payment method preferences.
Despite enthusiasm for new technologies, trust remains a central concern. Consumers still value human customer service and want clearer insight into how AI uses personal data, while concerns about online scams remain widespread during the holiday season.
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The move follows Governor Greg Abbott signing Senate Bill 21, allowing the comptroller’s office to create a public crypto reserve. states, such as New Hampshire and Arizona, have passed similar bills, but Texas is the first to execute an actual purchase.
The ETF acquisition acts as a temporary measure while the state finalises a contract with a cryptocurrency custodian. Comptroller representatives called the purchase a ‘placeholder investment’ while reviewing bids for a permanent custodian.
Lawmakers have allocated $10 million to the reserve, a small portion of Texas’ $338 billion budget, yet supporters argue it marks an important step for the growing crypto industry.
Bitcoin prices have fluctuated significantly this year, peaking above $126,000 in October before dropping to around $85,000 recently. The state’s purchase at roughly $87,000 per bitcoin reflects ongoing market volatility.
Advocates see the investment as forward-looking, citing potential long-term benefits in job creation, tax revenue, and digital asset adoption.
Critics remain sceptical, warning that public crypto investments carry high risk and may favour industry interests over taxpayers. Some economists criticised the move as conflicting with Texas’ conservative fiscal approach and risky government speculation.
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