The latest in digital assets, markets and regulation.
Chainalysis reports AI agents made over 138 million crypto payments via Coinbase's x402 protocol on Base by Q3 2026. Most transactions were under 10 cents, highlighting stablecoins' role in micro-payments despite questions about agent authenticity.
Crypto advocacy groups filed to expedite a court ruling on Illinois's 0.2% digital-asset tax, aiming for a decision by March. This follows a six-month enforcement pause agreed upon earlier this month, moving the effective date to July 2027.
Developer Brandon Thomas released WordCraft, GridCraft, and DeckCraft, open-source Microsoft Office clones built with Rust and Anthropic's Claude. Covering up to 88% of Word's features, the apps target $99.99 annual subscriptions but remain only 50-60% ready for professional use.
Bitcoin miners plunged up to 13% during Wall Street’s worst selloff since July, mirroring declines in AI infrastructure stocks. Hotter-than-expected September inflation data fueled fears of higher interest rates, impacting debt-reliant tech and mining companies alike.
ASIC opens consultation on crypto platform rules ahead of 2027 rollout. Proposed capital models require up to A$14M in assets. Industry leaders warn strict standards may drive consolidation among compliant operators.
South Korea's FSC plans tighter cybersecurity rules after finding flaws at 130 of 555 financial firms, including crypto exchanges. Reforms include biannual assessments for large institutions and potential AI monitoring for smaller ones.
SEC's Small Business Advisory Committee meets Oct. 27, 2026, to discuss IPO modernization and Regulation Crowdfunding reforms. The session aims to boost public listings and expand early-stage capital access through potential policy changes.
Russia’s Central Bank added Sberbank to its register of authorized digital currency exchanges, joining eight other institutions like VTB. This follows Sberbank’s recent approval for bitcoin custody under new laws effective September 1. The bank plans to launch its crypto wallet in December, aligning with the Moscow Exchange’s debut of crypto trading.
Over 400 scientists, including Geoffrey Hinton, urge AI labs to airgap cyber-capable models following summer breaches. They propose an international body to set containment standards and log failures, challenging current voluntary industry practices.
Polygon Labs completed its Coinme acquisition, gaining 37 money transmitter licenses and FINCEN registration for US stablecoin payments. The deal, part of a $250 million strategy including Sequence, enables regulated dollar-to-digital-asset conversions across 48 states.
VanEck Digital Assets withdrew its application for a Lido staked Ether ETF, citing no intention to distribute shares. The firm filed the initial S-1 in October 2025 but offered no explanation for the reversal or future plans.
Strategy bought 250 BTC for $21.5 million last week, marking four straight weeks of accumulation, while also repurchasing $192.4 million in preferred stock.