Parag Agrawal has launched a new AI startup, Parallel Web Systems, to let AI agents research and analyse information online autonomously. The company has 25 staff, raised $30 million, and claims its platform outperforms humans and leading AI models like GPT-5 on certain research tasks.
AnaisThailand has launched TouristDigiPay, a new scheme letting foreign visitors pay in crypto, which is automatically converted to Thai baht. The 18-month pilot includes ID checks, spending limits, and aims to make payments easier while boosting tourism and investment.
AnaisSouth Korea plans to submit a stablecoin regulation bill in October to allow banks and tech firms to issue and manage won-pegged stablecoins. Major banks are preparing for adoption and may partner with USDC issuer Circle to enable domestic and international crypto payments.
AnaisThe SEC has delayed decisions on several crypto ETFs, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, Litecoin, and Dogecoin, pushing most deadlines into October. Regulators are working on new listing standards that could allow faster approvals of altcoin ETFs once rules are finalised.
WeatherlyUK crypto exchange Lykke collapsed after hackers linked to North Korea’s Lazarus Group stole £17 million in digital assets. The company went into liquidation, its founder was declared bankrupt, and affected users are still waiting for refunds.
AnaisSouth Korea’s regulators have ordered all crypto exchanges to halt lending services after \$1.1 billion was borrowed in the first month. The move aims to protect investors and maintain market stability until formal rules are introduced.
WeatherlyWazirX reported over 95% approval for its amended restructuring plan after a $230 million hack in 2024. Despite this, many users remain sceptical, and the plan still requires Singapore court approval before funds can be returned.
AnaisSEC Chair Paul Atkins said most crypto tokens should not be classed as securities, marking a shift from the stricter stance of his predecessor. He introduced “Project Crypto” to set clearer rules, with the focus moving from enforcement to guidance and support for innovation.
WeatherlyCircle has acquired the Malachite consensus engine from Informal Systems to power its new Arc blockchain for stablecoin payments. The move aims to speed up transactions, keep Malachite open-source, and support developers building financial applications on Web3.
AnaisFed official Michelle Bowman has called for staff to be allowed to hold small amounts of crypto, saying direct use would improve oversight. She argued the ban harms recruitment and urged regulators to take a more open approach to new technologies like blockchain.
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