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Washington has imposed sanctions on a network of cryptocurrency exchanges and facilitators tied to Iran, marking the first time the United States has directly targeted crypto trading platforms over allegations of supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The measures signal a widening of financial enforcement into the digital asset space as Washington seeks to curb Iran’s access to global capital flows. The sanctions, announced by the Treasury […]

A wave of forced liquidations that ripped through digital-asset markets on October 10, erasing positions at a pace unseen in the sector’s history, was driven primarily by a sudden global risk-off shock rather than a failure of trading infrastructure, according to Binance. The world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange said the flash crash unfolded as macroeconomic pressures triggered rapid price declines across major tokens, setting off automated margin calls […]

Bitcoin could reach $6.5 million within two decades, according to Matt Hougan, the chief investment officer at Bitwise, who argues that the asset’s structural supply limits and expanding institutional demand outweigh cyclical volatility. Hougan’s outlook lands after a punishing year for digital assets in 2025, when tighter financial conditions, regulatory uncertainty and a cooling risk appetite weighed on prices. He expects a period of sideways trading to […]

Federal authorities have taken legal control of assets valued at roughly $400 million that prosecutors say were generated through a darknet cryptocurrency mixing service known as Helix, marking one of the largest forfeiture actions tied to illicit crypto activity. The Department of Justice said the haul spans digital currency, cash-equivalent instruments and property interests traced to transactions that laundered proceeds from online drug markets. According to court […]

OpenAI is exploring the creation of a social media platform designed to sharply limit automated accounts, a move that would place the artificial intelligence firm in direct competition with X while signalling a broader push to shape how online discourse functions in an age increasingly defined by generative systems. People familiar with the matter say the idea has moved beyond casual internal discussion, with early-stage work examining […]

Ethereum slid sharply after losing key technical support near the $2,700 mark, triggering renewed anxiety about a deeper correction across digital asset markets and amplifying a risk-off tone that has weighed on crypto trading through January. The move extended a prolonged pullback for the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency, which has erased a significant portion of gains accumulated during the final quarter of last year and underperformed several large-cap […]

A warning from a long-standing crypto fund manager has reignited debate over Bitcoin’s long-term viability, with claims that the world’s largest cryptocurrency could face a structural security breakdown within the next seven to eleven years unless its economic model changes. Justin Bons, founder and chief investment officer of Cyber Capital, has argued that Bitcoin’s reliance on declining block subsidies will eventually undermine the incentives that secure its […]

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Bitcoin slid during Asian trading on Friday as speculation over the future leadership of the United States central bank unsettled risk appetite across global markets, adding to a cautious tone already shaped by shifting expectations for interest rates and liquidity. The world’s largest cryptocurrency fell below the psychological $40,000 level before stabilising, with traders pointing to heightened volatility after reports and commentary suggested renewed political debate around […]

A significant wave of liquidations surged through global cryptocurrency markets as leveraged long positions worth about $140 million were wiped out within a single hour, underscoring sharp price swings and persistent volatility that have unsettled traders and risk models alike. The liquidation event affected tens of thousands of leveraged accounts and came amid rapid price fluctuations in major digital assets, particularly Bitcoin and Ethereum, with derivatives trading […]

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 January 2026 – As large AI models accelerate toward commercial application, intelligent algorithmic trading has made breakthrough progress in financial markets. Recently, Axis Quant AI announced the introduction of its product into cryptocurrency trading through API integration, marking a significant step toward more scalable applications of intelligent algorithms.

Unlike traditional trading tools, the core of Axis Quant AI lies in its dynamic algorithmic strategies. By continuously analyzing market data and leveraging API integration, Axis Quant AI connects cryptocurrency exchanges to form a comprehensive trading system covering decision-making, execution, and risk control.

The true value of intelligent algorithmic trading depends on long-term, stable returns. Previously, Axis Quant AI has conducted multiple batches of live account operations, demonstrating outstanding consistency in strategy execution and returns, attracting attention from numerous financial institutions and professional trading teams.

From the perspective of industry development, high volatility and round-the-clock trading have become the norm, making the limitations of manual operations increasingly apparent. Axis Quant AI has elevated intelligent algorithmic trading to a new level, demonstrating clear advantages in execution efficiency, discipline, and risk management.

Notably, the Axis Quant AI team stated in an interview that their current positioning is not to replace professional traders but to emphasize the role division of algorithmic systems within the trading framework. However, future product functions will inevitably become a core component of the financial trading market.

The product capabilities of Axis Quant AI are comprehensive and are entering a broader application phase. It is understood that multiple trading platforms and institutions have already initiated cooperation discussions. As AI algorithms transition from an “auxiliary role” to a “core function,” the trading methods in the crypto market will undergo a disruptive transformation.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Hyperliquid’s native token, HYPE, climbed past the $30 mark as a sharp increase in activity linked to silver trading propelled volumes across the decentralised derivatives platform. The move capped a multi-day rally that has drawn attention from both crypto-native traders and traditional commodities participants experimenting with on-chain markets. Market data showed HYPE posting gains of roughly 50 per cent over three sessions, coinciding with a spike in […]

U. S. spot exchange-traded funds tied to major cryptocurrencies saw a marked shift in capital flows on 26 January 2026, with Ethereum-linked products attracting the largest net inflows while Bitcoin, XRP and Solana ETFs drew comparatively lower interest. Data compiled from fund-flow trackers and trading platforms shows the spot Ethereum ETFs posted approximately $117m of net inflows during the session, overturning a streak of prior redemptions, and […]

Shiba Inu’s supply reduction drive has accelerated sharply, with community-led burns eliminating roughly 28.8 billion SHIB tokens and sending the burn rate soaring by more than 1,500%, according to on-chain trackers and project updates. The spike has reignited debate around scarcity dynamics in meme-linked assets and has coincided with a technical pattern that traders interpret as a potential upside continuation. The burn acceleration has been driven by […]

Large institutional investors are signalling a strong appetite to accumulate digital assets during market pullbacks, according to a survey indicating that four out of five professional participants would either hold steady or increase exposure even if prices slide by 10%. The finding underscores a shift in how major allocators view volatility, treating declines as entry points rather than exit signals. Major investors show readiness to buy downturns […]

AI-related Attacks and Supply Chain Risks Emerge as Top Concerns Nearly 30% of Enterprises Lack Dedicated Cybersecurity Personnel

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 January 2026 – The Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT), under the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), today hosted a media briefing to officially release the annual “Hong Kong Cybersecurity Outlook 2026”. The report reveals that cyberattacks have become more automated, targeted, and destructive with the rapid proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, posing significant threats to business operations and information security. A record high 15,877 cybersecurity incidents were recorded in Hong Kong in 2025, marking a 27% year-on-year increase. The report also highlights five key cybersecurity risks expected to emerge in 2026, mainly under AI-related threats and supply chain vulnerabilities.

HKCERT also released the findings of the “Hong Kong Enterprise Cybersecurity Landscape”, which analyses the current state of local enterprises’ cybersecurity defences and resource allocation in the face of cyber risks. The study covered 622 enterprises (including 544 SMEs and 78 large enterprises) and interviewed 50 cybersecurity service providers to assess the key factors businesses consider when selecting cybersecurity services. The findings reveal that nearly 70% of enterprises have dedicated cybersecurity personnel, showing the increasing importance local businesses place on cybersecurity. Many SMEs have also begun strengthening their security measures, demonstrating a proactive awareness of cyber threats. However, they were behind large enterprises in terms of technology deployment and resource allocation. Moreover, around 35% of businesses using AI would enter corporate data into AI tools, suggesting that there is still room for improvement in local overall defence capabilities and AI governance awareness.

Mr Edmond LAI, Chief Digital Officer of HKPC, stated, “The proliferation of AI can drive innovation, but it can also become a powerful tool for hackers, making cyber threats stealthier and more scalable. Our report indicates a lack of governance in corporate use of AI tools. In particular, the limited resources and knowledge of SMEs may limit their full understanding of the potential risks involved. Moreover, supply chain attacks have become the weakest link in enterprise security, where a single vendor’s vulnerability can trigger a chain reaction of crises, even if the enterprises have robust protective measures. To address these challenges, enterprises must shift from passive response to proactive deployment, starting with establishing clear AI usage guidelines and audit mechanisms, and deeply integrating them into the overall cybersecurity strategy”.

Overview of Cybersecurity Incidents in 2025:

Phishing Accounts for Nearly 60% – Record-High Number of Cases

According to the latest statistics from HKCERT, a total of 15,877 cybersecurity incidents were reported in 2025, marking a new record high. Among them, phishing attacks remained the most prominent threat, accounting for nearly 60% (57%) of total cases. The rise of generative AI has made phishing messages increasingly realistic and harder to detect, further amplifying the associated risks. Attack delivery methods have expanded beyond traditional email to social media or instant messaging platforms (such as WhatsApp) (34%) and cryptocurrency platforms (18%).

In parallel, cases involving vulnerable systems also saw a sharp increase, with 2,328 incidents (15%), representing a more than 3.5-fold rise compared to the previous year. This suggests that attackers are actively exploiting misconfigurations and unpatched system vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, botnet-related incidents remained steady at 18%. While stable in number, botnets are notoriously difficult to eradicate completely, representing a long-term latent threat.

Top 5 Cybersecurity Risks in 2026

Based on industry expert analysis and HKPC’s ongoing research into the local business environment, and considering industry trends and technological developments, HKCERT predicts that the following five cybersecurity risks will pose significant challenges to businesses in 2026:

  1. AI-Driven Attacks and Agentic AI Risks
  2. Weak AI Governance of Enterprises Increases Data Leakage Risks
  3. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities and Third-Party Security Gaps
  4. Over-Reliance on Cloud Infrastructure Creates Single Points of Failure
  5. Emerging Threats from AI-Enabled Devices

30% of Enterprises Lack Dedicated Cybersecurity Staff, SMEs Lag in Defense and Investment

“The Hong Kong Enterprise Cybersecurity Landscape” reveals nearly 70% of enterprises have dedicated cybersecurity personnel, showing the increasing importance place on cybersecurity. By company size, 67% of SMEs have personnel responsible for cybersecurity, and 95% of large enterprises do. Among them, 26% of SMEs have dedicated cybersecurity personnel, which is lower than the 59% of large enterprises, reflecting different challenges in resource allocation and professional support for companies of different sizes.

Many SMEs have already implemented basic protective measures, such as 48% of SMEs have adopted email security, but there is still room for improvement when compared to the 79% of large enterprises. For Privileged Access Management (PAM), 29% of SMEs are employed, which is still lower than 60% of large enterprises. The figure on using Advanced cybersecurity practices, such as Remote Access Security Measures (SMEs 31% vs 67%), also reflects that SMEs still need support in promoting technological upgrades, especially when data security is increasingly important today, the protection of SMEs of all sizes cannot be ignored.

Regarding investment and resource allocation, SMEs are generally cautious in their investment, but some companies have gradually increased their investment in cybersecurity and training. In the past year 13% of SMEs increased cybersecurity-related resources (including staff and tools), and 12% invested more resources in cybersecurity training. In comparison, the proportions for large enterprises were 41% and 50%, respectively. Looking ahead to the next 12 months, SMEs are relatively conservative in their plans for increasing resources — no matter in recruitment of cybersecurity personnel (SMEs 5% vs 15%), training (SMEs 13% vs 38%) and budget (SMEs 13% vs 36%). However, as cyber threats evolve, it is believed that enterprises will gradually increase their related investments to strengthen their overall defense capabilities.

HKCERT’s Five Key Recommendations: Helping Enterprises Build Effective Cyber Defenses

HKCERT has outlined five key recommendations to help enterprises strengthen their cybersecurity posture:

  1. Assigning Personnel for Cybersecurity: Enterprises should assign employees with basic cybersecurity knowledge to be responsible for daily monitoring and response work, with clear division of responsibilities to ensure timely response to emergencies.
  2. Promoting AI Governance and Regulation: As the application of AI tools and third-party platforms becomes increasingly widespread, enterprises should formulate relevant policies and operational guidelines, clearly specifying the available tools and scope of data input, as well as procedures for responding to third-party incidents, to minimise operational and reputational risks.
  3. Collaborative Efforts of All Staff to Prevent Phishing Attacks: Enterprises should adopt both technical measures (such as email filtering and multi‑factor authentication) and an organisation‑wide security culture to jointly defend against phishing attacks. This helps enhance each employee’s ability to identify suspicious emails and links, thereby reducing the risk of data leakage.
  4. Enhance Cybersecurity Awareness and Training across all Staff: Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility across the entire organisation. Enterprises should regularly provide targeted security training for different departments—especially for roles that handle sensitive data—and strengthen incident response capabilities through simulation exercises and case‑based learning to reduce human error.
  5. Strengthen Technical Protection Measures: Enterprises should implement essential cybersecurity technologies, including:
    • Email security and access‑rights control
    • Data protection measures (such as encryption and backup)
    • Remote access security measures mechanisms (such as VPNs and identity authentication)
    • Proactive security solutions (such as intrusion detection and firewall monitoring)

As cyber threats grow increasingly complex and attack techniques become more advanced, enabling SMEs to effectively deploy cybersecurity defences has become a shared responsibility across society. In addition to operating a 24-hour incident reporting and supporting hotline, HKCERT continuously monitors local online activities. When cyberattacks targeting Hong Kong are detected, it proactively traces and disrupts the source and issues timely public alerts. In recent years, HKCERT has also leveraged self‑developed AI systems to take down phishing websites in advance, preventing incidents before they occur. To strengthen preventive measures and promote education among SMEs, HKCERT has published multiple security guidelines addressing emerging technology risks, helping technical personnel understand and adopt appropriate protection strategies. At the same time, HKCERT actively promotes cybersecurity awareness through a dedicated webpage on in‑depth analysis of major phishing and ransomware attacks, as well as by organising large‑scale public events and participating in over 30 seminars annually.

Since last year, HKCERT further acted as a bridge between SMEs and cybersecurity service providers to launch the Cybersecurity Service Providers Connect Programme with Digital Policy Office. The Programme offers a one-stop platform that brings together 21 vetted cybersecurity service providers, covering four key areas, including Internet Security Solutions, Cybersecurity Assessment Services, Managed Security and Incident Response Services, and Cybersecurity Training Services. It helps SMEs quickly identify suitable solutions and strengthen their cyber defence capabilities. The Programme will continue to enhance its services, promote resource sharing, and collaborate with the industry to build a safer digital business environment.

Hashtag: #HKCERT

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre

Managed by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT) is the centre for coordination of computer security incident response for local enterprises and Internet Users. Its missions are to facilitate information disseminating, provide advices on preventive measures against security threats and to promote information security awareness.

HKCERT collaborates with local bodies to collect and disseminate information, and coordinate response actions. HKCERT is also a member of the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST) and the Asia Pacific Computer Emergency Response Team (APCERT). We exchange information with other CERTs and act as a point of contact on cross-border security incidents.

About the Hong Kong Productivity Council
The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a statutory body established in 1967, dedicated to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Hong Kong enterprises through world-class applied R&D, innovative technology services, and integrated manufacturing solutions. As a market-oriented, international R&D organisation, HKPC leverages its deep expertise and extensive industry experience in key areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, green technology and new energy to drive new industrialisation and support the growth of emerging and future industries.

HKPC focuses on addressing businesses challenges and industrial technology needs, promoting the full integration between technological and industrial innovation. Through technology transfer, product innovation, intellectual property protection and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, the Council fosters collaboration with the local business community as well as top global R&D institutions, delivering added value to industries and advancing the development of new productive forces. HKPC’s world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city.

To help enterprises capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths in international connectivity to expand into global markets, HKPC offers comprehensive overseas expansion services tailored to critical areas including product development, technology, manufacturing, and management, enabling businesses to successfully go global from Hong Kong.

HKPC is also committed to providing timely and practical support to SMEs and startups with timely and practical , assisting them in accessing Government funding programmes. Through its FutureSkills training initiatives, HKPC helps both industry and academia stay ahead in latest digital and STEM technologies, nurturing a future-ready talent pool for Hong Kong.

For more information, please visit HKPC’s website:

Fidelity Investments, the global asset manager overseeing about $6 trillion in client assets, is preparing to enter the fast-evolving stablecoin market with plans to issue its own digital token, signalling a deeper push by traditional finance into blockchain-based payments and settlement infrastructure. People familiar with the matter say the Boston-based firm has been working on the technical and regulatory framework for a dollar-linked stablecoin that would be […]

Dollar-pegged digital tokens are moving from trading desks into everyday payments, payrolls and cross-border transfers as financial institutions and consumer apps expand support for stablecoins, reshaping how value is stored and moved in the crypto economy. Stablecoins now account for a growing share of on-chain activity, reflecting demand for price stability amid swings in other digital assets. Market capitalisation has climbed sharply over the past year, crossing […]

Bangkok will host Wiki Finance Expo Thailand 2026 in April, positioning the Thai capital as a focal point for discussions on financial technology, digital assets and Web3 innovation across Southeast Asia. The event is scheduled to take place at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, bringing together industry executives, policymakers, investors and technology developers at a time when the region’s digital finance ecosystem is expanding at pace.

The expo is expected to draw thousands of participants from Asia, the Middle East and Europe, reflecting Bangkok’s growing role as a neutral convening hub for global fintech dialogue. Organisers have indicated that the programme will centre on payments innovation, decentralised finance, blockchain infrastructure, digital asset regulation and the integration of artificial intelligence into financial services. These themes mirror broader shifts in global finance, where traditional institutions and technology-driven platforms are increasingly intersecting.

Thailand’s selection as host underscores the country’s strategic importance within Southeast Asia’s fintech landscape. Bangkok already serves as a base for regional operations of banks, digital payment firms and cryptocurrency exchanges, supported by a large consumer market with high smartphone penetration and rising adoption of cashless payments. Regional analysts note that Southeast Asia’s fintech sector has moved beyond experimentation, with platforms scaling rapidly across borders in areas such as e-wallets, buy-now-pay-later services and tokenised assets.

Wiki Finance Expo has established itself as a travelling forum, with earlier editions held in cities including Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore. The Thailand edition is expected to build on that track record by offering a mix of keynote addresses, panel discussions and business matchmaking sessions. Industry leaders from blockchain firms, digital asset custodians, payment processors and trading platforms are likely to outline strategies for navigating regulatory complexity while pursuing growth in emerging markets.

A central focus of the Bangkok gathering will be Web3, an area attracting increasing interest from both venture capital and established financial institutions. Developers are using blockchain-based architectures to reimagine trading, lending and data ownership, while governments across Asia are assessing how to balance innovation with consumer protection. Participants are expected to debate how decentralised technologies can coexist with existing financial systems rather than replace them outright.

Regulation is set to be another major thread. Southeast Asian jurisdictions have taken varied approaches to digital assets, ranging from proactive licensing frameworks to tighter restrictions on retail participation. Thailand has introduced structured oversight for digital asset businesses, aiming to reduce systemic risk while allowing innovation to continue. Discussions at the expo are expected to explore how clearer regulatory pathways can attract institutional capital and encourage responsible product development.

The event also comes as cross-border payments remain a priority for the region. High remittance flows, driven by labour mobility and trade, have highlighted inefficiencies in legacy systems. Fintech firms are increasingly promoting blockchain-based settlement and real-time payment networks as solutions. Panels in Bangkok are expected to examine whether these technologies can achieve scale while meeting compliance and security requirements.

Beyond policy and technology, the expo is positioned as a commercial platform. Start-ups will have opportunities to pitch to investors, while established companies can seek partnerships or market entry strategies. Organisers have emphasised the importance of connecting global capital with Southeast Asian innovation, particularly as funding patterns shift towards projects with clearer revenue models and regulatory alignment.

Tourism and hospitality stakeholders in Bangkok are also expected to benefit from the influx of international delegates. Large-scale business events have become an important segment of the city’s post-pandemic recovery strategy, complementing leisure tourism. Hosting a high-profile fintech expo aligns with efforts to brand Bangkok not only as a travel destination but also as a regional business and technology centre.

Bitcoin slipped below a widely watched technical support zone as BlackRock moved to expand its digital-asset line-up with a filing for a premium income exchange-traded fund linked to the world’s largest cryptocurrency, underscoring how product innovation is accelerating even as prices wobble. Market charts showed Bitcoin breaking beneath the lower boundary of an inverted flag formation, a pattern traders often read as a pause before a continuation […]

A quiet but unsettling episode in the artificial intelligence ecosystem has sharpened concerns about how quickly powerful autonomous tools are being deployed without robust safeguards. A single message, sent politely and without any technical wizardry, was enough for an attacker to extract a private cryptographic key from a user within minutes. The breach did not rely on malware, brute force or advanced exploits. It relied on trust, […]

Elon Musk has escalated a high-profile debate over the security of consumer messaging platforms by asserting that “WhatsApp is not secure” and that even Signal, long regarded as a benchmark for encrypted communication, is “questionable,” urging users to consider XChat instead. His remarks, posted on X, have intensified scrutiny of encryption claims by major tech firms and triggered rebuttals from industry leaders defending existing privacy safeguards. Musk’s […]

DXC Technology has entered a strategic partnership with blockchain payments firm Ripple to integrate institutional-grade digital asset custody and payments into DXC’s Hogan core banking platform, a move aimed at accelerating banks’ adoption of tokenised assets and real-time settlement across borders. The collaboration brings Ripple’s blockchain infrastructure into a core system used by large financial institutions worldwide, positioning DXC to offer regulated banks a turnkey path to […]

Shiba Inu has moved into what market analysts describe as a yearly demand zone, a price range where buying activity has historically intensified, coinciding with a sharp acceleration in token burns that has removed a sizeable volume of SHIB from circulation. The shift has drawn attention across the digital asset market because a comparable alignment of price consolidation and aggressive supply reduction preceded a powerful rally during […]

McLaren Racing has entered a partnership with distributed ledger platform Hedera to roll out free digital collectibles for fans across its Formula One and IndyCar operations, marking a further step by elite motorsport teams into blockchain-backed fan engagement without paywalls. The agreement makes Hedera an official partner of the McLaren Formula 1 Team and Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team, with the collaboration centred on issuing no-cost digital items […]

VISHNU RAJA
RYO YAMADA
HITORI GOTOH
IKUYO KITA