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Bangkok is set to host Wiki Finance Expo Thailand 2026 on April 24 at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. As a premier gathering for the region’s financial innovation community, the event will bring together over 7,000 attendees, 50+ speakers, and 70+ exhibitors from across Asia and beyond to explore the next wave of fintech and digital finance.

The expo will delve into critical themes shaping finance in Southeast Asia and globally, including:

• Fintech & AI: Automation and intelligent solutions. • Digital Assets & Crypto: Market evolution and regulatory frameworks. • Forex & Liquidity: Next-generation trading infrastructure. • Web3.0, DeFi & DePIN: Decentralized finance and physical infrastructure networks. • Tokenisation & RWAs: Bridging real-world assets with blockchain. • Stablecoins & Payments: The future of digital settlement. • TradFi Convergence: How traditional finance integrates new paradigms. • ESG in Finance: Sustainable and responsible investment.

Attendees can expect a dynamic agenda featuring keynote addresses, interactive panels, startup showcases, and curated networking opportunities designed to foster meaningful connections among innovators, investors, and policymakers.

“Thailand represents one of the most vibrant fintech markets in Southeast Asia, with strong potential for cross-regional collaboration,” said Loki So, Chief Operating Officer of WikiEXPO. “This event aims to position Bangkok as a key dialogue hub where ideas and partnerships can flourish.”

Join the Event for free! Registration is now available at: https://www.wikiexpo.com/Thailand/2026/en/?c=D3vIvCla

Sponsor or Exhibit: Explore tailored partnership opportunities. Contact: Loki So Email: loki@wikiexpo.com Telegram: https://t.me/Loki_wikiexpo_coo

About WikiEXPO WikiEXPO is a global hub for financial innovation, uniting visionaries and leaders in fintech, forex, and crypto industries. With a worldwide community of over two million followers, our iconic summits—held in global capitals including Dubai, Hong Kong, Cyprus, Bangkok, Singapore, Sydney, South Africa, and beyond—attract over 10,000 attendees per event, sparking thousands of transformative partnerships annually. From cutting-edge startups to industry giants, we connect the brightest minds. After six years of rapid development, WikiEXPO has become one of the world’s largest and most influential events in the forex and crypto field. Join WikiEXPO to inspire, collaborate, and discover the future of fintech.

Event Details: Date: April 24, 2026 Venue: Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, Thailand

Mark your calendars—April 24, 2026 in Bangkok. Let’s shape the future of fintech together!

Bangkok is set to host Wiki Finance Expo Thailand 2026 on April 24 at the Bangkok
Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. As a premier gathering for the region’s financial innovation community, the event will bring together over 7,000 attendees, 50+ speakers, and 70+ exhibitors from across Asia and beyond to explore the next wave of fintech and digital finance.

The expo will delve into critical themes shaping finance in Southeast Asia and globally, including:

• Fintech & AI: Automation and intelligent solutions.
• Digital Assets & Crypto: Market evolution and regulatory frameworks.
• Forex & Liquidity: Next-generation trading infrastructure.
• Web3.0, DeFi & DePIN: Decentralized finance and physical infrastructure networks.
• Tokenisation & RWAs: Bridging real-world assets with blockchain.
• Stablecoins & Payments: The future of digital settlement.
• TradFi Convergence: How traditional finance integrates new paradigms.
• ESG in Finance: Sustainable and responsible investment.

Attendees can expect a dynamic agenda featuring keynote addresses, interactive panels, startup showcases, and curated networking opportunities designed to foster meaningful connections among innovators, investors, and policymakers.

“Thailand represents one of the most vibrant fintech markets in Southeast Asia, with strong potential for cross-regional collaboration,” said Loki So, Chief Operating Officer of WikiEXPO. “This event aims to position Bangkok as a key dialogue hub where ideas and partnerships can flourish.”

Join the Event for free! Registration is now available at:
https://www.wikiexpo.com/Thailand/2026/en/?c=D3vIvCla

Sponsor or Exhibit: Explore tailored partnership opportunities.
Contact: Loki So
Email: loki@wikiexpo.com
Telegram: https://t.me/Loki_wikiexpo_coo

About WikiEXPO
WikiEXPO is a global hub for financial innovation, uniting visionaries and leaders in fintech, forex, and crypto industries. With a worldwide community of over two million followers, our iconic summits—held in global capitals including Dubai, Hong Kong, Cyprus, Bangkok, Singapore, Sydney, South Africa, and beyond—attract over 10,000 attendees per event, sparking thousands of transformative partnerships annually. From cutting-edge startups to industry giants, we connect the brightest minds. After six years of rapid development, WikiEXPO has become one of the world’s largest and most influential events in the forex and crypto field. Join WikiEXPO to inspire, collaborate, and discover the future of fintech.

Event Details:
Date: April 24, 2026
Venue: Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, Thailand

Mark your calendars—April 24, 2026 in Bangkok. Let’s shape the future of fintech
together!

The World’s Most Exclusive Gathering for Web3, AI, and Digital Assets

Monaco — January 23, 2026 — Following the resounding success of its 2025 edition, WAIB Summit Monaco proudly announces its return on June 9–10, 2026, at the prestigious One Monte-Carlo, located in the heart of Monaco’s iconic Casino Square.

Recognized as one of the world’s most exclusive summits for Web3, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Assets, WAIB Summit Monaco 2026 will once again convene 2,000+ global attendees, including visionary founders, family offices, institutional investors, venture capitalists, regulators and policymakers, global brands, and thought leaders shaping the future of technology and innovation.

Building on the global momentum surrounding the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix, the summit uniquely blends cutting-edge innovation, luxury, and elite networking—transforming Monaco’s peak international spotlight into a gateway for the future of finance and the internet.

A Proven Global Impact

The 2025 edition of WAIB Summit Monaco featured:

150+ speakers from leading global organizations, including Microsoft, Coinbase, OKX, Galaxy Digital, B2C2, and AS Monaco, alongside many other world-class brands and institutions

50 top global KOLs with a combined audience of 6+ million followers

2,000+ international attendees

Over 1.3 million social media impressions

This momentum firmly established WAIB Summit Monaco as a landmark event for influence, investment, and impact across the Web3 and AI ecosystem.

Previous Sponsors & Partners

WAIB Summit Monaco has been proudly supported by 150+ leading global organizations and institutions across Web3, AI, finance, and academia, including:

Crypto.com, Animoca Brands, Internet Computer Protocol (ICP), Stacks, Ledger, CAMP, Nosana, iVault, Paybis, and Imperial College London.

Their participation underscores the summit’s credibility and its position as a trusted platform for global leaders and innovators.

What to Expect in 2026

WAIB Summit Monaco 2026 will deliver an expanded program of curated experiences and exclusive side events—bringing together top global exchanges, global banks and institutional leaders such as Standard Chartered, BNP Paribas, and Galaxy Digital, leading global family offices and institutional asset managers, alongside representatives from the Principality of Monaco and Liechtenstein—designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and capital formation at the highest level:

Family Offices Exclusive Meetup A private gathering connecting UHNWI, family offices, asset managers, and institutional investors in an intimate, trusted environment.

WAIB Summit Monte Carlo Awards Honoring excellence and breakthrough innovation across Web3, AI, and Digital Assets—celebrating the pioneers shaping the future of the decentralized economy.

VC & Startup Pitching Sessions A high-impact platform where selected Web3 and AI startups present groundbreaking innovations to leading venture capitalists and strategic investors.

AI & Web3 Hackathon Bringing together developers, builders, and innovators—partnering with global communities and top universities to create the next generation of decentralized and intelligent applications.

Top KOL VIP Gala An exclusive celebration of global leaders and creators in Web3 and AI, featuring private workshops and high-level discussions on creativity, technology, and influence.

AI Film Festival A celebration of AI-driven filmmaking, positioning artificial intelligence as a new creative engine for cinema and storytelling—exploring the evolving relationship between the creator and the created. The festival brings together filmmakers, artists, AI creators, and philosophers to collaborate and showcase new forms of creative expression.

AI Film Awards Jury Members Anthony Bourached — Associate Professor of Machine Learning & Creative AI at UCL,  Vincent Lowy — Former Head, ENS Louis-Lumière

Official Website: https://aifilmfest-monaco.com

The Moon Party An unforgettable closing celebration beneath the Monaco and Monte Carlo night sky, set on the beach along the Riviera coastline, bringing together founders, investors, and visionaries.

Tickets & Access

Official tickets for WAIB Summit Monaco 2026 are now available. Early-bird rates are available for a limited time. Website: https://waibsummit.com

https://app.moongate.id/e/waibsummitmonaco2026

About WAIB Summit

WAIB Summit (Web3 and AI Summit) is a global platform connecting thought leaders, investors, family offices, and innovators shaping the future of decentralized technology and artificial intelligence. Hosted in Monaco, following the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend, WAIB Summit blends Monaco’s timeless elegance with the vision of the digital age.

For Sponsorship, Partnerships, Speaking Opportunities, or Media Inquiries:

joseph@waibsummit.com

 

An invitation-only evening uniting fashion leadership, AI innovation, and the AI Fashion Design Award. Closing with a DJ set by Nikka Lorak

BERLIN, Germany (January, 26, 2026) – Fashion-tech platform yoona.ai will host the yoona Fashion Summit: Digital Couture & Fashion AI on January 29, 2026, positioning the event as a cultural and strategic opening moment on the eve of Berlin Fashion Week. Designed for fashion leaders, designers, and technology builders, the summit reflects a broader industry shift as artificial intelligence moves from experimentation into the core infrastructure of fashion.

The event will take place exclusively in the Cinema Room on the 5th floor of CIC Berlin, in collaboration with Venture Café as part of its Thursday Gathering. The private, high-definition cinema provides an intimate setting overlooking the city, designed for focused exchange, curated conversation, and high-signal networking on the eve of Fashion Week.

On Stage at the CIC Cinema: Fashion, AI, and International Industry in Conversation

The on-stage program opens with welcoming remarks by Ewa Gerez and Anna Franziska Michel, followed by a keynote from Sylvia Heisel, offering a forward-looking perspective on how creativity, technology, and new digital tools are reshaping fashion design, development, and market relevance.

Two core themes define the evening’s conversations. The first explores colour as a strategic commercial asset, with insights from Doug Bynum (natific) and Caitlin Kakoti (SwimUSA), joined by Janet Best, formerly of Marks & Spencer. Together, the speakers examine how colour decisions, supported by data and expertise, impact value creation across the fashion value chain.

The second focus turns to holistic digitisation in fashion, with Thomas Knick (nikkisfaktur) presenting his vision for connected digital systems, followed by a discussion with Clare Tattersall (NY Digital Fashion Week) and Stefan Gertsch (Gertsch Consulting) on how technology is already transforming fashion organisations today and their vision, from workflows and decision-making to long-term competitiveness.

AI Fashion Design Award: Live on Stage

At the centre of the yoona Fashion Summit, the AI Fashion Design Award, supported by natific, Gertsch Consulting, sustaineurs.de and yoona.ai, will be presented live on stage as part of the cinema program. Conceived as a global open call, the award recognises designers who work with artificial intelligence as a creative collaborator rather than a novelty.

Three Selected finalists will pitch their work during the event to an international jury, with the winner announced the same evening. 

The AI Fashion Design Award is evaluated by an international jury spanning fashion leadership, education, editorial, and fashion-tech, including Sylvia Heisel (Fashion-tech Innovator, NYC), Scott Lipinski (CEO, Fashion Council Germany, Berlin), Bianca Lang-Bognár (Brookmedia, Hamburg), Nikka Lorak (Fashion Photographer & DJ, London), Julian Guthrie (Parsons School of Design, NYC), Christoph Bergmann (Senior Partner, natific, Basel), and Andrea Talic & Lisa-Jasmin Tomm (Betty Barclay Design Team, Heidelberg).

Closing: Networking, Music, and Momentum

Following the on-stage program and award presentation, the evening transitions into curated networking, concluding with a DJ set by the Award Jury Member Nikka Lorak, marking a high-energy cultural prelude to Berlin Fashion Week.

Registration

Attendance is limited. Early RSVP is recommended. Event RSVP: https://luma.com/n44pf8k2 Award details: https://www.yoona.ai/bfw-ai-desigkn-award

About yoona.ai

yoona.ai is an AI-driven platform enabling fashion designers and retailers to create smarter, faster, and more commercially successful products and seamlessly bring them to e-commerce or production.

 

A US-based crypto theft has been linked to the theft of nearly 1,000 BTC (approximately $90 million), according to an onchain investigation published by blockchain analyst ZachXBT on X.

The investigation alleges that the teenager gained unauthorized access to funds belonging to clients of Unchained by exploiting credentials connected to his father, who reportedly worked with a US government agency involved in seized asset management.

Luxury Spending Led to De-Anonymization

Following the theft, the suspect drew attention by publicly flaunting large crypto holdings and extravagant spending, which ultimately contributed to his identification within cybercrime circles.

ZachXBT identified the threat actor as “John” (also known as Lick), who was observed flexing over $23 million in crypto assets across wallets directly linked to more than $90 million in suspected thefts. The activity is believed to involve funds originating from US government seizure addresses and multiple unidentified victims.

Recorded Telegram Dispute Exposed Wallet Control

According to the investigation, John was exposed during a heated Telegram group chat dispute with another threat actor known as Dritan Kapplani Jr., where participants attempted to prove wallet balances in what is referred to within “The Com” cybercrime community as a band-for-band (B4B) challenge.

The entire interaction was recorded. In the first segment, John screen-shared his Exodus wallet, revealing a Tron address holding approximately $2.3 million. In a subsequent segment, while Dritan continued mocking him, an additional $6.7 million worth of ETH was transferred into the same wallet in real time.

Screenshots from the recordings were shared by ZachXBT as part of the research.

Following the B4B interaction, John consolidated roughly $23 million into the Ethereum address 0xd8bc, with recordings clearly demonstrating his control over multiple linked addresses. ZachXBT noted that additional wallets may be identifiable through further analysis of the footage.

Funds Traced to US Government Seizure Addresses

Tracing the funds backward, ZachXBT found that one of the wallets received $24.9 million in March 2024 from a US government-linked address associated with the Bitfinex hack seizure — an issue previously reported by the analyst in October 2024.

The same address is reportedly tied to over $63 million in inflows from suspected victims and government seizure wallets during Q4 2025.

Separately, another 4,170 ETH (approximately $12.4 million) was received earlier today from the crypto exchange MEXC, with the funds flowing into the same consolidation address 0xd8bc.

Prior Arrest and Ongoing Rumors

ZachXBT also highlighted John’s extensive Telegram history, where he frequently boasted about his net worth while disparaging others as “broke.”

Rumors circulating within cybercrime Telegram channels suggest the individual may be John Daghitia, who was reportedly arrested in September 2025. However, no official confirmation has been made regarding his identity at the time of publication.

The World’s Most Exclusive Gathering for Web3, AI, and Digital Assets

Monaco — January 23, 2026 — Following the resounding success of its 2025 edition, WAIB Summit Monaco proudly announces its return on June 9–10, 2026, at the prestigious One Monte-Carlo, located in the heart of Monaco’s iconic Casino Square.

Recognized as one of the world’s most exclusive summits for Web3, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Assets, WAIB Summit Monaco 2026 will once again convene 2,000+ global attendees, including visionary founders, family offices, institutional investors, venture capitalists, regulators and policymakers, global brands, and thought leaders shaping the future of technology and innovation.

Building on the global momentum surrounding the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix, the summit uniquely blends cutting-edge innovation, luxury, and elite networking—transforming Monaco’s peak international spotlight into a gateway for the future of finance and the internet.

A Proven Global Impact

The 2025 edition of WAIB Summit Monaco featured:

150+ speakers from leading global organizations, including Microsoft, Coinbase, OKX, Galaxy Digital, B2C2, and AS Monaco, alongside many other world-class brands and institutions

50 top global KOLs with a combined audience of 6+ million followers

2,000+ international attendees

Over 1.3 million social media impressions

This momentum firmly established WAIB Summit Monaco as a landmark event for influence, investment, and impact across the Web3 and AI ecosystem.

Previous Sponsors & Partners

WAIB Summit Monaco has been proudly supported by 150+ leading global organizations and institutions across Web3, AI, finance, and academia, including:

Crypto.com, Animoca Brands, Internet Computer Protocol (ICP), Stacks, Ledger, CAMP, Nosana, iVault, Paybis, and Imperial College London.

Their participation underscores the summit’s credibility and its position as a trusted platform for global leaders and innovators.

What to Expect in 2026

WAIB Summit Monaco 2026 will deliver an expanded program of curated experiences and exclusive side events—bringing together top global exchanges, global banks and institutional leaders such as Standard Chartered, BNP Paribas, and Galaxy Digital, leading global family offices and institutional asset managers, alongside representatives from the Principality of Monaco and Liechtenstein—designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and capital formation at the highest level:

Family Offices Exclusive Meetup
A private gathering connecting UHNWI, family offices, asset managers, and institutional investors in an intimate, trusted environment.

WAIB Summit Monte Carlo Awards
Honoring excellence and breakthrough innovation across Web3, AI, and Digital Assets—celebrating the pioneers shaping the future of the decentralized economy.

VC & Startup Pitching Sessions
A high-impact platform where selected Web3 and AI startups present groundbreaking innovations to leading venture capitalists and strategic investors.

AI & Web3 Hackathon
Bringing together developers, builders, and innovators—partnering with global communities and top universities to create the next generation of decentralized and intelligent applications.

Top KOL VIP Gala
An exclusive celebration of global leaders and creators in Web3 and AI, featuring private workshops and high-level discussions on creativity, technology, and influence.

AI Film Festival
A celebration of AI-driven filmmaking, positioning artificial intelligence as a new creative engine for cinema and storytelling—exploring the evolving relationship between the creator and the created. The festival brings together filmmakers, artists, AI creators, and philosophers to collaborate and showcase new forms of creative expression.

AI Film Awards Jury Members
Anthony Bourached — Associate Professor of Machine Learning & Creative AI at UCL,  Vincent Lowy — Former Head, ENS Louis-Lumière

Official Website: https://aifilmfest-monaco.com

The Moon Party
An unforgettable closing celebration beneath the Monaco and Monte Carlo night sky, set on the beach along the Riviera coastline, bringing together founders, investors, and visionaries.

Tickets & Access

Official tickets for WAIB Summit Monaco 2026 are now available.
Early-bird rates are available for a limited time.
Website: https://waibsummit.com

https://app.moongate.id/e/waibsummitmonaco2026

About WAIB Summit

WAIB Summit (Web3 and AI Summit) is a global platform connecting thought leaders, investors, family offices, and innovators shaping the future of decentralized technology and artificial intelligence. Hosted in Monaco, following the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend, WAIB Summit blends Monaco’s timeless elegance with the vision of the digital age.

For Sponsorship, Partnerships, Speaking Opportunities, or Media Inquiries:

joseph@waibsummit.com

 

From expo floor to VIP dinners: AIBC Eurasia 2026

The AIBC Eurasia exhibition opens a new year, returning to Dubai for the sixth time. The summit will take place at Dubai Festival City – Festival Arena from February 9 to 11 and will include a two-day conference and exhibition focused on cutting-edge technologies. Whether you are a newcomer or an experienced participant, we have prepared a guide for you that will ensure a smooth journey from the moment you land. From engaging panel discussions and event guide apps to exclusive networking opportunities – here you will find everything you need to know.

A US-based crypto theft has been linked to the theft of nearly 1,000 BTC (approximately $90 million), according to an onchain investigation published by blockchain analyst ZachXBT on X.

The investigation alleges that the teenager gained unauthorized access to funds belonging to clients of Unchained by exploiting credentials connected to his father, who reportedly worked with a US government agency involved in seized asset management.

Luxury Spending Led to De-Anonymization

Following the theft, the suspect drew attention by publicly flaunting large crypto holdings and extravagant spending, which ultimately contributed to his identification within cybercrime circles.

ZachXBT identified the threat actor as “John” (also known as Lick), who was observed flexing over $23 million in crypto assets across wallets directly linked to more than $90 million in suspected thefts. The activity is believed to involve funds originating from US government seizure addresses and multiple unidentified victims.

Recorded Telegram Dispute Exposed Wallet Control

According to the investigation, John was exposed during a heated Telegram group chat dispute with another threat actor known as Dritan Kapplani Jr., where participants attempted to prove wallet balances in what is referred to within “The Com” cybercrime community as a band-for-band (B4B) challenge.

The entire interaction was recorded. In the first segment, John screen-shared his Exodus wallet, revealing a Tron address holding approximately $2.3 million. In a subsequent segment, while Dritan continued mocking him, an additional $6.7 million worth of ETH was transferred into the same wallet in real time.

Screenshots from the recordings were shared by ZachXBT as part of the research.

Following the B4B interaction, John consolidated roughly $23 million into the Ethereum address 0xd8bc, with recordings clearly demonstrating his control over multiple linked addresses. ZachXBT noted that additional wallets may be identifiable through further analysis of the footage.

Funds Traced to US Government Seizure Addresses

Tracing the funds backward, ZachXBT found that one of the wallets received $24.9 million in March 2024 from a US government-linked address associated with the Bitfinex hack seizure — an issue previously reported by the analyst in October 2024.

The same address is reportedly tied to over $63 million in inflows from suspected victims and government seizure wallets during Q4 2025.

Separately, another 4,170 ETH (approximately $12.4 million) was received earlier today from the crypto exchange MEXC, with the funds flowing into the same consolidation address 0xd8bc.

Prior Arrest and Ongoing Rumors

ZachXBT also highlighted John’s extensive Telegram history, where he frequently boasted about his net worth while disparaging others as “broke.”

Rumors circulating within cybercrime Telegram channels suggest the individual may be John Daghitia, who was reportedly arrested in September 2025. However, no official confirmation has been made regarding his identity at the time of publication.

The HSC Asset Management Conference is coming to Hong Kong, one of the world’s leading financial hubs where East meets West and institutional capital converges with emerging technologies.

Designed as a high-efficiency environment for fundraising, networking and deal-making, HSC connects global funds, family offices and institutional investors with high-growth founders and real business opportunities across Web3 and emerging technologies.

This one-day conference will bring together institutional investors, venture capital funds, family offices, global asset managers and ecosystem leaders, alongside founders building in Web3, AI, RWA tokenization, DeFi, PayFi, fintech and infrastructure.

Confirmed speakers include founders and senior executives from leading global companies and investment firms such as Offchain Labs, Animoca Brands, Maelstrom, Franklin Templeton, World Liberty Financial, Maximum Frequency Ventures, EY, and other organizations shaping the next financial cycle.

HSC Hong Kong 2026 unites capital allocators, founders and decision-makers from institutional finance, Web2 and Web3 funds, and family offices, with a focused agenda around the most relevant themes driving long-term value creation: AI, DeFi, RWA, PayFi and financial infrastructure.

The conference will take place on February 12, 2026, at Hopewell Hotel Hong Kong, and will feature an exclusive VIP Lounge designed for high-value, private conversations between founders and investors away from the main audience.

Join the HSC Asset Management Conference in Hong Kong and explore the future of global finance alongside industry leaders and capital decision-makers. Registration is now open.

https://luma.com/hack_hong_kong

For media inquiries, please contact: E-mail: daria@mpost.io

Telegram: dgvrlchik

The HSC Asset Management Conference is coming to Hong Kong, one of the world’s leading financial hubs where East meets West and institutional capital converges with emerging technologies.

Designed as a high-efficiency environment for fundraising, networking and deal-making, HSC connects global funds, family offices and institutional investors with high-growth founders and real business opportunities across Web3 and emerging technologies.

This one-day conference will bring together institutional investors, venture capital funds, family offices, global asset managers and ecosystem leaders, alongside founders building in Web3, AI, RWA tokenization, DeFi, PayFi, fintech and infrastructure.

Confirmed speakers include founders and senior executives from leading global companies and investment firms such as Offchain Labs, Animoca Brands, Maelstrom, Franklin Templeton, World Liberty Financial, Maximum Frequency Ventures, EY, and other organizations shaping the next financial cycle.

HSC Hong Kong 2026 unites capital allocators, founders and decision-makers from institutional finance, Web2 and Web3 funds, and family offices, with a focused agenda around the most relevant themes driving long-term value creation: AI, DeFi, RWA, PayFi and financial infrastructure.

The conference will take place on February 12, 2026, at Hopewell Hotel Hong Kong, and will feature an exclusive VIP Lounge designed for high-value, private conversations between founders and investors away from the main audience.

Join the HSC Asset Management Conference in Hong Kong and explore the future of global finance alongside industry leaders and capital decision-makers. Registration is now open.

https://luma.com/hack_hong_kong

For media inquiries, please contact:
E-mail: daria@mpost.io

Telegram: dgvrlchik

Blockchain analytics firm Elliptic says it has identified a wallet network linked to the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) that was used to acquire at least $507 million worth of cryptoassets — primarily USDT, Tether’s U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin.

The findings, published in a new Elliptic report, suggest the Iranian state may have relied on stablecoins to circumvent international sanctions, facilitate trade flows outside the traditional banking system, and potentially support the rial, which experienced sharp devaluation during the same period.

It indicates a sophisticated strategy to bypass the global banking system.

From Currency Crisis to Stablecoins: Why Iran May Have Turned to USDT

Elliptic links the surge in CBI-associated USDT holdings to a period of extreme economic stress in Iran. According to the report, the rial lost roughly half of its value in just eight months, reaching record lows against the U.S. dollar — creating pressure for authorities to find alternative tools for market intervention.

Because Iran is restricted from accessing SWIFT and the global banking system, Elliptic argues the central bank likely used stablecoins as a substitute for traditional FX operations — effectively buying rials with USDT through domestic rails that would normally rely on official reserves.

The bulk of acquisitions appears to have taken place in spring 2025, based on leaked documents describing purchases of USDT in April and May 2025. Elliptic says these leads allowed researchers to map a broader wallet infrastructure tied to systematic accumulation.

Nobitex, Bridges, and the Post-Hack Shift in Flows

The report states that, until early June 2025, most of the USDT linked to the central bank was routed to Nobitex, Iran’s largest crypto exchange, where users can store USDT, exchange it for other cryptoassets, or sell it for Iranian rials. Elliptic notes that after early June, flows increasingly moved away from Nobitex and toward a cross-chain bridge, marking a shift to infrastructure that could enable more opaque routing across networks.

The change coincided with a major Nobitex security incident: an Israel-linked hacking group attacked the exchange in mid-June 2025, reportedly aiming to disrupt the IRGC’s alleged use of the platform. Elliptic has previously reported the Nobitex hack, and international outlets also covered the breach as politically motivated rather than purely profit-driven.

Elliptic added that blockchain transparency still allows investigators and compliance actors to identify suspicious flows — suggesting that, while stablecoins can help bypass parts of the traditional financial system, on-chain trails can still be tracked and potentially frozen or blocked.

Blockchain analytics firm Elliptic says it has identified a wallet network linked to the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) that was used to acquire at least $507 million worth of cryptoassets — primarily USDT, Tether’s U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin.

The findings, published in a new Elliptic report, suggest the Iranian state may have relied on stablecoins to circumvent international sanctions, facilitate trade flows outside the traditional banking system, and potentially support the rial, which experienced sharp devaluation during the same period.

It indicates a sophisticated strategy to bypass the global banking system.

From Currency Crisis to Stablecoins: Why Iran May Have Turned to USDT

Elliptic links the surge in CBI-associated USDT holdings to a period of extreme economic stress in Iran. According to the report, the rial lost roughly half of its value in just eight months, reaching record lows against the U.S. dollar — creating pressure for authorities to find alternative tools for market intervention.

Because Iran is restricted from accessing SWIFT and the global banking system, Elliptic argues the central bank likely used stablecoins as a substitute for traditional FX operations — effectively buying rials with USDT through domestic rails that would normally rely on official reserves.

The bulk of acquisitions appears to have taken place in spring 2025, based on leaked documents describing purchases of USDT in April and May 2025. Elliptic says these leads allowed researchers to map a broader wallet infrastructure tied to systematic accumulation.

Nobitex, Bridges, and the Post-Hack Shift in Flows

The report states that, until early June 2025, most of the USDT linked to the central bank was routed to Nobitex, Iran’s largest crypto exchange, where users can store USDT, exchange it for other cryptoassets, or sell it for Iranian rials.
Elliptic notes that after early June, flows increasingly moved away from Nobitex and toward a cross-chain bridge, marking a shift to infrastructure that could enable more opaque routing across networks.

The change coincided with a major Nobitex security incident: an Israel-linked hacking group attacked the exchange in mid-June 2025, reportedly aiming to disrupt the IRGC’s alleged use of the platform. Elliptic has previously reported the Nobitex hack, and international outlets also covered the breach as politically motivated rather than purely profit-driven.

Elliptic added that blockchain transparency still allows investigators and compliance actors to identify suspicious flows — suggesting that, while stablecoins can help bypass parts of the traditional financial system, on-chain trails can still be tracked and potentially frozen or blocked.

Layer-1 blockchain protocol Saga has temporarily halted its SagaEVM environment after a smart contract exploit resulted in nearly $7 million in assets being bridged out to Ethereum, the team said in a late-night update on X.

According to Saga, the incident was contained to a specific chainlet, while the broader Saga ecosystem remains operational.

We’re working with partners on remediation and will publish a post-mortem once findings are fully validated. $7M of USDC was bridged out and converted to ETH.

Saga confirmed that SagaEVM was paused at block height 6,593,800, citing a “confirmed exploit” on the SagaEVM chainlet. The protocol added that mitigation is in progress and further updates will be shared once details are verified.

What Happened: Network Halted to Contain Further Damage

Saga said the decision to pause SagaEVM was made “out of an abundance of caution” as engineering and security teams investigate the incident and validate the full scope of potential impact. The team outlined four priorities guiding the response process:
– prevent further harm by keeping SagaEVM paused,
– validate exposure using archive data and execution traces,
– harden affected components before restarting the chain,
– communicate only confirmed facts.

Saga acknowledged that the pause is disruptive but emphasized that community safety was the main reason behind the shutdown.

Scope of Impact: SagaEVM Chainlet Affected, Mainnet Still Running

Saga stated the security incident impacted:
– SagaEVM chainlet
– Colt and Mustang

Notably, the protocol said the following were not affected:

– Saga SSC mainnet (remains operational)
– Saga protocol consensus
– Validator security
– Other Saga chainlets

On-chain tracking indicates the attacker moved close to $7M worth of USDC, yUSD, ETH, and tBTC to Ethereum mainnet.

Rising Exploit Fatigue Across DeFi

The incident adds to growing user concerns around recurring DeFi smart contract exploits, following a year marked by frequent vulnerabilities and liquidity drains. While Saga insists its underlying infrastructure remains intact, the exploit highlights the ongoing security pressure faced by multi-environment blockchain architectures — especially those relying on bridging and app-specific execution layers.

Saga is expected to publish a full post-mortem after remediation is completed and findings are fully validated.

Layer-1 blockchain protocol Saga has temporarily halted its SagaEVM environment after a smart contract exploit resulted in nearly $7 million in assets being bridged out to Ethereum, the team said in a late-night update on X.

According to Saga, the incident was contained to a specific chainlet, while the broader Saga ecosystem remains operational.

We’re working with partners on remediation and will publish a post-mortem once findings are fully validated. $7M of USDC was bridged out and converted to ETH.

Saga confirmed that SagaEVM was paused at block height 6,593,800, citing a “confirmed exploit” on the SagaEVM chainlet. The protocol added that mitigation is in progress and further updates will be shared once details are verified.

What Happened: Network Halted to Contain Further Damage

Saga said the decision to pause SagaEVM was made “out of an abundance of caution” as engineering and security teams investigate the incident and validate the full scope of potential impact. The team outlined four priorities guiding the response process: – prevent further harm by keeping SagaEVM paused, – validate exposure using archive data and execution traces, – harden affected components before restarting the chain, – communicate only confirmed facts.

Saga acknowledged that the pause is disruptive but emphasized that community safety was the main reason behind the shutdown.

Scope of Impact: SagaEVM Chainlet Affected, Mainnet Still Running

Saga stated the security incident impacted: – SagaEVM chainlet – Colt and Mustang

Notably, the protocol said the following were not affected:

– Saga SSC mainnet (remains operational) – Saga protocol consensus – Validator security – Other Saga chainlets

On-chain tracking indicates the attacker moved close to $7M worth of USDC, yUSD, ETH, and tBTC to Ethereum mainnet.

Rising Exploit Fatigue Across DeFi

The incident adds to growing user concerns around recurring DeFi smart contract exploits, following a year marked by frequent vulnerabilities and liquidity drains. While Saga insists its underlying infrastructure remains intact, the exploit highlights the ongoing security pressure faced by multi-environment blockchain architectures — especially those relying on bridging and app-specific execution layers.

Saga is expected to publish a full post-mortem after remediation is completed and findings are fully validated.

NEWS DIGEST – 22.01.2026  

What happened: Major financial institutions including BlackRock, J.P. Morgan, and Mastercard gathered in London for the annual London Digital Assets Forum — a key event on institutional crypto adoption, regulation and infrastructure collaboration.  

Why it matters: High-profile participation signals that traditional finance is increasingly embracing digital assets as more than just speculative instruments. Institutional dialogue on custody, tokenization and compliance frameworks could accelerate regulated product development globally.

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2) BitGo IPO — first major crypto public listing of 2026

What happened: Custody and infrastructure provider BitGo went public on the NYSE with a valuation near $2.1 billion, marking the first major crypto-related IPO of the year.  

Why it matters: A high-valuation IPO in crypto infrastructure reflects growing investor confidence in foundational tech — especially in custody, security and regulated services. This could encourage other crypto firms to pursue public markets.

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3) Nomura-backed tokenized Bitcoin yield fund launches

What happened: Japanese bank–backed Laser Digital introduced a tokenized Bitcoin yield-bearing fund, designed to deliver BTC performance plus yield — a hybrid instrument aiming to compete with traditional fixed-income products.  

Why it matters: Tokenized yield products blend decentralized and conventional finance, offering institutional and retail investors alternative ways to gain exposure to Bitcoin while earning returns. This broadens crypto’s appeal as a diversified asset class.

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4) Binance lists Ripple USD (RLUSD), expands XRP ecosystem trading

What happened: Binance added Ripple USD (RLUSD) trading pairs (RLUSD/USDT & RLUSD/USDC) and announced upcoming support for the XRP Ledger, which aims to boost RLUSD liquidity and network activity.  

Why it matters: Expanding stablecoin offerings tied to the XRP ecosystem, combined with growing XRP ETF narratives this year, strengthens demand channels across institutions and retail markets — possibly aiding XRPL adoption.

NEWS DIGEST – 22.01.2026  

1) Global institutional adoption in focus at London Digital Assets Forum

What happened: Major financial institutions including BlackRock, J.P. Morgan, and Mastercard gathered in London for the annual London Digital Assets Forum — a key event on institutional crypto adoption, regulation and infrastructure collaboration.  

Why it matters: High-profile participation signals that traditional finance is increasingly embracing digital assets as more than just speculative instruments. Institutional dialogue on custody, tokenization and compliance frameworks could accelerate regulated product development globally.

⸻

2) BitGo IPO — first major crypto public listing of 2026

What happened: Custody and infrastructure provider BitGo went public on the NYSE with a valuation near $2.1 billion, marking the first major crypto-related IPO of the year.  

Why it matters: A high-valuation IPO in crypto infrastructure reflects growing investor confidence in foundational tech — especially in custody, security and regulated services. This could encourage other crypto firms to pursue public markets.

⸻

3) Nomura-backed tokenized Bitcoin yield fund launches

What happened: Japanese bank–backed Laser Digital introduced a tokenized Bitcoin yield-bearing fund, designed to deliver BTC performance plus yield — a hybrid instrument aiming to compete with traditional fixed-income products.  

Why it matters: Tokenized yield products blend decentralized and conventional finance, offering institutional and retail investors alternative ways to gain exposure to Bitcoin while earning returns. This broadens crypto’s appeal as a diversified asset class.

⸻

4) Binance lists Ripple USD (RLUSD), expands XRP ecosystem trading

What happened: Binance added Ripple USD (RLUSD) trading pairs (RLUSD/USDT & RLUSD/USDC) and announced upcoming support for the XRP Ledger, which aims to boost RLUSD liquidity and network activity.  

Why it matters: Expanding stablecoin offerings tied to the XRP ecosystem, combined with growing XRP ETF narratives this year, strengthens demand channels across institutions and retail markets — possibly aiding XRPL adoption.

Donald Trump delivered a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Key points:

Congress is working on regulating the structure of the cryptocurrency market (the CLARITY Act).

Trump declared that the U.S. has defeated inflation and achieved the fastest economic turnaround in the country’s history. The economy is growing faster than IMF forecasts. U.S. manufacturing is expanding, and the trade deficit is shrinking due to tariffs.

The United States sees itself as the engine of the global economy: U.S. growth equals global growth. Europe, he said, is moving in the wrong direction.

The U.S. is strengthening its energy policy, including cooperation with Venezuela on oil, with the goal of reducing gasoline prices to below $2 per gallon.

The launch of nuclear reactors has been approved, and nuclear energy was described as safe.

In the field of artificial intelligence, the U.S. is ahead of China.

The U.S. is imposing tariffs to protect its economy.

Greenland is described as a key strategic location that currently lacks adequate protection. The U.S. wants to purchase Greenland.

Donald Trump stated that he is in talks with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, emphasizing that all parties are interested in reaching agreements.

Donald Trump delivered a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Key points:

Congress is working on regulating the structure of the cryptocurrency market (the CLARITY Act).

Trump declared that the U.S. has defeated inflation and achieved the fastest economic turnaround in the country’s history. The economy is growing faster than IMF forecasts. U.S. manufacturing is expanding, and the trade deficit is shrinking due to tariffs.

The United States sees itself as the engine of the global economy: U.S. growth equals global growth. Europe, he said, is moving in the wrong direction.

The U.S. is strengthening its energy policy, including cooperation with Venezuela on oil, with the goal of reducing gasoline prices to below $2 per gallon.

The launch of nuclear reactors has been approved, and nuclear energy was described as safe.

In the field of artificial intelligence, the U.S. is ahead of China.

The U.S. is imposing tariffs to protect its economy.

Greenland is described as a key strategic location that currently lacks adequate protection. The U.S. wants to purchase Greenland.

Donald Trump stated that he is in talks with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, emphasizing that all parties are interested in reaching agreements.

Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG) has announced February 2, 2026 as the record date for its upcoming digital token initiative. Shareholders who hold at least one whole share of DJT stock as of that date will be eligible to receive digital tokens and related incentives, according to a company announcement reported by Street Insider.

The initiative marks Trump Media’s latest step into blockchain-based shareholder engagement, following earlier signals that the company was exploring tokenized rewards tied to its ecosystem.

Eligibility Depends on Shareholder Status and Broker Reporting

According to the company, eligibility will be limited to ultimate beneficial owners and registered holders of DJT shares on the record date. Trump Media stated it will work with brokerage participants to collect shareholder information, but warned that certain designations—specifically objecting beneficial owner (OBO) status—could delay or prevent timely data sharing.

As a result, the company advised shareholders to confirm their status with their brokers or consider direct registration of shares to ensure inclusion in the token allocation process.

Crypto.com to Handle Token Minting and Custody

Following the February 2 record date, Trump Media plans to partner with Crypto.com to mint the digital tokens, record them on the blockchain, and custody the assets ahead of distribution. The company said additional details regarding allocation mechanics and timelines will be released at a later stage.

Trump Media also reiterated that the digital tokens will not represent equity ownership, will not be transferable, and cannot be exchanged for cash. Only shareholders holding DJT shares outright—as opposed to stock borrowers—will qualify.

As previously disclosed, the company expects to roll out periodic rewards throughout the year for eligible shareholders. These may include discounts or benefits linked to Trump Media products such as Truth Social, Truth+, and Truth Predict.

Trump Media CEO and Chairman Devin Nunes said:

“We look forward to leveraging Crypto.com’s blockchain technology consistent with Securities and Exchange Commission guidance to benefit our shareholders and promote transparency, including by obtaining a clear picture of bona fide beneficial ownership as of the record date.”

Trump Media & Technology Group is a U.S.-based media and technology company headquartered in Sarasota, Florida. It operates the Truth Social platform and is majority-owned by the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust.

Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG) has announced February 2, 2026 as the record date for its upcoming digital token initiative. Shareholders who hold at least one whole share of DJT stock as of that date will be eligible to receive digital tokens and related incentives, according to a company announcement reported by Street Insider.

The initiative marks Trump Media’s latest step into blockchain-based shareholder engagement, following earlier signals that the company was exploring tokenized rewards tied to its ecosystem.

Eligibility Depends on Shareholder Status and Broker Reporting

According to the company, eligibility will be limited to ultimate beneficial owners and registered holders of DJT shares on the record date. Trump Media stated it will work with brokerage participants to collect shareholder information, but warned that certain designations—specifically objecting beneficial owner (OBO) status—could delay or prevent timely data sharing.

As a result, the company advised shareholders to confirm their status with their brokers or consider direct registration of shares to ensure inclusion in the token allocation process.

Crypto.com to Handle Token Minting and Custody

Following the February 2 record date, Trump Media plans to partner with Crypto.com to mint the digital tokens, record them on the blockchain, and custody the assets ahead of distribution. The company said additional details regarding allocation mechanics and timelines will be released at a later stage.

Trump Media also reiterated that the digital tokens will not represent equity ownership, will not be transferable, and cannot be exchanged for cash. Only shareholders holding DJT shares outright—as opposed to stock borrowers—will qualify.

As previously disclosed, the company expects to roll out periodic rewards throughout the year for eligible shareholders. These may include discounts or benefits linked to Trump Media products such as Truth Social, Truth+, and Truth Predict.

Trump Media CEO and Chairman Devin Nunes said:

“We look forward to leveraging Crypto.com’s blockchain technology consistent with Securities and Exchange Commission guidance to benefit our shareholders and promote transparency, including by obtaining a clear picture of bona fide beneficial ownership as of the record date.”

Trump Media & Technology Group is a U.S.-based media and technology company headquartered in Sarasota, Florida. It operates the Truth Social platform and is majority-owned by the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust.