StraitsX is expanding its stablecoin network to link Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and Japan, enabling real-time cross-border payments from 2026. The system will let travellers and merchants use local wallets while settlements happen instantly in domestic currencies, with XSGD facilitating the transactions behind the scenes.

Forward Industries announced a $1 billion share buyback and filed a resale prospectus with the US SEC to strengthen investor confidence.

Apple is developing its first low-cost Mac laptop, priced between $599 and $699, aimed at students, casual users, and budget-conscious buyers. The device will use an A-series iPhone chip, have a smaller display, and target Chromebooks, Windows laptops, and entry-level iPad users.

Stream Finance has paused all deposits and withdrawals after an external fund manager caused a $93 million loss. Its stablecoin XUSD dropped sharply below $1, and the platform has hired legal experts to investigate and recover remaining assets.

OpenAI has signed a seven-year, $38 billion deal with Amazon to use AWS and hundreds of thousands of Nvidia GPUs for its AI projects. This move gives OpenAI more computing power and independence from Microsoft as it expands its global AI infrastructure.

A crypto trader known as The White Whale had $3 million frozen by MEXC over alleged automated trading, which he denied. The exchange apologised and released the funds after public pressure and scrutiny highlighted issues with its account and withdrawal processes.

Meta has been sued by two adult film studios that claim the company illegally downloaded thousands of their videos to train its AI systems. Meta denied the accusations, saying the claims are based on guesswork and that any downloads may have come from individuals using its network for personal use.

Iran is cracking down on illegal crypto mining as unlicensed operations consume massive amounts of electricity, threatening the national grid. The government is offering rewards to informants, but cheap power and high profits continue to fuel widespread unauthorised mining.

British Columbia has made its temporary ban on new crypto mining connections permanent. The decision blocks crypto miners from accessing the province’s clean energy grid.

X has launched a Handle Marketplace allowing Premium subscribers to claim inactive usernames, with Priority handles free but tied to a subscription and Rare handles costing from $2,500 to over $1 million. Critics warn the system may favour wealthier users and raise questions over fairness and control of digital identities.