Blockstream CEO Adam Back criticized Nic Carter on X on Friday for amplifying quantum risk narratives around Bitcoin. Carter said Castle Island Ventures invested in Project Eleven and disclosed the stake on October 20. The debate deepened after Charles Edwards warned that quantum computers could threaten Bitcoin within 2–9 years if security is not upgraded.

On December 20 2025, cybersecurity firm Kaspersky detailed a new infostealer malware called Stealka that is being distributed through pirated mods and cheats for Roblox and other Windows games. The malware targets browser data, crypto wallet extensions, standalone wallet apps, password managers, 2FA tools, and messaging and VPN clients to capture credentials and digital assets. Kaspersky reported detections mainly in Russia with cases also seen in Türkiye, Brazil, Germany, and India, and urged users to avoid unofficial mods, secure their accounts, and limit sensitive data stored in browsers.

Rep. Min Byoung-dug of South Korea’s Democratic Party urged the government to institutionalize and expand the legal use of stablecoins to protect payment sovereignty. Speaking at the final session of the eighth Global Business Forum in Seoul, he said stablecoins are now essential for cross-border payments and trade, warning that delays could entrench reliance on dollar-pegged assets.

South Korea plans to sign new regulations for its artificial intelligence sector in January, with the AI Framework Act expected to take effect on January 22, 2026. According to industry sources, the framework will establish a national AI committee, mandate a three-year plan, and impose safety, transparency, and disclosure rules, including watermarking. A survey reported that 98% of 101 local AI firms lack compliance systems.

On December 14, 2025, Pakistan's finance ministry announced an MoU with Binance to advise on tokenizing up to $2 billion in state-owned assets. The non-binding pact envisions six months to finalize definitive agreements and is subject to regulatory approvals. Pakistan also granted No Objection Certificates to Binance and HTX to begin local licensing and AML registration.

On December 13 2025, the Surat sub-zonal office of India's Enforcement Directorate in Ahmedabad filed a charge sheet under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act against five people linked to cybercrime and fraud totaling Rs. 104.15 crore (about $11 million). Authorities allege the group ran online investment and digital asset scams, funneled funds through mule accounts and crypto wallets, and used fake official notices, while police have urged residents to exercise caution when sharing data or engaging with online investment offers.

South Korea's Financial Services Commission is developing provisions requiring cryptocurrency exchanges to compensate users for losses from security incidents or system failures, regardless of fault. The proposal follows a November 27 breach at Upbit that resulted in approximately $30.1 million in stolen digital assets. The no-fault compensation framework would mirror obligations currently imposed on traditional financial institutions under existing financial transaction laws.

Pakistan has lost more than $600 million through unauthorized cryptocurrency transactions, according to the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan. Residents are converting local currency to dollars via exchange firms, then moving funds into digital assets through unregulated channels. The outflows have reduced dollar inflows to the formal banking system, with sales from exchange companies to banks dropping from approximately $4 billion to $3 billion year-over-year.

Major South Korean cryptocurrency exchanges are experiencing financial strain as trading volumes decline amid a broader market downturn. Dunamu reported operating profits of 235.3 billion won ($161.7 million) in the third quarter, reflecting a 180% year-over-year increase, while Bithumb recorded operating profits of 70.1 billion won, an eightfold rise. Industry officials warn that heavy reliance on trading fees exposes platforms to market volatility.