Technology

The United Arab Emirates is accelerating its transition from blockchain experimentation to institutional implementation, positioning itself as a global center for tokenized financial infrastructure. Supported by regulatory oversight from Abu Dhabi Global Market and Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority, the UAE has developed a structured framework for digital asset issuance, custody, and trading. By 2026, the ecosystem will include regulated exchanges, custodians, and tokenization platforms backed by more than US $2.5 trillion in regional sovereign and quasi-sovereign assets under management. Global firms such as ADDX, Atlas Merchant Capital, DigiFT, M2, and Securitize are expanding operations within the jurisdiction.

Bitcoin breached the critical $73,000 support level on February 3, 2026, dropping to $72,884 and marking its lowest price since November 2024. The decline represents a 40% pullback from the October 2025 all-time high of $126,210. The breakdown occurred amid $2.56 billion in single-day liquidations and broader risk-off sentiment in global markets. Policy delays, geopolitical uncertainty, and liquidation pressure contributed to the sell-off. Analysts are monitoring whether Bitcoin can reclaim $73,000 or if the level will act as resistance, with the $60,000-$70,000 range identified as the next major demand zone.

The AI narrative is shifting from conversational chatbots to autonomous agents that can transact, allocate capital, and manage compliance without human intervention. In fintech and crypto, this agent-to-agent economy is supported by blockchain-based financial rails and non-custodial intelligence systems. As deepfakes increase identity risk, blockchain authentication is emerging as a core trust layer. Europe is positioning itself as a leader through compliance-native and sovereign AI development, particularly in Paris, London, and Berlin. By 2026, competitive advantage increasingly depends on delegating operational authority to AI systems while maintaining regulatory oversight under frameworks such as the EU AI Act.

Global cryptocurrency adoption has doubled since 2018, according to the Gemini State of Crypto 2025 Report. Nearly 24% of the population now owns crypto, with strong growth in the United Kingdom and Singapore. A clearer U.S. regulatory environment, including a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, has improved confidence among investors. Institutional products such as Spot Crypto ETFs have simplified access, while memecoins have emerged as unexpected entry points. Awareness is nearly universal, and digital assets are increasingly seen as inflation hedges rather than speculative tools, reflecting a shift toward market maturity and broader integration in investor portfolios.

The U.S. and Ukraine just signed a minerals agreement that’s been in the works for a while now. It’s part geopolitical strategy, part resource grab, and part investment opportunity. There’s a lot packed into this thing, and not all of it’s clear yet. But it’s worth looking at what’s in …

The European Union’s AI Act entered its first enforcement phase on February 2, targeting artificial intelligence systems labeled as “unacceptable risk.” This includes bans on social scoring, real-time biometric surveillance in public, and emotionally manipulative AI. While these provisions are now active, broader rules covering high-risk systems, AI literacy, and transparency will come into force gradually through 2027. Companies operating in or selling into the EU must begin compliance planning now. Penalties for non-compliance, including fines up to €35 million or 7% of global revenue, will begin in August 2025.

The UK government is reviving plans to develop a “Silicon Valley” equivalent in the Oxford-Cambridge ARC, aiming to boost national GDP and create 100,000 high-skilled jobs by 2035. Backed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, alongside Oxford and Cambridge Universities and FTSE 100 companies, the initiative focuses on AI, infrastructure, and private capital investment. Highlighted success stories include Arm Holdings and Darktrace. While the potential is significant, global AI competition presents risks. If successful, the project could contribute £78 billion to UK GDP and help fund major public initiatives like the New Hospital Programme.

Cryptocurrencies aren’t just for tech experts or investors anymore. They’ve gone mainstream. El Salvador and the Central African Republic (CAR) even made Bitcoin legal tender, creating a buzz around the world. Why? Because digital currencies offer clear advantages: lower fees, better access to financial tools, and protection from inflation. For …

Donald Trump has announced a new cryptocurrency venture called World Liberty Financial, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest during his 2024 presidential campaign. With his sons heavily involved, Trump is positioning himself as the "crypto candidate," despite his previous skepticism of the industry. The venture, which remains vague in its goals, is entering a highly speculative and volatile market. Critics are questioning how Trump’s potential return to the Oval Office could impact his business interests, particularly in the cryptocurrency space. This new project adds another layer of complexity to Trump's business and political pursuits.

Flutter Entertainment (NYSE: FLUT) is in advanced discussions to acquire Playtech's Italian subsidiary, Snaitech, in a deal potentially valued at £2 billion ($2.6 billion). This acquisition aligns with Flutter's strategy of expanding its global footprint through strategic acquisitions, particularly in key markets like Italy. The market has responded positively to the news, with significant increases in the share prices of both companies. While the transaction could enhance Flutter's leadership in the global gambling industry, both companies have emphasized that there is no certainty that the deal will be completed.