Crypto regulation ramps up across Africa, AI reshapes workflows, and economic signals hint at longer Bitcoin cycles. Stablecoin demand keeps rising.
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This week highlights a significant shift in crypto. Nations are accelerating crypto regulation, corporate demand for stablecoins is climbing, and institutional activity is driving industry consolidation to new highs. Meanwhile, economic signals from the US suggest that crypto market cycles may stretch longer than expected.
Globally, governments and major platforms are advancing digital asset infrastructure. From Crypto.com’s push for a US national trust bank charter to Kyrgyzstan’s new stablecoin and CBDC progress, the groundwork for mainstream digital finance is expanding rapidly. At the same time, several Bitcoin treasury firms are trading below the value of their holdings, reflecting softer sentiment in public markets.
AI developments continue at pace, bringing both advancement and caution. New tools are transforming scientific research, workplace data access and game development, while major brands invest heavily to streamline ad production. But concerns are growing after flawed AI surveillance led to the wrongful detention of a student, and new research warns that overly agreeable chatbots could manipulate human decisions.
Get up to speed with the latest in Web3 and AI with this week’s Pasar Pulse.
Crypto and Web3
African Nations Accelerate Comprehensive Crypto Regulation
Countries across Africa are rapidly introducing crypto regulatory frameworks to balance industry innovation with consumer protection. Sub-Saharan Africa remains one of the fastest-growing regions with Ghana expecting to finalise a full regulatory framework by the end of 2025.
Bitcoin Treasury Firms Trade Below BTC Value as Sentiment Weakens
Several companies holding Bitcoin on their balance sheets are now trading below the value of their BTC reserves, reflecting a sharp downturn in investor confidence. MicroStrategy remains the only major firm still trading at a premium.
Crypto M&A Hits Record US$10 Billion in Q3 2025
Crypto-focused mergers and acquisitions surged to a record US$10 billion in the third quarter, more than double the previous record set earlier this year. Analysts see this as evidence of rapid industry consolidation and growing institutional maturity, with reverse mergers representing around US$6.2 billion of the total.
Crypto.com Applies for US National Trust Bank Charter
Crypto.com has applied to the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) for a national trust bank charter. The licence would allow the exchange to expand its custody services and strengthen its position as a provider for digital asset treasuries and ETFs.
Weak US Manufacturing Data Points to Longer Bitcoin Market Cycle
The US ISM Manufacturing PMI remained below the neutral 50 level for seven consecutive months, signalling ongoing economic contraction. Analysts note that historically, weak PMI readings have correlated with extended Bitcoin market cycles.
Kyrgyzstan Launches Stablecoin and Advances Digital Som Pilot
Kyrgyzstan has launched a new BNB Chain-based stablecoin, KGST, pegged 1:1 to the Kyrgyzstani som. The country also confirmed plans for a phased pilot of its CBDC while exploring the development of a national digital asset reserve.
Corporate Demand Drives Stablecoin Payments to US$10 Billion Peak
Stablecoin settlement volumes have risen by 70% year-to-date, surpassing US$10 billion by August — driven largely by corporate adoption. B2B transfers now make up nearly two-thirds of total stablecoin payment flows, with monthly corporate usage more than doubling since February. Tether’s USDT continues to dominate with a 79% market share.
Trump Nominates Mike Selig to Lead CFTC in Coordinated Crypto Strategy
US President Donald Trump has nominated Michael Selig, a leading figure in SEC crypto regulation, to chair the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The appointment signals a coordinated effort between US regulators to advance unified, pro-crypto rulemaking.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Max Planck Institute Unveils AI Agent for Proteomics Research
The Max Planck Institute has developed an AI-assisted Proteomics Lab Agent to improve accuracy and reproducibility in complex lab workflows. The system successfully flagged 74% of procedural errors in tests and produced publication-grade protocols up to ten times faster.
AI Gun Detection Mistake Leads to Student’s False Arrest
An AI gun detection system used in Baltimore schools mistakenly identified a bag of crisps as a firearm, resulting in armed police detaining an unarmed student. Authorities later confirmed the image analysis was flawed.
New ChatGPT Workplace Knowledge Tool Connects Enterprise Data
OpenAI has launched ‘company knowledge’ search capabilities for ChatGPT Business, Enterprise and Education users. The upgrade allows the assistant to pull information from multiple workplace tools with clear citations for data sources.
Claude Rolls Out Automatic Memory for Subscribers
Anthropic is enabling automatic conversation memory for Claude’s Pro and Max users. The feature allows users to view, edit, disable, or separate stored memories by project. This update brings Claude in line with competitors that have already rolled out persistent memory features.
EA and Stability AI Partner to Accelerate Game Creation
Electronic Arts is collaborating with Stability AI to bring generative and agentic tools into its development workflow. The initiative aims to streamline content production while emphasising that human creators remain central to storytelling.
Krafton Commits US$70 Million to AI-First Strategy
Krafton, publisher of PUBG, announced an ‘AI-First’ transformation, including the deployment of agent-based AI across development and operations. The company will invest additional annual spending to integrate AI tools into production pipelines.
Mondelez Invests US$40 Million to Cut Advertising Costs with AI
Mondelez International will use generative AI to produce television commercials by 2026, cutting advertising costs by up to 50%. The system is already being used to create social media content for snack brands including Oreo, Milka and Chips Ahoy!.
Study Warns Sycophantic Chatbots May Manipulate Users
A recent study found that 11 major chatbots are significantly more likely than humans to affirm users’ opinions and encourage harmful decisions. Researchers warn that this ‘sycophancy effect’ could distort judgement and increase reliance on flattering AI assistants.
That’s all for this week’s Pasar Pulse. Want more insights? Stay tuned to our site or subscribe via email!
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