Nearly three years after the Merge formally switched Ethereum to proof-of-stake on 15 September 2022, a publicly listed Bitcoin miner is adopting the network’s native token as its primary treasury asset. BitMine Immersion Technologies (NYSE American: BMNR) on 30 June priced a $250 million private placement of 55,555,556 new shares at $4.50 each and appointed Fundstrat co-founder Tom Lee as chairman. The company’s SEC filing and press release make the purpose explicit: all net proceeds will be used to acquire and stake ether, a move management likens to Michael Saylor’s now-legendary Bitcoin strategy at MicroStrategy. Tom Lee Goes Full MicroStrategy On Ethereum Speaking hours later on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Lee framed the pivot as a logical response to the explosive growth of stablecoins, most of which settle on Ethereum. “Stablecoins, which is the ChatGPT of crypto, because it’s viral adoption by consumers, businesses, banks and now even Visa,” he said, underscoring why a treasury heavy in ETH could become strategically indispensable. Ethereum’s proof-of-stake design means that large holders who validate blocks “secure the fidelity of stablecoins,” Lee continued. “When Goldman issues a stablecoin and JP Morgan [issues] it on Ethereum as a layer-one blockchain, they’re going to want to secure it by staking Ethereum.” Related Reading: Top Analyst Predicts Major Ethereum Rally Toward $4,000 As Shorts Hit All-Time Highs Lee tied the long-term upside to macro numbers the US Treasury itself has started to cite. Stablecoins today hover around $250 billion; Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently suggested the figure could hit $2 trillion—a potential ten-fold expansion that, in Lee’s words, would “insure dollar dominance.” Because Ethereum already underpins more than half of stable-value tokens, a multi-trillion-dollar stablecoin market would translate directly into rising transaction fees for the network and, by extension, higher staking rewards for BitMine’s planned validator clusters. The private-placement syndicate reads like a who’s-who roster from both TradFi and crypto: MOZAYYX led the round, joined by Founders Fund, Pantera, FalconX, Republic Digital, Kraken, Galaxy Digital, Digital Currency Group, Diametric Capital and Occam Crest. Closing is expected on or about 3 July, subject to NYSE American approval. BitMine, headquartered in Las Vegas, will immediately deploy the ETH position into staking, giving the miner a yield-bearing balance-sheet asset while reinforcing Ethereum’s security budget. “One of the key performance metrics for BitMine going forward is to increase the value of ETH held per share,” chief executive Jonathan Bates said in the statement. For investors, the comparison with MicroStrategy is unavoidable but imperfect. Saylor’s company amassed bitcoin under a proof-of-work regime that offers no native yield; BitMine’s ether can generate income through both staking rewards and potential capital-markets transactions collateralized by those staked coins. Related Reading: Strong Ethereum Accumulation Detected: LTH Buying Heavy During June Consolidation Yet both strategies share a central bet: that a scarce digital asset sitting at the core of global finance will appreciate faster than cash alternatives on a corporate balance sheet. Whether BitMine achieves MicroStrategy-level returns will depend on execution, regulatory clarity for staking, and—most of all—Ethereum’s price path. What is clear, however, is that corporate treasuries are beginning to see ether not merely as “gas” for decentralized applications but as a strategic reserve asset in its own right. From a market-structure vantage, the new treasury model could translate into meaningful price torque for Ether if it scales. MicroStrategy’s serial purchases have now absorbed nearly 600,000 BTC—around 2.8 percent of the 21 million-coin cap—and coincided with Bitcoin’s ascent from roughly $11,000 in August 2020, when the company made its first buy, to more than $107,000 today, a near-ten-fold move. BitMine’s opening salvo—$250 million, or about 100,000 ETH at current prices—represents barely 0.08 percent of Ethereum’s 122 million-coin supply, yet roughly 28 percent of that supply is already locked in staking contracts while net issuance has turned negative post-EIP-1559, shrinking the freely tradable float. If even a handful of additional balance sheets emulate this “ETH-as-reserve” playbook, the resulting demand shock could replicate the supply-squeeze dynamics that propelled Bitcoin into six-figure territory. At press time, Ether traded at $2,459. Featured image created with DALL.E, chart from TradingView.com
Bitget Wallet partners with Mastercard and its licensed-issuer Immersve to launch new crypto cards that allow for fee-less payments directly from the digital wallet. According to a press release sent to crypto.news, the crypto card is available directly through the Bitget Wallet app and supports real-time payments through on-chain swaps and deposit features. It allows users to make payments directly through digital wallets at more than 150 merchants worldwide that accept Mastercard payments. The new crypto cards will first be released in select regions, starting with the United Kingdom and the European Union . The firms plan to expand its utility to parts of Latin America , Australia and New Zealand in the next few months following its launch. Making use of the payment giant’s “Digital First” feature, users can apply for digital cards and receive theirs within minutes. Once the request is approved, the card will be added to their mobile wallets , ready for use at physical and online merchants. Supported by Mastercard-licensed issuer, Immersve, transactions are settled on-chain by directly converting crypto into fiat. The process is in accordance with the payment firm’s regulatory compliance, which includes Know-Your-Customer and Anti-Money-Laundering requirements. You might also like: Mastercard teams up with Kraken to expand crypto payment services across Europe Executive vice president, Global Partnerships at Mastercard, Scott Abrahams, stated that the partnership with Bitget Wallet marks a major step in bringing digital assets closer to widespread adoption. He believes that digital wallets are becoming the norm, akin to email addresses. “We’re committed to working with innovative companies like Bitget Wallet and Immersve to make crypto transactions simple, secure, and accessible at scale,” said Abrahams. CMO at Bitget Wallet, Jamie Elkaleh, echoes Abrahams’ sentiment. He stated that there is now an increase in demand for real-world crypto utility, and the digital wallet firm’s partnership with Mastercard and Immersve serves to “make that vision a reality.” “Crypto payments should be as seamless and secure as traditional transactions. With this partnership, Bitget Wallet users can now pay with crypto anywhere Mastercard is accepted,” said Elkaleh. Most recently, Mastercard partnered with Chainlink to offer enable direct on-chain crypto purchases through off-chain payments to more than 3 billion users. Earlier in June, the payment card firm also predicted that the entirety of its transactions in the EU will be tokenized by 2030. You might also like: Mastercard predicts it will tokenize 100% of transactions in EU by 2030
On-chain investigator ZachXBT has raised concerns over USDC stablecoin issuer Circle’s compliance standards and its growing use among malicious actors. According to ZachXBT, North Korean IT workers have been using USDC ( USDC ) to move millions in illicit payments. The on-chain analyst’s comments came in response to Circle’s recent filing for a national trust bank charter, which would authorize the firm to manage the reserves backing USD Coin. ZachXBT criticized Circle ’s handling of the situation, alleging that despite the scale and visibility of the fund flows, the company has taken no steps to curb the activity or freeze any of the wallets involved. “They currently do nothing to detect / freeze the activity while boasting about compliance,” he wrote. Circle / USDC is the primary infra used by DPRK IT workers to facilitate payments. They currently do NOTHNG to detect / freeze the activity while boasting about compliance. I can point out high 8 figs in recent volume. However it’s the crime super cycle so no one cares. — ZachXBT (@zachxbt) July 1, 2025 The payments are tied to malicious North Korean cyber actors who land remote tech jobs under false identities, gaining access to unsuspecting organizations’ infrastructures. This is a tactic that has become widely flagged by security experts as one of the group’s latest methods for stealing funds and information. ZachXBT claimed to have identified high eight-figure volumes flowing through these wallets recently, most of it in USDC. You might also like: Circle brings USDC to XRP Ledger in major stablecoin expansion post-IPO For years, Circle’s rival Tether ’s USDT ( USDT ) drew the most criticism for enabling illicit transactions due to its perceived lack of oversight. In contrast, Circle was viewed as the industry’s compliance leader, boasting licenses from major regulators and pushing a cleaner image. Earlier this year, the firm went public under the same compliance narrative and earned praise for setting a positive regulatory precedent within the industry. Circle’s reported failure to take action also contrasts sharply with how Tether and other stablecoin issuers have responded in similar cases, freezing wallets and blocking suspicious fund movements. While the issuer has yet to publicly deny or acknowledge the allegations, the reports of allowing sanctioned actors to operate unchecked deal a major blow to its reputation. crypto.news reached out to Circle for comment but has yet to receive a response as of press time. Read more: Tether, TRON, TRM Labs freeze $26m in crypto linked to criminal network across Europe
Robinhood’s partnership with Arbitrum failed to boost investor interest, instead triggering a sharp downturn in ARB’s price despite the initial hype. According to data from crypto.news, Arbitrum ( ARB ) fell over 13% over the past 24 hours, trading at $0.32 while its market cap was seated at $1.61 billion. ARB’s price tumbled shortly after U.S.-based trading platform Robinhood confirmed its highly anticipated partnership with Arbitrum during an event it was hosting in Cannes. The collaboration will see the Layer-2 network project build the Robinhood Chain, a blockchain infrastructure that will reportedly enable EU-based users to trade U.S. equities onchain. Much of the news had already been priced in by investors after Robinhood teased the announcement on June 29, revealing that one of its top executives and A.J. Warner, CSO of Offchain Labs , the developers behind Arbitrum, would appear together on a panel during yesterday’s event. You might also like: Will Solana price rally after the launch of its first spot ETF? ARB initially surged 46% to $0.38 within eight hours of the teaser, but has since dropped nearly 16%, suggesting a textbook “sell-the-news” event, where traders front-run expected bullish news and then exit positions post-announcement to lock in profits. According to Nansen, the sharp downturn may have been accelerated by heavy selling from verified public figures and influencers. Their cumulative ARB holdings dropped by 95.8% in the past day, now standing at just 784 tokens. Such moves are often perceived by retail traders as bearish signals, reinforcing broader sell pressure. Source: Nansen These conditions have yet to ease, as Nansen data also shows that ARB exchange balances have increased by 17% over the past week, indicating continued inflows to trading platforms likely intended for selling. ARB price analysis On the 4-hour/USDT chart, Arbitrum (ARB) is showing multiple bearish technical signals that point to a likely continuation of its downward trajectory. The 50-day Simple Moving Average appears to be on the verge of crossing below the 200-day SMA, a formation commonly referred to as a “death cross.” Such a pattern is widely regarded by traders as a strong bearish indicator, often preceding extended periods of price weakness. ARB 50-day and 200-day SMA chart — July 1 | Source: crypto.news Momentum indicators further support the bearish outlook. The MACD line has crossed below the signal line, typically interpreted as a sell signal that reflects waning bullish momentum. In addition, the Chaikin Money Flow index has dropped sharply from 0.45 to 0.08, which signals a significant reduction in buying pressure and a possible shift toward net capital outflows. ARB MACD and CMF chart — July 1 | Source: crypto.news Given these confluences, ARB is likely to continue its decline toward the immediate support level at $0.31. A breakdown below this level could expose the token to further downside, with the next major psychological and structural support resting at $0.28. Read more: XRP, LTC, SOL lead altcoin ETF buzz as approval odds climb Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.
Malaysia is planning an overhaul of its regulatory framework for digital asset exchanges, aiming to expedite token listings and enhance investor safeguards. On Monday, Malaysia’s Securities Commission has released a consultation paper proposing significant updates to its regulations for digital asset exchanges (DAX). Key changes include permitting certain digital assets to be listed on DAX platforms without the SC’s prior approval, provided they satisfy set eligibility criteria. The regulator also plans stricter governance and operational requirements for exchange operators, such as mandatory segregation of client assets and higher financial thresholds. The SC is collecting public feedback on the proposals from stakeholders across the industry, including issuers, exchanges, financial institutions, and legal professionals. The consultation period will run from June 30 to August 11. You might also like: Malaysia’s Securities Commission cracks down on Bybit for operating without registration The proposed reforms build on the SC’s earlier efforts to tighten oversight of the digital asset industry and ensure market integrity. They follow a series of enforcement actions against unlicensed crypto exchanges operating in Malaysia without the regulator’s Recognised Market Operator (RMO) status, as required under the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007. In December last year, the SC took action against Bybit and its chief executive, ordering them to cease all operations and marketing in Malaysia for running an unlicensed digital asset platform. In 2023, the SC ordered Huobi Global to cease operations in Malaysia for failing to register as an RMO. The proposed DAX reforms also come at a time of significant growth in Malaysia’s digital asset sector since the introduction of the DAX framework in 2019. In 2024, trading volumes soared to a record RM13.9 billion ($2.9 billion), more than doubling compared to the previous year. According to the SC, there has been increased participation from institutional investors and traditional capital market intermediaries, both through direct investments and fund-based exposure. You might also like: Malaysia’s central bank eyes asset tokenisation, says crypto represent less than 1% of bank deposits
The partnership introduces the S&P 500 Index to Blockchain for the first time. Licensed asset managers can now initiate Blockchain funds meeting institutional standards. Continue Reading: S&P 500 Enters Blockchain World with Innovative Collaboration The post S&P 500 Enters Blockchain World with Innovative Collaboration appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
Bitcoin’s price has retraced by a slight 0.9% in the past 24 hours as traders are expecting a few important economic events during today’s session. Meanwhile, the broader cryptocurrency market is also reflecting the uncertainty as the majority of altcoins are trading in the red with some charting a lot bigger declines than others. Bitcoin Price Waits for News The deep involvement of corporate Bitcoin buyers and institutions has surely played a major role in its price increase over the past year but it’s also the reason why the crypto market has been largely correlated to traditional ones. A few years ago, literally nobody cared about metrics such as CPI, PMI, and whatnot, but now every crypto trader has them on their watchlist. As such, today is also shaping up to be a volatile experience with a few important economic events on the calendar. First, Jerome Powell will speak in the afternoon, followed by data for job openings, PMI, and ISM manufacturing – all indicators that shape policymaking, especially when gauging the strenght of the local economy. That said, Bitocin’s price is down about 1% on the day and is currently trading at around $106,500 after having tested $109,000 yesterday. It’s interesting to see if the bulls have it in them to push bakc towards the upper boundary of the recent trading range or if the bears will send the price back below $105K. Source: TradingView Altcoins in Red, Some More Than Others As you can clearly see in the heatmap below, the altcoins are also not having a great day. This is, perhaps, to be expected – Bitcoin’s dominance over the market has been rising gradually over the past many months and whenever BTC slips, altcoins crash. The past 24 hours have hardly been a crash, though, but it’s clear that most of them are charting more considerable declines. This is especially true for TKX, ARB, SPX6900, SEI, and others, that are down between 8% and 15% on the day. Believe it or not, Bitcoin Cash (BCH) is today’s best performer, gaining more than 6%. Who would have thought? Source: Quantify Crypto The post Bitcoin Traders Wait Important Economic Announcements Today, These Altcoins Plummet (Market Watch) appeared first on CryptoPotato .
Malaysia’s Securities Commission (SC) has proposed sweeping changes to its digital asset exchange (DAX) regulatory framework. This follows a sharp rise in digital asset trading, which hit a record RM13.9 billion ($2.9 billion) in 2024, more than double the volume recorded in 2023. According to the consultation paper released by the commission, the proposed updates aim to reduce time-to-market for new tokens while enhancing governance, investor protection, and platform resilience. Public Consultation: Enhancing the Digital Asset Exchange (DAX) Framework Consultation is open 30 June – 11 August 2025. Full media release: https://t.co/uQPeQadh7B Consultation Paper: https://t.co/AGXjbEamRW Questions? Email us at aFINity@seccom.com.my pic.twitter.com/FyQiY5UWFe — SC Malaysia (@SecComMalaysia) June 30, 2025 Notably, Malaysia’s digital asset market has grown significantly since the DAX framework was introduced in 2019. The surge in trading volume in 2024 was linked to growing interest from both retail investors and institutional participants. The SC also highlighted increasing involvement from traditional capital market intermediaries, who are gaining exposure to crypto assets through direct investment and fund-based channels. Malaysia Proposes Faster Listings with Eligibility Criteria Among Other Reforms Under the proposed reforms, certain tokens may be listed on regulated DAX platforms without first securing the SC’s approval. This change would only apply to digital assets that meet predefined eligibility standards. According to the regulator, it seeks to cut down regulatory delays and allow exchanges to respond more quickly to market demand. At the same time, DAX operators would bear greater responsibility for ensuring that listed assets comply with legal and risk requirements. The SC also plans to introduce enhanced governance obligations. DAX operators would be required to segregate client assets from their own operational funds. This move seeks to prevent misuse and bolster trust among users. SC also noted that operational control standards would also be upgraded to reflect the unique risks of trading digital assets. This includes more stringent oversight of internal processes and improved risk management systems. Another key aspect of the proposal is raising financial thresholds for licensed DAX operators. The SC said the changes are intended to reinforce the operational and financial resilience of exchanges. Stronger capital requirements would help ensure that platforms can withstand market shocks and fulfill obligations to clients. The regulator believes this will boost investor confidence and contribute to a more stable trading environment. Malaysia Ramps Up Crypto Reform Efforts Amid Surge in Mining-Linked Power Theft and Regulatory Gaps The consultation period runs from June 30 to August 11, 2025 and notably, these proposed changes form part of the SC’s broader strategy to keep Malaysia’s digital asset ecosystem competitive and secure. The consultation comes amid wider government efforts to position Malaysia at the forefront of responsible fintech innovation. In March 2025, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) announced plans to explore asset tokenization and digital asset technologies. Malaysia's central bank will explore asset tokenization and digital assets, collaborating with the private sector on potential use cases for tokenized deposits and CBDCs. #BankNegaraMalaysia #CBDC https://t.co/FAnsrg2yY6 — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) March 24, 2025 This will focus on collaboration with the private sector and use cases such as tokenized deposits and CBDCs, as outlined in its 2022-2026 financial sector blueprint. Despite its progressive stance, the central bank cautioned that cryptocurrencies are still not legal tender due to their risks. This cautious approach was echoed in the SC’s recent enforcement actions, which targeted unlicensed foreign crypto exchanges such as Bybit and Huobi Global for operating without registration. Malaysia has directed @Bybit_Official to disable its website and mobile applications in the country, citing enforcement actions against the exchange. #Bybit #Malaysia https://t.co/RfuIef4vLE — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) December 30, 2024 Continuous crypto regulations in Malaysia is understandable as crypto scams and theft surge. Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) reported a 300% rise in power theft linked to illegal crypto mining . There were 610 detected cases of power thefts in 2018, linked to illegal crypto mining, which surged to 2,397 in 2024, Malaysia TNB noted. #MalaysiaCryptoMining #BitcoinMining #ElectricityConsumption https://t.co/Xmnl4pXXhx — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) May 12, 2025 This figure rose from 610 cases in 2018 to 2,397 in 2024, with around 1,699 crypto-related complaints received between 2020 and 2024. This comes as no regulatory body oversees mining operations. The post Malaysia Crypto Trading Hits Record $2.9B as Regulator Proposes Sweeping DAX Reforms appeared first on Cryptonews .
On-chain investigator ZachXBT has raised alarms about the misuse of Circle’s USD Coin (USDC) by North Korean IT operatives. He claims that tens of millions of dollars have been funneled through the stablecoin with little to no intervention from the issuer. However, he also went on to hit Ripple’s RLUSD over its user base. This comes in when the USDC stablecoin issuer recently applied to establish a national trust bank in the United States in order to oversee its reserve. Circle had a successful initial public offering (IPO) in June, as the company was valued at around $18 billion. Ripple inflates RLUSD adoption? In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), ZachXBT accused Circle of turning a blind eye to illicit flows, calling it “a crime super cycle where no one cares.” The On-chain sleuth stated that USDC is being widely used by North Korean IT workers to receive payments and claimed that recent related transactions reached tens of millions of dollars. ZachXBT criticized the stablecoin issuer for claiming to be “compliant” while taking no action to freeze or monitor the funds. Amid the controversy, one XRP supporter suggested switching to Ripple’s new stablecoin RLUSD as a potentially safer alternative. ZachXBT pushed back, stating: “I trust Circle, Paxos, or Tether infinitely more than Ripple.” He mentioned that, unlike Circle or Tether, which at least have a base of organic users, Ripple has a history of “misrepresenting paid partnerships to make it appear like adoption.” They all at least have organic users whereas Ripple does not and theirs comes from misrepresenting paid partnerships to make it appear like adoption. — ZachXBT (@zachxbt) July 1, 2025 When asked why he was still defending USDC despite its alleged links to North Korea, ZachXBT reiterated his position in a post . He asserted that RLUSD is “asset-backed and issued by a so-called trusted American powerhouse,” but ultimately lacks credibility due to what he characterizes as Ripple’s artificial growth tactics. The issue ties into broader geopolitical concerns as North Korea’s Lazarus Group, a state-sponsored hacking unit, has been linked to numerous high-profile crypto heists. As crypto adoption grows, G7 countries have increasingly prioritized coordinated action against North Korean cyber operations. The debate unfolds when Circle’s CRCL stock faces mounting selling pressure. It is down 28% over the past week. Market watchers are closely eyeing how regulators respond to Circle’s ambitions to become a licensed US bank. CRCL traded at a price of $181.29 in the last session. USDT and USDC dominate stablecoin scene The stablecoin market is on a surge, smashing $263 billion mark in cap and a 24 hour trading volume of over $62.4 billion. Tether’s USDT is leading the tally while holding a market cap of more than $157 billion. Circle’s USDC stands second in the tally with a cap of over $61 billion. Ripple’s RLUSD can be seen way in the tally as it is still in its initial phase of booming. RLUSD holds a market cap of around $455 million, which looks like a tiny number in front of the leaders. However, its native coin, XRP, has gained much in recent times due to a partial win in the lawsuit against the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). XRP price remained up by 3% over the past 30 days. XRP is trading at an average price of $2.20 at the press time. Its 24 hour trading volume is up by 116% to stand at $4.12 billion. Cryptopolitan Academy: Coming Soon - A New Way to Earn Passive Income with DeFi in 2025. Learn More
BitcoinWorld Meta AI: Zuckerberg’s Bold Restructuring for Superintelligence Labs For those navigating the rapidly evolving digital landscape, particularly in the realm of cryptocurrencies and decentralized technologies, understanding the tectonic shifts in artificial intelligence is crucial. The latest announcement from Meta AI signals a profound reorientation of its efforts, aiming for nothing less than artificial superintelligence. This strategic pivot by Mark Zuckerberg has significant implications, not just for the future of AI development , but potentially for the entire digital economy, including how we interact with and secure our digital assets. Meta AI’s Ambitious Restructuring: What Does It Mean? In a move that underscores its commitment to leading the frontier of artificial intelligence, Meta has officially restructured its various AI initiatives under a new, unified division: Meta Superintelligence Labs . This significant organizational change, revealed in an internal memo, consolidates all of Meta’s AI teams into a single powerhouse unit. The primary objective is clear: to accelerate the pursuit of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and ultimately, superintelligence. This restructuring isn’t merely an internal shuffle; it represents a bold declaration of intent from one of the world’s largest technology companies. By centralizing its AI resources, Meta aims to foster greater collaboration, streamline research and development, and expedite the creation of advanced AI systems that could redefine human-computer interaction. Leading the Charge: Who Heads Meta Superintelligence Labs? The success of such an ambitious undertaking hinges on strong leadership, and Meta has brought in key figures to steer Meta Superintelligence Labs . Alexandr Wang, the visionary former CEO of data labeling startup Scale AI, has been appointed as the chief AI officer for this new group. Wang’s expertise in data infrastructure and AI training will be pivotal in building the foundational capabilities required for superintelligence. Partnering with Wang is Nat Friedman, the former CEO of GitHub, who will oversee Meta’s AI products and applied research. This combination of leadership, blending deep technical expertise with product-oriented vision, suggests a comprehensive approach to not only research groundbreaking AI but also integrate it into Meta’s vast ecosystem of platforms and services. Their aim is to ensure that the advanced AI development from the labs translates into tangible products and experiences for users. Mark Zuckerberg’s Aggressive Strategy in the AGI Race Mark Zuckerberg has been transparent about his ambition to lead the AGI Race . This latest restructuring is a culmination of several aggressive moves aimed at securing Meta’s position at the forefront of AI innovation. Zuckerberg’s strategy involves two key pillars: Strategic Acquisitions and Investments: Earlier this month, Meta made a substantial investment of $14.3 billion in Scale AI. This investment was not just financial; it also facilitated the onboarding of Alexandr Wang, a critical talent for the new Superintelligence Labs. Such large-scale investments demonstrate Meta’s willingness to commit significant resources to its AI goals. Talent Acquisition: Beyond company acquisitions, Meta has actively lured top AI researchers from competitors. The report indicates that Meta has successfully recruited 11 new AI researchers. Notably, this includes Pei Sun, a principal researcher from Google DeepMind, and Joel Pobar, an engineer from Anthropic. These hires are crucial as they bring diverse expertise and cutting-edge knowledge from leading AI labs directly into Meta’s new unit. This aggressive talent acquisition strategy reflects the competitive nature of the AI landscape. Companies are not just vying for technological breakthroughs but also for the human capital capable of achieving them. Zuckerberg’s direct involvement in securing these talents underscores the strategic importance of AI development to Meta’s long-term vision. Understanding AI Development: From Current Models to Superintelligence The term “superintelligence” might sound like science fiction, but it represents the ultimate goal of many AI research efforts. To understand Meta’s ambition, it helps to differentiate between various stages of AI: AI Stage Description Examples Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI) AI designed for specific tasks. Excels in its narrow domain but lacks broader understanding. Voice assistants (Siri, Alexa), recommendation algorithms, spam filters. Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) AI with human-level cognitive abilities across a wide range of tasks. Can learn, understand, and apply knowledge like a human. Currently theoretical; a major research goal for many leading AI labs. Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) AI that surpasses human intelligence in virtually every field, including scientific creativity, general wisdom, and social skills. Highly theoretical; Meta’s stated long-term objective for Superintelligence Labs. Meta’s establishment of Superintelligence Labs signifies a direct leap towards the most advanced forms of AI. While the path to AGI and ASI is fraught with challenges, including ethical considerations, computational demands, and theoretical hurdles, Meta is clearly positioning itself to be a frontrunner in this transformative journey. The investment in talent and infrastructure reflects a belief that these stages are not just possible but inevitable, and that being a leader in this domain is critical for future technological dominance. What Are the Implications of This AI Development for the Digital World and the AGI Race? Meta’s intensified focus on AI development , particularly towards superintelligence, carries significant implications for the broader digital ecosystem. For the cryptocurrency and blockchain communities, these developments could manifest in several ways: Enhanced Security and Efficiency: Advanced AI could revolutionize cryptographic methods, enhance blockchain network security, and optimize transaction processing, leading to more robust and efficient decentralized systems. New Digital Asset Applications: Superintelligent AI could power sophisticated decentralized applications (dApps), create more intelligent smart contracts, and enable novel forms of digital ownership and interaction within metaverses. Economic and Social Shifts: The emergence of highly capable AI could accelerate automation, redefine labor markets, and shift economic power structures. Understanding these dynamics will be crucial for adapting digital asset strategies. Ethical and Governance Challenges: As AI becomes more powerful, questions of bias, control, and accountability become paramount. The crypto community, with its emphasis on decentralization and transparency, might play a role in shaping ethical AI governance models. This push by Meta highlights the accelerating pace of technological change in the AGI Race . The interplay between advanced AI and decentralized technologies will likely define the next era of the internet, demanding continuous adaptation and innovation from all stakeholders. Conclusion: Meta’s Bold Leap into the Future of AI Meta’s restructuring of its AI unit under the new Superintelligence Labs marks a pivotal moment in the company’s history and the broader landscape of artificial intelligence. With Mark Zuckerberg at the helm, aggressively acquiring top talent and investing substantial capital, Meta is unequivocally signaling its intent to lead the charge in the AGI Race and beyond. The creation of Superintelligence Labs, led by industry stalwarts like Alexandr Wang and Nat Friedman, positions Meta AI to make significant strides in AI development . While the journey to artificial superintelligence is complex and filled with both promise and potential pitfalls, Meta’s strategic commitment underscores the transformative power of AI. This development is not just about building smarter machines; it’s about shaping the very future of digital interaction, commerce, and human potential, impacting everything from how we work to how we engage with decentralized digital assets. To learn more about the latest AI development trends, explore our article on key developments shaping AI models features. This post Meta AI: Zuckerberg’s Bold Restructuring for Superintelligence Labs first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team