# This Week in Crypto: quantum security and AI payments

> Explore how quantum computing impacts blockchain security and the rise of AI in payments, shaping the future of the crypto industry.

News · 3 min read

Published 23 January 2026 Updated 15 February 2026

This week in crypto, attention shifted toward the future foundations of the industry, from how blockchains may need to defend against quantum computing, to how governments and AI systems could become direct users of digital assets. Rather than reacting to short term market moves, the focus was on resilience, infrastructure and new forms of adoption taking shape behind the scenes.

The top story came from Coinbase, which announced the formation of an independent advisory board to examine how advances in quantum computing could affect the cryptography underpinning major blockchain networks such as [Bitcoin](/buy/btc/) and [Ethereum](/buy/eth/). While quantum computers capable of breaking modern encryption are still years away, the pace of research has accelerated enough to prompt early planning. Coinbase’s move reflects a growing recognition that long term network security cannot be treated as a theoretical concern. For the broader industry, this raises important questions around future upgrade paths, coordination across decentralised networks and the eventual transition to quantum-resistant cryptographic standards.

Institutional and macro developments also remained in focus, with Bitwise Asset Management launching a new exchange-traded fund designed to hedge against currency debasement. The product combines exposure to Bitcoin and gold, framing digital assets alongside traditional inflation hedges rather than in isolation. Following strong demand for spot [Bitcoin](/buy/btc/) ETFs, the launch highlights how asset managers are increasingly positioning crypto within broader macroeconomic narratives. For investors, this reflects a shift in how digital assets are being understood, not just as high growth instruments, but as tools for diversification in an environment marked by rising debt levels and persistent inflation risk.

On the regulatory and policy front, former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao revealed that he is in discussions with around a dozen governments about tokenising state-backed assets. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Zhao described tokenisation as one of the most practical and proven applications of blockchain technology. These conversations suggest governments are actively exploring how onchain assets could improve capital efficiency, transparency and access to funding. While most initiatives remain at an exploratory stage, the growing involvement of public sector actors points to a gradual shift from experimentation toward real-world implementation.

Developments in Web3 and decentralised applications highlighted the expanding role of stablecoins beyond traditional crypto use cases. Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire said that within three to five years, billions of autonomous AI agents could be using crypto and stablecoins to transact on behalf of users. As AI systems increasingly operate independently, stablecoins offer a programmable and globally accessible payment layer that traditional financial infrastructure struggles to replicate. This vision positions stablecoins not just as digital dollars for traders, but as a foundational settlement layer for machine-to-machine commerce.

Looking ahead, the themes emerging this week underline how the crypto industry is being shaped by long term considerations around security, policy and technological integration. Preparations for quantum risk, deeper institutional product design and the convergence of AI and blockchain all point toward a more infrastructure-driven phase of growth. While market sentiment will continue to fluctuate, the strategic decisions being made now are likely to influence how digital assets are used and governed in the years to come.

**More news stories circulating the block:**

- [Chainlink](/buy/link/) Launches US Equities Data for Tokenised Assets

- [Injective](/buy/inj/) Approves Major Tokenomics Overhaul

- [Aave](/buy/aave/) Hands Lens Protocol to Mask Network

- BitGo Completes First Crypto IPO of 2026

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*Source: [This Week in Crypto: quantum security and AI payments](/news/this-week-in-crypto-quantum-security-and-ai-payments/) · Last updated: 2026-02-15*