Author: rb809rb

Google has set a 2029 deadline for its post-quantum cryptography (PQC) migration, warning that “quantum frontiers” could be closer than they appear.

On Wednesday, Google said rapid progress in quantum computing hardware and quantum error correction, along with updated estimates of how quickly a quantum machine could break today’s encryption standards, has heightened the urgency to act sooner rather than later.

“Quantum computers will pose a significant threat to current cryptographic standards, and specifically to encryption and digital signatures,” Google said, while also noting that PQC migration is needed for users to use authentication services securely.

This is the first time Google has set a timeline to roll out post-quantum capabilities across its products. The 2029 timeline is earlier than some industry estimates for Q-Day — the point at which quantum computers become powerful enough to break current public-key encryption.

“It’s our responsibility to lead by example and share an ambitious timeline. By doing this, we hope to provide the clarity and urgency needed to accelerate digital transitions not only for Google, but also across the industry.”

Google’s call for urgency comes as it continues to develop its quantum chip, Willow, which has a computing capacity of 105 qubits, making it one of the most powerful in the industry.

There are also rising concerns that quantum computers could severely disrupt the crypto industry by breaking the cryptographic algorithms used to secure digital assets. However, there is still debate over whether only crypto wallets with exposed public keys are vulnerable or whether all coins are at risk.

Crypto networks also eye post-quantum upgrades

The Ethereum Foundation launched a “Post-Quantum Ethereum” resource hub on Tuesday, focused on protecting the blockchain from future quantum computing threats and securing the billions of dollars in value on the network.

The post-quantum team plans to implement quantum-resistant solutions in Ethereum at the protocol level by 2029, with solutions targeting the execution layer to follow.

In January 2025, Solana developers created a quantum-resistant vault on the Solana blockchain to protect user funds from quantum threats by implementing a complex hash-based signature system that generates new keys each time a transaction is made.

However, to access the feature, Solana users need to store their funds in Winternitz vaults rather than regular Solana wallets, as it isn’t a network-wide security upgrade.

Meanwhile, there has been increasing division in the Bitcoin ecosystem on what action developers should take, if any at all.

One of the Bitcoin ecosystem’s strongest voices, Blockstream CEO Adam Back, says quantum risks are widely overstated and that no action is needed for decades.

On the other hand, security researcher Ethan Heilman and others have proposed a new output type for Bitcoin, called Pay-to-Merkle-Root, through Bitcoin Improvement Proposal 360 (BIP-360), which seeks to protect Bitcoin addresses from potential short-exposure quantum attacks.

However, that implementation may take seven years, Heilman told Cointelegraph in February.

Key takeaways

• Robotics should prioritize data collection to optimize performance and decision-making.
• Industries like energy and defense are increasingly leveraging robotics for operational efficiency.
• The future of robotics is promising, but safety and reliability through determinism are crucial.
• Consolidation around Nvidia limits hardware diversity, impacting AI development.
• Robotics can enhance efficiency in industries with high energy costs and frequent shutdowns.
• GPUs have become vital for scaling AI applications, especially in chat-based models.
• Fragmentation in hardware compatibility is due to proprietary software systems.
• CUDA is outdated for modern systems, indicating a need for updated GPU software.
• Heterogeneous systems enhance computing flexibility and scalability.
• Enterprises seek hardware flexibility to avoid vendor lock-in.
• The pragmatic impact of AI and robotics is a focus for sectors like energy and defense.
• Determinism in robotics ensures safety and reliability in AI applications.
• The rise of chat-based models has driven GPU importance in AI.

Guest intro

Jake Loosararian is the CEO and co-founder of Gecko Robotics, a company deploying purpose-built robots and AI for mission-critical infrastructure inspection across energy, defense, and manufacturing. In 2012 as a student at Grove City College, he built his first wall-climbing robot in a dorm room to solve persistent downtime at a local power plant, launching the company in 2013. Gecko now manages over 500,000 critical assets for Fortune 100 partners and the US Air Force and Navy, reaching unicorn status with a $1.25 billion valuation in June 2025.

The role of data in robotics

• The idea of gathering information and data using robotics to help drive better outcomes

  — Jake Loosararian

• Robots should not be built just for the sake of building; they must serve a purpose in data collection.
• Data-driven robotics can prevent a commoditized future in the industry.

• If you’re building robots just to build robots… it leads to a commoditized future

  — Jake Loosararian

• Understanding the role of data is crucial for optimizing infrastructure performance.
• Robotics in infrastructure is about improving decision-making through data.

• The pragmatic impact of artificial intelligence… can potentially drive better decisions

  — Jake Loosararian

• Data collection is essential for enhancing operational efficiency in critical sectors.

Robotics in energy and defense

• Energy, oil, gas, and defense sectors focus on the pragmatic impact of robotics.

• The energy, oil and gas companies… are completely looking at how impactful can robotics be

  — Jake Loosararian

• Robotics and AI integration is enhancing operational efficiency in these industries.
• The defense sector is exploring robotics for improved decision-making.

• The department of war are completely looking at how impactful can robotics be

  — Jake Loosararian

• Robotics helps address challenges in industries with high energy costs.

• Robotics can significantly improve operational efficiency in industries facing high energy costs

  — Jake Loosararian

• The focus is on how robotics can drive better outcomes in energy and defense.

Future of robotics and determinism

• The future of robotics is optimistic but requires a focus on determinism.

• I am very excited and optimistic about… what the future will be with robotics

  — Jake Loosararian

• Determinism ensures safety and reliability in robotics applications.

• The key is being deterministic… that’s maybe where we’re lacking a bit

  — Jake Loosararian

• Safety and reliability are critical in the rapidly evolving field of robotics.
• Determinism balances innovation and safety in robotics.
• The focus on determinism addresses potential safety concerns in AI.
• Ensuring reliability in robotics is crucial for future advancements.

Hardware diversity and Nvidia’s dominance

• The consolidation around Nvidia limits hardware diversity in AI development.

• A lot of the world is really consolidated around the Nvidia platform

  — Jake Loosararian

• There is a need for more hardware vendors to foster innovation in AI.

• We want more hardware vendors in the space

  — Jake Loosararian

• Nvidia’s dominance impacts the diversity of AI hardware options.
• Hardware diversity is crucial for fostering innovation in AI.
• The current landscape of AI hardware needs more competition.
• Consolidation limits the potential for diverse AI hardware solutions.

The importance of GPUs in AI

• GPUs have become essential for scaling AI applications.

• GPUs have captured the world… the inference side of it is huge

  — Jake Loosararian

• The rise of chat-based models has driven the importance of GPUs.
• GPUs enhance computational capabilities in AI technologies.
• The role of GPUs is critical for inference tasks in AI.
• The evolution of AI technologies has increased the demand for GPUs.
• GPUs are vital for enhancing AI computational power.
• The importance of GPUs in AI continues to grow with technological advancements.

Fragmentation in hardware compatibility

• Fragmentation arises from the lack of a unifying software layer.

• Hardware companies don’t get along… they build software for their chips

  — Jake Loosararian

• Proprietary systems contribute to hardware compatibility issues.
• The competitive dynamics between hardware companies lead to fragmentation.
• Proprietary software solutions impact industry fragmentation.
• Compatibility issues arise from the lack of a unified approach.
• The impact of proprietary software on hardware systems is significant.
• Fragmentation affects the overall efficiency of hardware systems.

The need for updated GPU software

• CUDA is outdated for modern systems and generative AI.

• CUDA… is the shining star of system software for GPUs but it’s 20 years old

  — Jake Loosararian

• There is a need for innovation in GPU software for current technology trends.
• Existing GPU software may not meet the requirements of modern advancements.
• The relevance of CUDA is questioned in the context of new technologies.
• Modern systems require updated GPU software solutions.
• The evolution of technology demands innovation in GPU software.
• The need for updated software is critical for advancing AI capabilities.

Heterogeneous systems in computing

• Heterogeneous systems enhance flexibility and scalability in computing.

• You get these heterogeneous systems where you have different architectures

  — Jake Loosararian

• Different hardware architectures communicating enhances computing capabilities.
• Heterogeneous systems are vital for modern computing architecture.
• The impact of heterogeneous systems on enterprise flexibility is significant.
• Enterprises benefit from the flexibility offered by heterogeneous systems.
• The shift in computing architecture influences technology investments.
• Heterogeneous systems play a key role in future computing developments.

Avoiding vendor lock-in with hardware choices

• Enterprises desire the ability to choose between different hardware systems.

• It gives enterprises choice… they want choice to be able to adopt other systems

  — Jake Loosararian

• Avoiding vendor lock-in is a critical concern for enterprises.
• Flexibility in technology choices is essential for enterprises.
• Enterprises seek to avoid dependency on a single hardware vendor.
• The ability to choose different systems enhances enterprise flexibility.
• Vendor lock-in poses challenges for technology adoption.
• Enterprises prioritize flexibility in hardware choices to enhance innovation.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

Key takeaways

• The OCC is experiencing significant engagement from companies applying for stablecoin licensing.
• Regulatory environments for stablecoin issuers have shifted towards a demand for clear rules.
• Obtaining a banking charter requires rigorous processes including business plan development.
• Successful crypto projects need both product market fit and regulatory fit.
• A responsive regulatory body is crucial for developing new crypto products.
• Jurisdictions like New York are showing commitment to specialized digital asset regulation.
• Regulators need to supervise a critical mass of similar entities to improve effectiveness.
• The Genius legislation creates a federal floor for stablecoin regulation, legitimizing them.
• Proposed rulemaking will impact startup issuers and their ability to develop network effects.
• The stablecoin legislation prohibits paying interest solely for holding the stablecoin.
• Payments through third parties are allowed under the stablecoin legislation.
• Institutional interest in stablecoins is growing due to federal regulation.
• Specialized regulation in jurisdictions fosters digital asset company growth.
• Regulatory frameworks are evolving to better accommodate innovation in the crypto space.
• Clear regulatory rules are essential for compliance and innovation in stablecoin markets.

Guest intro

Dana Syracuse is a partner in the Fintech practice at Paul Hastings LLP, based in the firm’s New York office. He previously served as associate general counsel for the New York Department of Financial Services and played a leading role in developing the country’s first comprehensive digital currency regulation. His practice focuses on federal and state regulatory matters for blockchain and digital asset companies, including OCC charter processes and compliance.

The OCC’s role in stablecoin regulation

• The OCC is actively engaging with companies applying for stablecoin licensing.

• It’s definitely been a really fascinating year and last time that we were on I don’t think there was really any way to predict the level of engagement that we’re seeing from the OCC right now through the application process and then going on through supervision.

  — Dana Syracuse

• The OCC’s involvement is crucial for stakeholders in the stablecoin market.
• Understanding the OCC’s role helps in navigating the regulatory landscape.
• High engagement from the OCC indicates a proactive regulatory approach.
• Companies are increasingly seeking OCC guidance for stablecoin compliance.
• The OCC’s actions influence the stability and growth of the stablecoin market.
• The regulatory landscape is shaped by the OCC’s supervision and engagement.

Shifts in the regulatory environment for stablecoins

• The narrative has shifted from regulation stifling innovation to a demand for clear rules.

• it’s interesting to see how the narrative has shifted among entities from regulation stifles innovation to no we just need a clear set of rules that we can follow now a lot’s gonna be worked out through rule making…

  — Dana Syracuse

• Clear rules are now seen as essential for compliance and innovation.
• This shift impacts how companies approach regulatory challenges.
• The demand for clear rules reflects a maturing stablecoin market.
• Companies are adapting to the evolving regulatory landscape.
• The shift indicates a positive trend towards regulatory clarity.
• Regulatory changes are shaping the future of the stablecoin industry.

The process of obtaining a banking charter

• Obtaining a banking charter involves developing a business plan and demonstrating profitability.

• it is a banking charter and although the door is open there’s still a real process that you have to go through you have to develop an extensive business plan make sure you’ve got directors and officers in place…

  — Dana Syracuse

• The process is rigorous and requires careful planning.
• Companies must meet specific requirements to enter the banking framework.
• Understanding the process is crucial for digital asset companies.
• The banking charter process ensures only qualified entities participate.
• Successful navigation of the process enhances company credibility.
• The charter process aligns business models with regulatory expectations.

Importance of regulatory fit in crypto projects

• Successful crypto projects require both product market fit and regulatory fit.

• Every successful project that we’ve worked on… they’ve got two key things one is product market fit… but that is also regulatory fit.

  — Dana Syracuse

• Aligning business models with regulatory frameworks is crucial.
• Regulatory fit ensures long-term project viability.
• Entrepreneurs must consider regulatory factors in project planning.
• Regulatory fit is as important as market demand for success.
• Projects lacking regulatory fit face significant challenges.
• Understanding regulatory expectations is key to project success.

The need for responsive regulatory bodies

• A responsive regulatory body is essential for developing new crypto products.

• You could have… fantastic regimes and the law is there… but there’s nobody there if you go to apply.

  — Dana Syracuse

• Active regulatory engagement facilitates innovation.
• Companies need support from regulatory bodies to succeed.
• Responsive regulators encourage new product development.
• Lack of regulatory support hinders innovation in the crypto space.
• Entrepreneurs benefit from proactive regulatory guidance.
• Regulatory responsiveness is a critical factor in industry growth.

Specialized regulation in jurisdictions like New York

• Jurisdictions like New York show commitment to specialized digital asset regulation.

• I think it would be important to watch which rate owners end up with a critical mass of applicants and charter holders who focus on digital assets… you had more and more entities going there because it was known as a regulator that was building a specialized team of regulators who understood this stuff.

  — Dana Syracuse

• Specialized regulation fosters a supportive environment for digital asset companies.
• Companies are attracted to jurisdictions with knowledgeable regulators.
• Regulatory commitment impacts the growth of digital asset businesses.
• Jurisdictions with specialized regulation lead in digital asset innovation.
• Companies benefit from operating in supportive regulatory environments.
• Specialized regulation enhances jurisdictional competitiveness.

Enhancing regulatory effectiveness through experience

• Regulators need to supervise a critical mass of similar entities to improve effectiveness.

• I think it’s really important that they have a good number of entities that they are supervising that have similar business models because then they develop the pattern recognition that ultimately makes them better at their jobs.

  — Dana Syracuse

• Experience with similar entities enhances regulatory oversight.
• Pattern recognition improves regulatory decision-making.
• Effective regulation requires understanding of industry patterns.
• Regulatory experience leads to better industry guidance.
• Supervising similar entities helps regulators anticipate challenges.
• Enhanced regulatory effectiveness benefits the entire financial sector.

Impact of the Genius legislation on stablecoins

• The Genius legislation creates a federal floor for stablecoin regulation.

• Genius creates a federal floor for them and defines what they are… that has created a substantial degree of additional institutional interest in stablecoins legitimizing them as a means for payment.

  — Dana Syracuse

• Federal regulation legitimizes stablecoins in financial environments.
• Institutional interest in stablecoins is growing due to regulation.
• The legislation shapes the future of stablecoin acceptance.
• Federal regulation provides a framework for stablecoin legitimacy.
• Stablecoins gain credibility with regulatory backing.
• The Genius Act impacts stablecoin market dynamics.

Proposed rulemaking and its impact on startups

• Proposed rulemaking will significantly impact startup issuers.

• If that is no longer a possibility that will definitely have an impact… the question is does that cause consolidation amongst those that are already out there and are a little more up to speed.

  — Dana Syracuse

• Regulatory changes affect startup market dynamics.
• Startups may face challenges in developing network effects.
• Proposed rules could lead to market consolidation.
• Startups need to adapt to new regulatory environments.
• Regulatory changes influence startup strategies.
• Understanding proposed rules is crucial for startup success.

Implications of stablecoin legislation on interest payments

• The stablecoin legislation prohibits paying interest solely for holding the stablecoin.

• there’s a prohibition on paying interest or rewards solely in connection with holding use or attaining the stablecoin there also doesn’t bar you from paying it if it’s going out through someone other than the issue

  — Dana Syracuse

• Issuers can offer payments through third parties.
• The legislation impacts how issuers structure interest offerings.
• Understanding the legislation is crucial for issuer compliance.
• Issuers must navigate legal frameworks for interest payments.
• The legislation shapes stablecoin issuer strategies.
• Compliance with the legislation ensures legal operation.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

Ripple is being viewed as a key player in the evolving push toward tokenized financial markets, as the New York Stock Exchange advances its plans to bring traditional assets onto blockchain rails. This development signals a broader shift on Wall Street, where traditional infrastructure is beginning to intersect with blockchain-driven innovation, settlement layer, and transition from legacy systems to faster and more transparent digital infrastructure.

How Ripple Is Positioned At The Core Of Financial Transformation

Wall Street has just surrendered to Ripple, as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) takes a decisive step to launch the tokenized securities era. Crypto analyst Pumpius has revealed on X that the exchange overseeing $30 trillion in market capitalization has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Securitize.

They named it the first official transfer agent allowed to mint blockchain native securities on its upcoming NYSE digital trading platform. However, this infrastructure is being built for all activity to move on-chain. The shift will be bullish for $XRP and Ripple because, for years, the firm has long focused on tokenizing real-world assets and building institutional-grade blockchain rails.

Within that framework, $XRP was built as the neutral bridge asset for value transfer in a tokenized world, facilitating fast, low-cost, and regulatory-friendly transactions that are already battle-tested by banks. While narrative was speculating, Ripple was positioning $XRP as the liquidity engine that allows tokenized securities to move across borders and chains without friction.

Furthermore, Pumpius argues that adding the NYSE and Securitize will result in the expansion of tokenized equities. Meanwhile, major players such as BlackRock, JPMorgan, and SWIFT continue to explore tokenization and blockchain settlement, and the entire $100 trillion real-world assets market needs a global settlement layer.

Here, $XRP sits between this shift with On-Demand Liquidity (ODL), $RLUSD, and partnerships that have reached the world’s biggest financial institutions. Pumpius emphasized that $XRP might be the bridge they will use when the first tokenized Apple or BlackRock ETF settles on-chain and needs instant global rails.

Ripple Custody Bridges Traditional Finance And Blockchain

The February 2026 report reveals how institutions are actively leveraging Ripple Custody. An analyst known as SMQKE on X noted that Ripple Custody supported DZ Bank in launching a digital custody service for crypto securities in under 10 months, through the deployment of a robust digital asset infrastructure.

Meanwhile, at the core of these solutions are $XRP and Ripple’s stablecoin $RLUSD. With these capabilities, financial institutions across over 20 jurisdictions have been able to develop, expand, and scale digital asset business models with confidence. Meanwhile, Ripple Custody is now used across these jurisdictions, and $XRP and $RLUSD are allowed to support the entire lifecycle of a tokenized asset.

Featured image from Freepik, chart from Tradingview.com