Convened by the Responsible Fintech Institute with Safeheron as technology partner, to evaluate and eventually open-source quantum-resilient infrastructure for wallet generation and digital asset transfers in a regulated, cross-jurisdiction setting.

SINGAPORE, Aug. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Responsible Fintech Institute (RFI) and Safeheron have launched a pilot initiative to evaluate post-quantum cryptography for digital asset transactions, with participation from selected financial institutions and regulatory stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions. The initiative is designed to move quantum-safe financial infrastructure from concept into practical testing with participating institutions.

The pilot will focus on a post-quantum cryptography (PQC) research program built around a multi-party computation (MPC) protocol that supports ML-DSA-65, the NIST FIPS 204 digital signature standard, with participant testing covering wallet generation and on-chain transfer activity on the quantum-resistant NEAR testnet. The initiative brings together banks and regulators from multiple jurisdictions to examine cross-border interoperability, operational resilience and governance considerations in parallel with technical evaluation.

“No single bank, vendor, or regulator solves this alone,” said Chia Hock Lai, Chairman of the Responsible Fintech Institute. “By bringing policymakers and financial institutions across jurisdictions together to test the same post-quantum architecture, and transparently sharing that research with every participant, we are building a compliance and security reference the whole industry can stand on — and a standard we all helped write.”

“AI is accelerating the pace of change and likely bringing the quantum threat closer to reality — quantum-ready infrastructure has never been more critical, and the time to act is now,” said Jag Foo, Chief Security & Policy Officer at Safeheron. “By integrating NIST’s post-quantum signature standard with advanced MPC technology, we are building the architecture required to secure the next generation of financial networks. Safeheron has long advocated for open-source cryptography, because accountability and good governance demand it. We intend to open-source our PQC code. Cryptography securing institutional assets should stand up to independent scrutiny, not ask for trust.”

“As the financial sector prepares for future cybersecurity challenges, initiatives that encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing among industry participants are increasingly important,” said António Henriques, CEO of Bison Bank. “We are pleased to support discussions around post-quantum security and to contribute to broader industry understanding of how financial institutions can prepare for the evolving risk landscape.”

“We welcome the industry’s initiative to identify a reliable protocol that safeguards digital asset transactions,” said David Peters, Managing Director of the Gelephu Financial Services Office. “Ensuring the continuing integrity of these transactions and protecting client funds is critical to the smooth functioning of the investment market.”

“Preparing for the potential impact of quantum computing on the financial system requires early engagement, collaboration and a better understanding of how post-quantum technologies can operate in practice,” said Alan Decelis, Head of Supervisory ICT Risk and Cybersecurity at the Malta Financial Services Authority. “The MFSA welcomes initiatives that bring together regulators, financial institutions and technology experts to explore these challenges in a controlled environment. Participating in this initiative provides a valuable opportunity to contribute a supervisory perspective while developing our understanding of the operational, governance and resilience considerations associated with the transition towards quantum-safe financial services.”

Why quantum-safe infrastructure matters

Quantum computing is widely expected to create long-term risks for the public-key cryptography that underpins large parts of today’s financial system, and financial-sector transition planning has become increasingly important. As noted in a 2025 paper on quantum-readiness for the financial system published by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), the transition requires coordinated planning, cryptographic agility and phased migration, rather than a simple algorithm swap.

At the same time, regulators are sharpening their focus on AI- and quantum-driven cyber risks. In July 2026, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) announced the AI-Driven Cyber and Technology Risk Taskforce (ACT), an industry-wide initiative to strengthen collective cyber and technology resilience against emerging threats from frontier AI models. Regionally, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has embedded quantum readiness into its Fintech 2030 strategy, launching a Quantum Preparedness Index and whitepaper to benchmark banks’ transition to post-quantum cryptography and signalling an ambition to achieve full sectoral quantum-ready status by 2030.

Within this pilot, participating institutions will test a shared application environment that enables quantum-resistant MPC signing under consistent conditions, while regulators take part in an observer role during the first phase and contribute to a governance workstream in the next stage. The proof of concept also envisages publication of a whitepaper covering the research, protocol design and testing findings so that the wider market can assess and build on the results, reinforcing the sector’s collective learning and preparedness. Furthermore, the underlying protocol technology will eventually be open-sourced to maximize transparency, encourage independent security auditing, and promote accountable, industry-wide standards.

About the pilot

The proof of concept is positioned as a collaborative effort for regulated financial institutions, with Safeheron leading protocol and engineering work and the Responsible Fintech Institute leading governance, convening and cross-jurisdiction stakeholder coordination. Current participants include regulators such as Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Gelephu Financial Services Office (GFSO) and Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) alongside participating banks including Bison Bank and DK Bank, with additional institutions in discussion to join.

Participating financial institutions will contribute to the evaluation of operational, governance and interoperability considerations associated with post-quantum cryptographic approaches. Levels of participation may vary depending on the role and scope agreed by each institution.

The pilot has been structured to stay close to real institutional operating models, including a tentative non-custodial 2-of-2 MPC participation design intended to minimize operational burden while preserving institutional control over key ownership. Its broader objective is to help the market better understand how secure digital asset transaction flows could evolve across regions as financial institutions prepare for a quantum-safe future, in alignment with evolving supervisory expectations on cyber resilience and quantum readiness.

About the Responsible Fintech Institute

The Responsible Fintech Institute is an independent nonprofit organization focused on bridging traditional and decentralized finance through standards, governance and responsible adoption. In this pilot, it convenes regulators, banks and market infrastructure stakeholders across jurisdictions and supports governance and publication of the initiative’s research findings.

About Safeheron

Safeheron is a digital asset custody and operating system infrastructure provider focused on advanced cryptographic infrastructure, including multi-party computation and trusted execution environment capabilities. In this pilot, it is responsible for the PQC-enabled MPC protocol, ML-DSA-65 signing implementation and testing application used by approved participants.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/consortium-launches-cross-regional-pilot-on-post-quantum-security-with-participation-from-banks-and-regulatory-stakeholders-302857693.html

SOURCE Responsible Fintech Institute (RFI)

AG.AL claims the $7 million Club Championship title after seven weeks featuring more than 2,000 players, 200 Clubs and 25 tournaments

850 million viewers and 440 million hours watched, up 13% and 26% year-on-year, highlight record-breaking event

175,000 tickets sold to esports competitions, up 94% compared to 2025

Total visits across venues, Fan Fest and city activations top 2 million

[Media Kit]

VIDEO: Thank you, Paris

PARIS and RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Esports Foundation announced that AG.AL has been crowned Esports World Cup 2026 Club Champion, bringing seven weeks of competition in Paris, France to a close after more than 2,000 players, representing 200 Clubs and over 100 countries, competed across 25 tournaments in 24 games, for a record-breaking $75 million prize pool.

AG.AL secured the $7 million Club Championship title with 5,300 points after a dramatic win in Trackmania, completing a campaign that also included a first place finish in TEKKEN 8, second place finishes in Chess, Free Fire and the Honor of Kings World Cup, and a third place finish in Teamfight Tactics. Team Falcons finished second with 4,600 points, followed by Team Vitality with 3,300 points, Natus Vincere with 2,950 points, and Team Liquid with 2,700 points.

The title was decided on the final weekend, when AG.AL’s Gwendal “Gwen” Duparc won the EWC’s inaugural Trackmania tournament to secure the Club Championship. Two-time defending Club Champions Team Falcons entered the Trackmania playoffs leading the overall standings, but Carl-Antoni “Carl Jr.” Cloutier’s quarterfinal exit opened the door for AG.AL. Needing to finish third or better, Gwen dominated the final to claim the $130,000 tournament prize and the EWC 2026 Club Championship for AG.AL.

“We are proud of what the Esports World Cup has achieved in Paris and of its continued international growth,” said His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan al Saud, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Esports Foundation. “Bringing the EWC to a global audience beyond Saudi Arabia marks an important milestone in its journey and reflects the growing recognition of esports as a global industry, connecting communities, cultures and audiences around the world. The attendance of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, alongside President Emmanuel Macron, is a testament to the growing importance and global interest in esports, and to how far the industry has come. I extend my congratulations to all the players, Clubs, publishers, partners and organisers who contributed to this edition. Paris has been an important chapter in the EWC journey, and we look forward to building on this progress in the years ahead.”

“When we began expanding AG.AL globally in 2024, the same year the Esports World Cup launched, we set out to build a Club capable of succeeding across games, regions and cultures. This title shows how far that vision has come,” said Eddy Chen, COO at AG.AL. “Our journey in Paris reflected the strength of the entire organization, from M. Zubair’s breakthrough in TEKKEN 8 and our deep runs across multiple titles to Gwen delivering the decisive Trackmania victory under extraordinary pressure. But this trophy belongs equally to every player, coach and staff member whose dedication brought us here. I want to thank our Chairman, Mr. Layne Le, whose belief and leadership made this journey possible, and the Esports Foundation for creating a global stage that rewards the depth and ambition of an entire Club. Winning the Club Championship is a historic milestone for AG.AL and a proud moment for everyone who believed in what we are building.”

From start to finish, EWC Paris 2026 showcased elite play and the very best of esports, as legends rose and new stars were born. France’s Caliste “Caliste” Henry-Hennebert led Karmine Corp on a fairytale run to the League of Legends Grand Final in front of a home crowd, while 15-year-old Chilean Jaime “Craime” Bustos defeated two EVO champions to become the youngest EWC champion in history.

AG.AL’s Khawaja “M. Zubair” secured the TEKKEN 8 championship trophy while claiming the Jafonso Award for emerging from the LCQ to win the title. In the closing weeks, Samy “dralii” Hajji became the first-ever three-time EWC champion after his third victory in Rocket League, and grandmaster Magnus Carlsen repeated as Chess champion without losing a single game.

EWC Paris 2026 also established new records across the board compared to 2025. Distributed globally by more than 100 broadcast and OTT partners in 47 languages and supported by 5,000 participating creators and co-streamers, the EWC reached 850 million viewers and generated 440 million hours watched, up 13% and 26%, respectively, with peak viewership of 4.3 million registered during the League of Legends tournament.

The event generated 175,000 tickets sold to esports competitions, up 94% compared to 2025. Including venues, Fan Fest and city activations, 2 million total visits were recorded over the seven-week period.

The EWC 2026 was the culmination of a year-round competitive journey. More than 1.5 million players competed through 330 Road to EWC events, connecting publisher competitions, qualification pathways and the Club Championship into a global season that Clubs, players and fans could follow from the first qualifier to today’s final trophy lift.

“Our ambition has always been bigger than a single event: to grow esports and establish it as a leading global sport,” said Ralf Reichert, Chief Executive Officer of the Esports Foundation. “The Esports World Cup brings that mission to life by bringing the best games, players, Clubs and communities together on one global stage. Paris embraced the Esports World Cup and made it its own. The city showed that competitive gaming belongs on the world’s biggest stages while staying true to what makes esports special. Thank you to the city of Paris for seven weeks of incredible support and fandom. And congratulations to AG.AL on an extraordinary Club Championship victory and on earning their place in esports history.”

As the first Esports World Cup hosted outside Riyadh, Paris marked a significant step in the event’s global evolution. French Clubs competed in front of sold-out home audiences, more than 22,600 campaign placements carried EWC across the capital to reach 94% of Parisians, and tournament symbols appeared at the city’s most popular landmarks, including on the Champs-Élysées and beside the Eiffel Tower. Record ticket sales culminated with the final weekend’s Counter-Strike tournament moving to the 20,000-seat Accor Arena.

The EWC’s impact will continue beyond the competition weeks. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Esports Foundation and the French Ministry of Sports, Youth and Community Life established a framework for long-term cooperation around youth development, digital skills, esports participation and French talent, building on the connection created between EWC and France this summer.

Paris now sends the Esports World Cup into its next era with new champions, new records and a global foundation for hosting in the world’s leading cities. As the first international host city of the Esports World Cup, Paris will hold a permanent place in EWC history.

The Esports World Cup will return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027.

For more information, visit esportsworldcup.com and follow EWC on X and Instagram, and the Esports Foundation LinkedIn.

About the Esports World Cup
The Esports World Cup is the world’s premier annual competition for elite esports Clubs and a global celebration of competitive gaming. Featuring a unique cross-game format that crowns the world’s best Club across multiple titles, the Esports World Cup brings together the industry’s leading players, teams, publishers and fans on one global stage. Hosted in Paris, France, in the summer of 2026, the Esports World Cup continues the Esports Foundation’s mission to advance esports as a leading global sport.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/agal-crowned-esports-world-cup-2026-club-champion-after-landmark-competition-in-paris-302857837.html

SOURCE Esports Foundation

SYDNEY, Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Inspira Enterprise, a global leader in cybersecurity, AI and digital transformation services, today announced its strategic expansion into Australia, reinforcing its commitment to helping organizations strengthen cyber resilience, secure AI adoption, and modernize enterprise security operations across the Asia-Pacific region.

With a growing demand for cyber resilience, identity security, AI governance, cloud security, and managed detection and response (MDR), Australia represents a significant milestone in Inspira’s global growth journey. The expansion will enable Australian enterprises and government organizations to leverage Inspira’s deep expertise in delivering outcome-driven cybersecurity services backed by AI-powered innovation.

“Australia is one of the world’s most digitally advanced economies, with organizations accelerating AI adoption while navigating an increasingly sophisticated cyber threat landscape,” said Josef Figueroa, President – ASEAN, Inspira Enterprise. “Our expansion reflects our long-term commitment to the region. We are bringing together global expertise, local talent, strategic technology partnerships, and AI-powered security capabilities to help Australian organizations build resilient, secure, and future-ready digital enterprises.”

“Our vision has always been to help organizations stay ahead of evolving cyber risks through innovation, intelligence, and trusted partnerships,” said Chetan Jain, Co-founder & Managing Director, Inspira Enterprise. “Australia is a strategic market for us, and this expansion strengthens our ability to serve customers with local expertise backed by our global delivery capabilities and 24×7 Cyber Fusion Centers.”

The Australian expansion further strengthens Inspira’s presence across North America, Middle East & Africa, ASEAN and India, enabling customers to access globally consistent cybersecurity services while benefiting from local engagement and regional expertise.

Inspira will be formally launching their operations via a hosted client event at the University of Technology in Sydney on the 26th of August, 2026. If you would like an invite, please email : marketing@inspiraenterprise.com 

About Inspira Enterprise

Inspira Enterprise is a global cybersecurity, AI and digital transformation company helping organizations build resilient, secure, and intelligent enterprises. With operations across North America, ASEAN, the Middle East, Africa, and India. Inspira delivers end-to-end cybersecurity services including advisory, managed security, identity security, cloud security, data protection, AI governance, OT security, and AI-powered SOC operations. Backed by strategic technology partnerships and global Cyber Fusion Centers, Inspira enables organizations to protect critical assets, accelerate digital transformation, and strengthen cyber resilience in an AI-first world.

Media Contact

Marketing & Communications

Arvind Lakshmiratan
Chief Marketing Officer
Arvind.lakshmiratan@inspiraenterprise.com

Email: marketing@inspiraenterprise.com
Website: www.inspiraenterprise.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/inspira-enterprise-expands-into-australia-to-accelerate-ai-driven-cybersecurity-and-digital-resilience-across-enterprises-302856498.html

SOURCE Inspira Enterprise