Connect with us

Technology

Hong Kong Web3 Festival: The Agent Economy and RWA Reshaping Global Finance Beyond the Event

Published

on

HONG KONG, June 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Jointly hosted by Wanxiang Blockchain Labs and HashKey Group and organised by W3ME, the 4th Hong Kong Web3 Festival continues to resonate globally well after its conclusion. Drawing tens of thousands of participants worldwide, the event not only generated meaningful economic activity in Hong Kong but also reinforced the city’s role as a convening hub for regulators, traditional financial institutions, technology innovators and investors.

What sets the Hong Kong Web3 Festival apart from many other industry gatherings is its unusually high concentration of decision-makers. International attendees accounted for over 60%, including founders, institutional investors, listed company executives and high-net-worth individuals. Delegations led by economist Ren Zeping, HKU Business School executive education cohorts, and senior executives from listed firms all point to a clear shift: Web3 is moving beyond crypto-native discourse into a strategic agenda for mainstream capital and the real economy.

Beyond networking and discussions, the festival delivered a series of clear policy signals, technology roadmaps and commercial directions. The Honourable Paul CHAN Mo-po, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, Financial Secretary of the Government of Hong Kong, described the convergence of Web3 and artificial intelligence as a transformative force capable of reshaping industries and business models. Mr Joseph H. L. CHAN, JP, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, Hong Kong, highlighted the four-pillar “LEAP” framework introduced under Hong Kong’s Digital Asset Development Policy Statement 2.0, noting that legislative work is underway and draft bills are expected in 2026.

Further reinforcing Hong Kong’s commitment to digital asset development, Dr. YIP Chee Hang, Executive Director of Intermediaries, Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong, announced that licensed virtual asset trading platforms would be allowed to facilitate secondary market trading of authorised tokenised funds, widely seen as one of the most significant regulatory developments of the festival. Duncan Chiu, Legislative Council Member (Technology & Innovation Constituency), Hong Kong, also emphasised that regulatory clarity is fundamental to industry growth, adding that Hong Kong’s stability and transparency remain key competitive advantages in attracting compliant global projects.

Technology development was another central theme of the event. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin outlined a roadmap focused on scalability, security and long-term resilience. In the near term, Ethereum’s priorities include broader deployment of zkEVM technologies and preparations for a future shaped by quantum computing.

At the same time, discussions increasingly moved beyond infrastructure and toward the future economic systems that emerging technologies may enable. Dr. Xiao Feng, Chairman of Wanxiang Blockchain, Chairman and CEO of HashKey Group, argued that the convergence of AI tokens, blockchain tokens and privacy-preserving computing will give rise to an “Agent Economy”, with programmable digital currency as its core foundation. He added that AI tokens should be viewed as productive assets rather than money, while the “lifeblood” of future systems will be programmable money designed for machines.

Discussions around RWA and tokenisation highlighted a broader shift from product-centric to service-based models, where tokenisation lowers access costs to high-value assets and enables subscription or usage-based pricing structures. Industry participants noted that this model is increasingly relevant to emerging sectors such as robotics, drones and intelligent equipment. Looking ahead, intelligent devices are expected to carry their own digital identities and wallets, with machine-to-machine payments gradually complementing human transactions. Stablecoins, with their programmability, 24/7 availability and borderless nature, are widely seen as the preferred settlement layer for a machine-driven economy. The consensus is that large-scale adoption will be driven by utility and real economic demand rather than education or speculation.

The growing involvement of traditional financial institutions further underscored the industry’s evolution. Fu Peng, Chief Economist of Bitfire Group, argued that digital assets are following a trajectory similar to fixed income, currencies and commodities markets, evolving toward a “FICC+C” allocation framework. Participation from institutions such as Sharplink, BlackRock, JPMorgan underscores the accelerating convergence between traditional finance and the digital asset sector.

After four editions, the Hong Kong Web3 Festival has gradually evolved into a key global platform for digital asset dialogue, fostering sustained engagement among policymakers, enterprises and investors. As Hong Kong continues to advance a development strategy that balances regulatory clarity with technological innovation, its digital asset ecosystem is entering a new phase of growth. Under the dual engines of compliance and innovation, Hong Kong’s digital economy is accelerating into a more complex and structurally deeper phase, further reinforcing its institutional strengths and resilience as an international financial centre.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/hong-kong-web3-festival-the-agent-economy-and-rwa-reshaping-global-finance-beyond-the-event-302792539.html

SOURCE Hong Kong Web3 Festival

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Webull Launches Mutual Funds for IRA Investors, Expanding Long-Term Investing Offerings

Published

on

By

New offering provides IRA customers access to diversified, professionally managed investment products within the Webull platform

NEW YORK, June 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Webull (NASDAQ: BULL), an online investment platform, today announced the launch of mutual funds for IRA accounts, expanding its suite of long-term investing and retirement solutions for U.S. users.

This new offering gives eligible IRA customers access to professionally managed mutual funds, enabling investors to build more diversified portfolios directly within the Webull platform. The launch represents another step in Webull’s continued expansion of investment products designed to support a broader range of investor needs and long-term financial goals.

Mutual Funds pool investor capital into diversified portfolios of stocks, bonds, and other securities managed by professional portfolio managers. They are commonly used for retirement and long-term investing because they provide diversification, simplified portfolio construction, and access to professionally managed investment strategies.

“Expanding access to mutual funds within IRA accounts allow investors to more easily diversify their portfolios and manage their retirement savings through a single platform,” said Lindsay Ryan, Head of U.S. Products. “By bringing more investment choices into one streamlined experience, we’re helping clients simplify long-term financial planning and stay focused on achieving their goals.”

The launch is designed to support investors contributing to retirement accounts, rolling over retirement assets, or looking to diversify their long-term portfolios through professionally managed products.

Key features of the offering include:

Access to diversified, professionally managed mutual funds within eligible IRA accountsAvailability of no-load mutual funds for retirement investorsExpanded portfolio diversification options for long-term investing strategiesImproved flexibility for retirement investors holding mutual fund positions

Mutual Funds have launched in beta for select U.S.-based customers, with a full rollout to all IRA accounts coming soon. The available fund lineup will continue to expand through the addition of new funds and CUSIPs, providing investors with a broader range of investment options. Support for ACAT transfers of mutual fund positions is also expected in a future release.

For more information about Webull and its offerings, visit www.webull.com.

###

About Webull US 

Webull is a leading online investment platform built on next-generation global infrastructure. Users of the Webull platform are empowered to pursue their financial goals with advanced charting tools, cutting-edge technology, and real-time market data. Webull’s customers can access low-cost trading across a wide range of assets, including securities1, options1, digital assets2, and futures3, along with wealth management services4. All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of principal. Customers should carefully consider all risks associated with any investment, including the risks set forth in the disclosure documents linked below, and consult with a financial professional and other advisors you deem appropriate before making any investment. Please visit www.webull.com/disclosures to read the applicable disclosure documents. For more information about Webull, visit www.webull.com.

1. Securities and options trading is provided by Webull Financial LLC, which is registered as a broker-dealer with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). Investing in securities and Options involve unique risks that are not suitable for all investors. 2. Access to digital assets trading is provided by Webull Pay LLC, and in some jurisdictions, via Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC. Digital asset prices are subject to extreme and rapid volatility. Digital assets are not protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Neither Webull Pay nor Bakkt are registered broker-dealers or members of SIPC or FINRA. 3. Futures and event contract trading are offered by Webull Futures LLC, a Futures Commission Merchant (FCM) registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and a member of the National Futures Association (NFA). Futures and event contract trading are highly speculative and may not be suitable for all investors. 4.Advisory accounts and services are provided by Webull Advisors LLC, an investment advisor registered with the SEC. Registration does not imply a level of skill or training.

About Webull Corporation

Webull Corporation (NASDAQ: BULL) owns and operates Webull, a leading digital investment platform built on next-generation global infrastructure. Through its global network of licensed brokerages, Webull offers investment services in 16 markets across North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa and Latin America. Webull serves more than 27 million registered users globally, providing retail investors with 24/7 access to global financial markets. Users can put investment strategies to work by trading global stocks, ETFs, options, futures, fractional shares, and digital assets through Webull’s trading platform, which seamlessly integrates market data and information, its user community, and investor education resources. Learn more at www.webullcorp.com.

Webull Media Contact

Nicholas Koulermos
Webull@5Wpr.com
(212) 999 – 5585

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/webull-launches-mutual-funds-for-ira-investors-expanding-long-term-investing-offerings-302792615.html

SOURCE Webull Financial LLC

Continue Reading

Technology

Rapidus Completes 150 Billion Yen Funding Round from Japan Government

Published

on

By

TOKYO, June 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rapidus Corporation today announced that it has completed an additional funding round of 150 billion yen (equivalent to about $943 million USD) from the Information-Technology Promotion Agency (IPA), Japan, an independent administrative agency under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) based on the “Act on Facilitation of Information Processing.”

Earlier this year, Rapidus announced that it received a 100 billion yen investment from the IPA, in addition to private-sector funding, totaling 167.6 billion yen from 32 companies including Canon, Development Bank of Japan Inc., Fujitsu, NTT, SoftBank and Sony Group. Simultaneously, Rapidus announced that the total amount of stated capital and legal capital surplus reached 274.95 billion yen. As a result of this latest capital increase by the IPA, Rapidus funding now totals 424.95 billion yen.

Since its fiscal year 2022, Rapidus has received subsidies from Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization under the “Post-5G Information and Communication Systems Infrastructure Enhancement R&D Project / Development of Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology (Commissioned).” These projects are part of the “Research and Development of 2nm-Generation Semiconductor Integration Technology and Short Turnaround Time (TAT) Manufacturing Technology Based on Japan–U.S. Collaboration” and “Development of Chiplet, Package Design and Manufacturing Technology for 2nm-Generation Semiconductors.”

To support its evolution from the R&D stage to full-scale 2nm logic semiconductor manufacturing by 2027, Rapidus will continue to raise capital and financing from a mix of public and private sources.

About Rapidus Corporation
Rapidus Corporation aims to develop and manufacture the world’s most advanced logic semiconductors. We will create new industries together with our customers through the development and provision of services to shorten cycle times in design, wafer processes, 3D packaging and more. We will continue to challenge ourselves in order to contribute to the fulfillment, prosperity and happiness of people’s lives through the use of semiconductors.

Rapidus Corporation
Headquarters: 4-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083, Japan
Founded: August 10, 2022
Business Areas: Development, design, manufacture, and sale of semiconductor devices, integrated circuits and other electronic components
Capital (as of June 5, 2026): 424.95 billion yen (including legal capital surplus)

U.S. Media Contact:
Breakaway Communications for Rapidus
Email: rapidus@breakawaycom.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rapidus-completes-150-billion-yen-funding-round-from-japan-government-302791892.html

SOURCE Rapidus Corporation

Continue Reading

Technology

Norton Reveals the Top 10 Scams Standing Between You and a Scam Free Summer

Published

on

By

From AI-powered imposter fraud to reservation hijacking, Norton pinpoints the attacks surging most between now and Labor Day

TEMPE, Ariz. and PRAGUE, June 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SPF isn’t the only protection you need this summer. Norton, a global leader in consumer Cyber Safety and part of Gen (NASDAQ: GEN), today launched Scam Free Summer to help people spot and stop the scams that spike in in the summer months. The forecast shines light on the moments scammers tend to show up most.

Norton’s 2026 Summer Scam Forecast shares the 10 scam types projected to be most active this summer, grounded in a Norton analysis of millions of scam attacks blocked by Norton in 2024 and 2025 and cross-referenced against emerging threat patterns from spring 2026.

Why is Summer So Hot For Some Scams?

“Scammers follow the calendar,” said Leyla Bilge, Global Head of Scam Research for Norton. “People are understandably distracted, spending more on travel and tickets, tapping confirmation links without a second look. Scam Free Summer gives you the playbook to enjoy the season without lining a scammer’s pockets.”

Gen’s threat data shares the top trends:

Imposter scams are when fraudsters pose as family members, government agencies, or known contacts. These jumped 144% last summer compared to the rest of the year.Financial scam attacks in the U.S. were up 55% versus the annual average.Package delivery scams rose 89%.Gambling fraud climbed 88%, driven by summer sports events.

What’s new in 2026: AI is doing even more heavy lifting for scammers. Voice cloning has made phone-based imposter scams harder to detect, and deepfake technology has made romance fraud and investment schemes more convincing. Data breaches are contributing to the rise in Reservation Hijacking Scams, while lookalike sites built to mimic real booking platforms, sportsbooks, and ticket sellers are surfacing through paid search ads, often indistinguishable from the real thing.

The Scam-Free Summer Forecast

Norton’s threat intelligence team is tracking the scams hitting right now. Trending scams include:

Reservation hijack attacks that use your real hotel name, real dates, and real confirmation number to redirect your payment to a fake page.Fake ticket sites for sold-out concerts, festivals, or sports events like the World Cup that surface above the legitimate sellers in search results.AI-powered romance scams where the video chats look real (because they are, just not the person on the other end).Gambling sites built specifically for major sporting events, designed to disappear by September before anyone catches up.

The forecast details 10 scams in total, each with the threat data behind the seasonal spike and the specific steps to avoid it. The full 2026 Summer Scam Forecast is available now at https://us.norton.com/blog/research/summer-scams.

How to Stay Safe
For consumers who want real-time protection against these threats, Norton Genie has them covered. Built directly into Norton Cyber Safety products, Genie analyzes texts,, emails, and websites for hidden scam patterns and detects sophisticated schemes even the most careful person can miss. Key features like Safe SMS, Safe Web, and Safe Email proactively flag suspicious content before it can do damage, while Safe Call automatically blocks scam calls. For those who do fall victim, Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus also includes Scam Support and Reimbursement to help recover lost funds. You can also use Genie with the Norton App in ChatGPT.

Norton wishes everyone a Scam Free Summer and will be sharing additional threat intelligence, expert commentary, and consumer guidance throughout the season.

About Norton
Norton is a leader in Cyber Safety, and part of Gen (NASDAQ: GEN), a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom with a family of trusted consumer brands. Norton empowers millions of individuals and families with award-winning protection for their devices, online privacy, and identity. Norton products and services are certified by independent testing organizations including AV-TEST, AV Comparatives, and SE Labs. Norton is a founding member of the Coalition Against Stalkerware. Learn more at https://us.norton.com.

Media Contact:
Brittany Posey
Gen
Press@GenDigital.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/norton-reveals-the-top-10-scams-standing-between-you-and-a-scam-free-summer-302792210.html

SOURCE Gen Digital Inc.

Continue Reading

Trending