The latest crypto news today highlights major developments across artificial intelligence, stablecoin adoption, and cryptocurrency exchanges.
Elon Musk has expressed support for a potential Tesla-SpaceX merger as SpaceX’s artificial intelligence business experiences remarkable growth.
Meanwhile, stablecoin transactions reached $891 billion during the third quarter of 2026, reflecting growing institutional interest in blockchain payments.
Crypto exchange Bitget also announced plans to acquire a licensed exchange in Thailand, continuing its international expansion following a major security breach.
Elon Musk Supports Tesla-SpaceX Merger as AI Revenue Surges
Elon Musk has backed the possibility of combining Tesla and SpaceX, potentially creating a technology powerhouse valued at approximately $3.5 trillion.
The proposed merger would bring together electric vehicle manufacturing, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology development.
Speaking during SpaceX’s third-quarter earnings call, Musk described the idea of merging the two companies as a positive strategic opportunity.
According to Musk, Tesla and SpaceX have already established independent special committees to explore the potential transaction following requests from shareholders.
However, Musk will not directly participate in the negotiations because of his financial interests in both companies.
The proposed combination comes as SpaceX’s artificial intelligence operations become increasingly important to its financial performance.
SpaceX’s AI revenue increased more than ninefold in the third quarter, becoming the company’s largest revenue-generating business segment.
A merger could strengthen cooperation across AI development, robotics, semiconductor manufacturing, and other advanced technologies.
Nevertheless, the transaction remains under discussion, and no final agreement has been reached.
Stablecoin Transactions Reach $891 Billion as US Banks Expand Adoption
Stablecoin adoption continues accelerating as major financial institutions explore blockchain-based payment systems.
According to research commissioned by Coinbase and conducted by The Block Research, adjusted stablecoin transfer volume reached $891 billion in the third quarter of 2026.
The figure represents more than a fourfold increase compared with early 2023, highlighting the expanding role of digital currencies in global payments.
The report also found that stablecoins processed more than $400 million in adjusted transfers per hour during the quarter.
Approximately 73% of screened transaction volume occurred outside traditional US banking hours, including weekends and public holidays.
These findings highlight one of the main advantages of stablecoins: the ability to transfer value continuously without depending on conventional banking schedules.
Major US Banks Test Blockchain Payment Systems
Institutional interest in stablecoins has also increased significantly.
The research found that seven of the 10 largest US banks have tested stablecoins or tokenized deposits for transaction settlement.
Meanwhile, 30% of mid-sized companies involved in international business are either using or testing stablecoin payments.
That compares with just 10% in 2024, suggesting growing interest in blockchain-based cross-border transactions.
Consumer demand is also expanding.
A separate survey by the National Cryptocurrency Association found that 42% of American adults would be more likely to open an account or strengthen their relationship with a bank offering cryptocurrency services.
The findings suggest that digital assets could play a larger role in traditional financial services as banks develop new payment infrastructure.
Stablecoin Market Capitalization Remains Nearly Unchanged
Despite the sharp increase in transaction activity, the overall stablecoin market has experienced limited growth in circulating value.
According to DeFiLlama, total stablecoin market capitalization stood at approximately $301.4 billion on Tuesday.
That represented a decline of around 0.6% compared with the same period in 2025.
The difference between rising transaction volumes and relatively stable market capitalization suggests that existing stablecoins are being used more frequently, rather than growth being driven entirely by new issuance.
Meanwhile, Standard Chartered recently revised its forecast for the stablecoin market to reach $2 trillion.
The bank now expects that milestone in 2030 rather than 2028, citing slower-than-anticipated growth in stablecoin supply.
Bitget Plans Thailand Crypto Exchange Acquisition After $388 Million Hack
Cryptocurrency exchange Bitget has announced plans to expand into Thailand through the proposed acquisition of GMO-Z.com Cryptonomics.
The company operates a licensed digital asset exchange and brokerage in the Southeast Asian country.
The proposed transaction would be conducted through BTGT Management (Thailand), a company in which Bitget has disclosed an ownership interest.
If completed, the acquisition could provide Bitget with an established local operating platform and an opportunity to introduce its cryptocurrency trading services to Thai customers.
Bitget CEO Gracy Chen highlighted Thailand’s growing importance within Southeast Asia’s digital asset industry.
She described the acquisition as an opportunity to establish a stronger local presence in a market with considerable development potential.
Acquisition Follows Major Bitget Security Breach
The expansion plans come several weeks after a significant cybersecurity incident affected Bitget’s exchange infrastructure.
On September 24, attackers exploited a security vulnerability that enabled unauthorized transfers involving the company’s hot and warm wallets.
According to Bitget, approximately $388 million in assets were affected by the incident.
The exchange stated that customer account balances remained unaffected and that its phased restoration of withdrawal services was completed on October 2.
The security incident has drawn attention to the risks facing centralized cryptocurrency platforms as they expand globally.
Meanwhile, Bitget’s proposed Thailand acquisition remains subject to regulatory approval and other transaction conditions.
GMO Internet disclosed the planned sale in a September 24 filing, with completion targeted for October 31.
However, Bitget has not publicly disclosed its exact ownership percentage in BTGT Management or the financial terms of the acquisition.
Crypto Market Outlook: AI, Stablecoins and Exchange Expansion
The latest cryptocurrency developments highlight several trends shaping the digital asset industry.
Elon Musk’s proposed Tesla-SpaceX merger illustrates the growing relationship between artificial intelligence, computing infrastructure, and major technology companies.
At the same time, rising stablecoin transaction volumes demonstrate increasing interest in blockchain technology for financial payments.
Bitget’s expansion plans also reflect efforts by cryptocurrency exchanges to establish regulated operations in international markets.
However, cybersecurity risks, regulatory requirements, and uncertainty surrounding technology investments remain important challenges.
The continued development of AI infrastructure, institutional stablecoin adoption, and regulated crypto services could help shape the industry’s next phase of growth.
Investors will be monitoring these developments closely as digital assets become increasingly connected with traditional finance and the broader technology sector.
