web3 Briefing — 2026-05-04

Summary

• New EtherRAT malware variant bridges traditional Web2 attacks with Web3 cryptocurrency theft operations
• Shinhan Card partners with Solana Foundation to develop Web3 payment ecosystem and expand stablecoin solutions
• Web3 venture capital firm Hashed obtains ADGM financial license for Middle East expansion
• B.AI collaborates with HTX DAO to accelerate artificial general intelligence development through Web3 technology
• ZetaChain halts all transactions following security breach targeting team wallets
• GameFi sector faces severe downturn with 93% of Web3 games failing and funding drying up
• Pantera Capital plans Korean expansion to invest its $3.5 billion Web3 portfolio
• NUVA Digital secures $5.2 million funding round for Web3 asset platform development
• Caladan Report documents structural collapse across the Web3 gaming industry
• World's largest Web3 hackathon attracts 13,000 developers competing for $1 million in prizes
• Alphea launches AI-native Layer 1 execution network at Hong Kong Web3 Festival 2026
• Global VC Hashed receives Abu Dhabi financial services permission for expanded operations
• Animoca's Yat Siu predicts AI agents will become core Web3 users as firm develops identity infrastructure
• GreenAfrica wins $100,000 grand prize at world's largest Web3 hackathon
• Telegram wallet developers introduce new Agentic Wallets feature
• Pi Network reveals 2026 upgrade roadmap prioritizing security and scalability improvements
• Bright Smart excludes mainland brokerage and Web3 ventures following Ant Group transaction
• Nigeria leads African Web3 ecosystem, ranking 6th globally
• Nigeria achieves top African position and 6th place worldwide in Web3 developer share

EtherRAT Variant Links Web2 Malware To Web3 Crypto Theft

Security researchers have discovered a new EtherRAT malware variant that bridges traditional Web2 attack methods with Web3 cryptocurrency theft operations. The sophisticated malware demonstrates how cybercriminals are evolving their tactics to target digital assets across both conventional and blockchain-based systems. This development highlights growing security concerns as attackers adapt to the expanding crypto ecosystem.

Read Full Article: cyberpress.org

Shinhan Card Signs Agreement with Solana to Build a Web3 Payment Ecosystem

Shinhan Card has signed a strategic agreement with Solana to develop a comprehensive Web3 payment ecosystem. The partnership aims to integrate blockchain technology into traditional payment systems, expanding stablecoin usage and Web3 payment solutions. This collaboration marks a significant step in mainstream financial institutions adopting blockchain infrastructure for next-generation payment services.

Read Full Article: 아시아경제

Shinhan Card Signs Solana Foundation MOU to Expand Stablecoin, Web3 Payments

Shinhan Card has formalized its partnership with the Solana Foundation through a memorandum of understanding focused on expanding stablecoin and Web3 payment solutions. The agreement outlines plans to develop innovative payment infrastructure leveraging Solana's high-speed blockchain network. This initiative positions Shinhan Card at the forefront of traditional finance's transition to Web3 payment systems.

Read Full Article: bloomingbit

Hashed Secures ADGM Financial License to Step Up Middle East Expansion

Leading Web3 venture capital firm Hashed has obtained an ADGM financial license to accelerate its Middle East expansion strategy. The regulatory approval enables Hashed to expand its investment activities and establish a stronger presence in the region's growing Web3 ecosystem. This development reflects increasing institutional interest in Middle Eastern blockchain and cryptocurrency markets.

Read Full Article: bloomingbit

B.AI Teams Up With HTX DAO To Accelerate AGI Through Web3

B.AI has partnered with HTX DAO to accelerate artificial general intelligence (AGI) development using Web3 technologies. The collaboration aims to leverage decentralized infrastructure and blockchain capabilities to advance AGI research and applications. This partnership represents a convergence of AI and Web3 technologies in pursuit of next-generation artificial intelligence solutions.

Read Full Article: BlockchainReporter

ZetaChain transactions paused after attack against team wallets

ZetaChain has temporarily halted all network transactions following a security breach targeting team wallets. The blockchain protocol took immediate action to prevent further losses and investigate the attack vector. This incident underscores ongoing security challenges facing blockchain projects and the importance of rapid response protocols in protecting user assets.

Read Full Article: Cryptopolitan

GameFi Collapse Deepens: 93% of Web3 Games Fail, Funding Evaporates

The GameFi sector faces a severe crisis with 93% of Web3 games failing and investment funding rapidly disappearing. Industry analysis reveals structural problems within blockchain gaming, including unsustainable tokenomics and lack of engaging gameplay. This collapse marks a critical turning point for the Web3 gaming industry, forcing developers to reassess fundamental approaches to blockchain-based gaming.

Read Full Article: DailyCoin

Pantera Capital, Managing $3.5 Billion, Plans to Expand Web3 Investments in Korea

Pantera Capital, managing $3.5 billion in assets, has announced plans to expand its Web3 investment portfolio in South Korea. The leading crypto venture firm sees significant opportunities in Korea's vibrant blockchain ecosystem and regulatory framework. This expansion reflects growing institutional confidence in Asian Web3 markets and Korea's position as a key blockchain innovation hub.

Read Full Article: bloomingbit

NUVA Digital raises USD $5.2 million for Web3 asset platform

NUVA Digital has successfully raised $5.2 million in funding to develop its Web3 asset platform. The investment will support the company's mission to create comprehensive infrastructure for digital asset management and trading. This funding round demonstrates continued investor interest in Web3 infrastructure projects despite broader market challenges.

Read Full Article: CFOtech Asia

Caladan Report Highlights Structural Collapse in Web3 Gaming Sector

A new Caladan Report has documented the structural collapse occurring within the Web3 gaming sector. The analysis identifies fundamental flaws in current GameFi models, including poor user retention and unsustainable economic structures. These findings provide crucial insights for developers and investors seeking to rebuild the Web3 gaming ecosystem on more solid foundations.

Read Full Article: FinanceFeeds

13,000 Developers, $1 Million in Prizes: Inside the Largest Web3 Hackathon Ever Held

The world's largest Web3 hackathon has concluded with 13,000 developers competing for $1 million in prizes. The massive event showcased innovative blockchain solutions across multiple categories, demonstrating the global developer community's enthusiasm for Web3 technology. This record-breaking hackathon highlights the continued growth and innovation potential within the Web3 ecosystem.

Read Full Article: genfinity.io

Alphea Unveils AI-Native Layer 1 Execution Network at Hong Kong Web3 Festival 2026

Alphea has unveiled its AI-native Layer 1 execution network at the Hong Kong Web3 Festival 2026. The innovative blockchain integrates artificial intelligence capabilities directly into its core protocol, enabling new possibilities for smart contracts and decentralized applications. This launch represents a significant advancement in combining AI and blockchain technologies at the protocol level.

Read Full Article: GlobeNewswire

Global Web3 Venture Capital (VC) Hashed has obtained permission for financial services from Abu Dhab..

Global Web3 venture capital firm Hashed has received regulatory permission for financial services operations in Abu Dhabi. The approval strengthens Hashed's position in the Middle East market and enables expanded investment activities in the region. This development reflects Abu Dhabi's growing prominence as a Web3 financial hub and regulatory leader.

Read Full Article: 매일경제

Animoca's Yat Siu Says AI Agents Will Emerge as Web3's Core Users as Firm Builds Identity, Payments Infrastructure

Animoca Brands chairman Yat Siu predicts AI agents will become core Web3 users as the company develops identity and payments infrastructure. Siu envisions autonomous AI entities conducting transactions and owning digital assets within Web3 ecosystems. Animoca is actively building the necessary infrastructure to support this AI-driven future of blockchain interaction.

Read Full Article: bloomingbit

GreenAfrica's $100K Win Caps the World's Largest Web3 Hackathon

GreenAfrica has won the $100,000 grand prize at the world's largest Web3 hackathon, marking a significant achievement for African blockchain innovation. The winning project demonstrated practical solutions for real-world challenges using Web3 technology. This victory highlights Africa's growing influence in global Web3 development and innovation.

Read Full Article: Techish Kenya

Developers of Telegram's Crypto Wallet Launch Agentic Wallets

The development team behind Telegram's crypto wallet has launched new Agentic Wallets featuring advanced autonomous capabilities. These next-generation wallets enable automated transactions and smart contract interactions based on user-defined parameters. The innovation represents a significant step toward more intelligent and user-friendly Web3 wallet solutions.

Read Full Article: thedefiant.io

Pi Network Upgrade Roadmap Targets Security and Scalability for 2026

Pi Network has unveiled its 2026 upgrade roadmap focusing on enhanced security measures and improved scalability. The planned improvements aim to prepare the network for mainstream adoption while maintaining decentralization and user accessibility. These upgrades represent critical infrastructure development for one of the most widely adopted mobile blockchain platforms.

Read Full Article: MEXC

Bright Smart Rules Out Mainland Brokerage, Web3 Ventures After Ant Deal

Bright Smart has announced it will not pursue mainland brokerage operations or Web3 ventures following its deal with Ant Group. The strategic decision reflects the company's focus on core business areas and regulatory considerations. This move highlights the complex regulatory landscape facing firms operating between traditional finance and Web3 sectors in Greater China.

Read Full Article: Caixin Global

Nigeria tops Africa's Web3 ecosystem, ranks 6th worldwide

Nigeria has emerged as Africa's leading Web3 ecosystem, achieving 6th place in global rankings. The country's vibrant developer community and increasing blockchain adoption have driven this remarkable achievement. Nigeria's success demonstrates Africa's growing importance in the global Web3 landscape and the continent's potential for blockchain innovation.

Read Full Article: The Sun Nigeria

Nigeria ranks 1st in Africa, 6th globally in Web3 developer share

Nigeria has secured the top position in Africa and 6th place globally for Web3 developer share, confirming its status as a blockchain powerhouse. The country's strong technical talent pool and entrepreneurial spirit have fostered a thriving Web3 development community. This achievement positions Nigeria as a key player in shaping the future of blockchain technology in Africa and beyond.

Read Full Article: Vanguard News