Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company has boosted its stake in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust, indicating continued interest in crypto from one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds. According to a May 15 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission,…

Abu Dhabi wealth fund Mubadala invests $408.5M in Bitcoin via BlackRock’s IBIT ETF

## What is AI vibe coding?
_AI vibe coding is a novel approach to software development that generates 
advanced, executable code based on well-crafted natural language user prompts. 
_
Yet another innovation fueled by artificial intelligence capabilities, AI vibe 
coding is proving to be a game-changer, especially for non-technical 
enthusiasts who can now experiment with software development and contribute to 
the ever-expanding technology ecosystem.
At a fundamental level, AI vibe coding uses advanced machine learning 
algorithms to interpret natural language instructions and generate 
corresponding code in the desired software language.
Users can input their requirements in plain language, such as &#8220;create a crypto 
website with a blog section and user login functionality,&#8221; and AI tools will 
generate the appropriate body of code needed to realize the project. This 
contrasts with traditional software development practices, which require the 
user to be skilled in programming languages and incorporate formal reviews 
along the journey.
Notably, Charlie Shrem, an early Bitcoin pioneer, is bringing back the Bitcoin 
faucet &#8212; a site where people earn small amounts of Bitcoin by solving 
CAPTCHAs. His new site, 21million.com, is inspired by a 2010 version that 
helped spread Bitcoin in its early days.
Right now, the site isn&#8217;t fully working and has no Bitcoin (BTC) to claim, but 
Shrem says it&#8217;s meant to help new users get started, with no hidden catch. 
He&#8217;s building it using AI tools, calling it &#8220;vibe coding.&#8221; Shrem, who once ran 
a major Bitcoin exchange, hopes this project will spark fresh interest in 
Bitcoin.
While AI vibe coding can lead to faster software development results, there is 
a risk that the output generated from a vibe coding approach may not be 
adequately reviewed and signed off, which is where traditional coding 
practices continue to offer safeguards.
_**Did you know?** The term &#8220;vibe coding&#8221; was popularized by OpenAI co-founder 
Andrej Karpathy, who described it as a way to &#8220;fully give in to the vibes,&#8221; 
effectively embracing AI-generated code without manually tweaking it._
## Key features of AI vibe coding
_Unlike traditional coding, AI vibe coding requires no formal software 
development qualifications for users to get started. All you need to vibe code 
is an idea, with the ability to write it clearly using natural language 
prompts._
Fundamentally, AI vibe coding is characterized by the following features:
 * **Natural language processing (NLP):** AI vibe coding relies heavily on NLP to understand and process user instructions. 
 * **Machine learning:** As with all practical applications of AI, machine learning models trained on vast amounts of coding data are used to generate executable code based on user prompts. 
 * **Real-time feedback:** Users can receive and provide immediate feedback on the output, allowing for efficient code iteration and refinement. 
 * **Accessibility:** Vibe coding democratizes software development, enabling individuals without formal coding training to create functional applications. It lowers or eliminates the entry barriers into programming, empowering more users to participate in technology design and foster innovation from diverse perspectives.
## Why is AI vibe coding considered risky?
_Despite its obvious benefits, AI vibe coding carries many risks that users 
must be aware of and mitigate as required. These risks range from security 
concerns to ethical and legal implications. _
Understanding the risks associated with AI vibe coding can help users 
alleviate potential issues and legal implications. Here&#8217;s a post by Matt 
Palmer outlining common safeguards to be considered for AI vibe coding.
Some of the common risks associated with AI vibe coding are:
 * **Security concerns:** AI-generated code might be susceptible to vulnerabilities if the underlying algorithms fail to account for security best practices. After all, AI learns from somewhere else! Therefore, inexperienced users might inadvertently create applications prone to cyberattacks, exposing sensitive data and risking user trust. This is particularly concerning when building applications that handle personal or financial information, as even a minor security flaw can have significant repercussions. 
 * **Code quality:** While AI tools can generate functional code, the quality and reliability of this code may vary, and will certainly not cater to all nuances commonly found in a real-world scenario. Similarly, AI&#8217;s understanding of user requirements might not always align perfectly with the intended functionality, leading to bugs and inefficiencies. Furthermore, the AI might not always follow the best coding practices, resulting in code that is difficult to maintain and scale. This can be especially problematic in large-scale projects where code quality is paramount. 
 * **Ethical concerns:** AI vibe coding can raise ethical and legal questions, especially concerning intellectual property. There might be ambiguity in ownership and copyright of AI-generated code, posing challenges for developers and users. Additionally, using AI in coding can lead to ethical concerns about job displacement and the devaluation of human expertise. It&#8217;s crucial for developers and organizations to navigate these issues thoughtfully and responsibly, especially when relying on vibe coding practices for large-scale project development. 
 * **Over-reliance on AI:** As AI vibe coding becomes more prevalent, there is a risk of developers becoming overly reliant on AI tools, potentially diminishing their traditional coding skills and understanding. This reliance on AI can lead to a lack of deep technical knowledge, making it difficult for developers to troubleshoot issues or innovate independently. Continuous learning and skill enhancement are essential to maintain a balanced approach to software development. 
 * **Explainability:** While AI vibe coders may eventually even get the job done with vibe coding, they may not always have the skills required to review, debug, or refactor their code due to the lack of traditional software development skillsets, impacting the explainability and ultimately, reliability of code.
_**Did you know?** A major risk of AI vibe coding is the emergence of 
&#8220;slopsquatting,&#8221; a new type of supply chain attack where AI-generated code 
suggests non-existent package names, which attackers can exploit by creating 
malicious versions &#8212; talk about innovating to wreak havoc!_
## How to vibe code safely
_To mitigate the risks associated with AI vibe coding, users should adopt 
certain best practices. These practices can help ensure the AI-generated code 
is secure, reliable and ethically sound._
Best practices to vibe code safely include:
 * **Learning best practices:** Even though AI vibe coding simplifies the development process, users should still familiarize themselves with basic coding principles. This knowledge will help in understanding the AI-generated code and making necessary adjustments. It also enables users to identify potential issues and apply best practices, ensuring the code is robust and maintainable. 
 * **Implementing security measures:** It is crucial to ensure that the AI-generated code adheres to security best practices. As seen in a popular example on X, where a non-technical founder publicly shared his journey to building a web-based application exclusively with vibe coding, a lack of security considerations resulted in cyber threat actors attacking the application, resulting in it being taken down.
Users should incorporate security checks and validations to safeguard their 
applications against potential threats. Regularly updating and patching the 
code, conducting security audits and following industry standards can help 
mitigate security risks.
 * **Regular audits and reviews:** Conducting regular code reviews can help identify vulnerabilities and improve the overall quality of AI-generated code. Collaborating with experienced developers for feedback and insights is highly beneficial. Peer reviews and collaborative coding sessions can provide valuable perspectives and enhance code quality. 
 * **Understanding ethical and legal implications:** Users should know the ethical and legal ramifications of using AI-generated code. Consulting with legal experts on intellectual property and copyright issues can prevent future complications. Additionally, being informed of ethical guidelines and industry standards can help developers navigate the evolving landscape of AI in coding.
## How can blockchain support AI vibe coding?
_Blockchain technology has the potential to enhance security, transparency and 
collaboration in AI vibe coding, complementing existing platforms like GitHub. 
_
Here&#8217;s how it can help:
 * **Securing AI-generated code:** Blockchain&#8217;s decentralized and tamper-resistant design can help verify the integrity of AI-generated code. By recording hashes or proofs of code versions onchain (alongside repositories like GitHub), developers can detect unauthorized changes and maintain a secure, auditable history. 
 * **Maintaining transparency:** While platforms like GitHub track code changes, blockchain can provide an additional transparent, immutable log of modifications and interactions. This makes it easier to trace code evolution and verify its origins, improving accountability in collaborative AI projects. 
 * **Enhancing collaboration:** Blockchain-based systems can offer secure, trustless environments for developers to exchange code, feedback and ideas, complementing centralized platforms like GitHub. Though still emerging, these decentralized approaches have the potential to further strengthen collaboration in AI development.

AI vibe coding: what it is, why it’s risky, and how to stay safe

Mainland China, one of the world&#8217;s most restrictive countries to 
cryptocurrency, may be inching closer to crypto adoption as a locally- 
operating brand has announced a Bitcoin reserve strategy.
DDC Enterprise, also known as DayDayCook, a US consumer brand with Hong Kong 
roots and operations in mainland China, is adopting a Bitcoin (BTC) reserve 
strategy, its CEO Norma Chu announced in a shareholder letter on May 15.
As part of the strategy, DDC has immediately acquired 100 BTC for roughly 
$10.4 million and plans to accumulate 5,000 BTC in the next 36 months, with 
500 BTC targeted by the end of 2025.
Chu&#8217;s Bitcoin reserve announcement came after the firm posted a 33% revenue 
increase in 2024, with total revenue amounting to 273.3 million Chinese yuan 
($37.4 million), according to its Form 20-F filing with the US Securities and 
Exchange Commission (SEC) on May 15.
## DDC&#8217;s Bitcoin plans missing in SEC records
Despite the public announcement, DDC&#8217;s latest SEC filings do not explicitly 
mention the company&#8217;s Bitcoin holdings or a Bitcoin reserve strategy.
&#8220;We are embarking on a pioneering initiative to position DDC at the forefront 
of digital asset innovation with laser-focused execution on Bitcoin 
accumulation,&#8221; the DDC CEO said in the shareholder letter.
Chu previously announced DDC&#8217;s intentions to adopt a Bitcoin reserve strategy 
in another letter on March 18.
_Source:__Norma Chu_
Although DDC&#8217;s annual report does not mention Bitcoin reserve plans, the SEC 
filing does provide a few hints to the company&#8217;s intended adoption of BTC as a 
new asset class.
&#8220;The company [DDC] is evaluating strategies to obtain the required additional 
funding for future operations,&#8221; the report reads, adding:
&gt; &#8220;The Company plans to diversify revenue streams and implement cost-saving 
&gt; measures to grow revenues and decrease expenses. However, the company may be 
&gt; unable to access further equity or debt financing when needed.&#8221;
Additionally, the filing refers to crypto disclosure guidelines set by the 
accounting standards update by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) 
issued in late 2023.
_An excerpt from the DDC &#8216;s F-20 annual report. Source: SEC_
&#8220;In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-08, &#8220;Intangibles, Goodwill and 
Other-Crypto Assets (Subtopic 350-60). Accounting for and Disclosure of Crypto 
Assets,&#8221; the filing notes, adding that firms are allowed to start using the 
new rules early if their financial reports haven&#8217;t been published yet.
## China&#8217;s evolving stance on crypto
DDC&#8217;s filing says that the firm partly operates in mainland China and Hong 
Kong, which puts its financial conditions and growth under the influence of 
local political, economic and social developments.
As of May 2025, mainland China has maintained a restrictive agenda on 
cryptocurrency trading and mining since local regulators announced a major ban 
on crypto transactions in 2021.
_**Related:**__**US-China trade deal could shed light on Bitcoin &#8216;s use case: 
Trader**_
However, many online reports speculated that China may lift its crypto ban 
amid growing adoption in Hong Kong, as well as the ongoing global shift to 
crypto fueled by the crypto-friendly approach by the US administration under 
President Donald Trump. 
_Bitcoin mining map by countries as of January 2022. Source: CBECI_
On the other hand, some analysts have questioned mainland China&#8217;s plans to 
&#8220;unban Bitcoin&#8221; despite the fact that it has somehow remained a major global 
player in Bitcoin mining after the ban was enacted.
Cointelegraph approached DDC for comment regarding its Bitcoin reserve plans 
but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
_**Magazine:**__**How Chinese traders and miners get around China &#8216;s crypto 
ban**_

China-linked consumer brand DayDayCook plans to acquire 5,000 Bitcoin

Bitcoin could benefit from favorable market conditions through July, before 
seasonal headwinds and tariff deadlines take effect, analysts say. Bitcoin 
(BTC) has jumped more than 25% since April, and it&#8217;s now holding near $106,000 
with several signs pointing to more…

FTX stablecoin payouts and ETF inflows could boost Bitcoin in June

E-commerce company DDC Enterprise announced its plans to adopt a strategic 
Bitcoin reserve, with the goal of accumulating at least 5,000 BTC within the 
next 36 months. It initially invested in 100 BTC ($10.3 million). Through an 
official statement, the…

U.S. and China-based DDC Enterprise adopts Bitcoin reserve strategy with 5,000 BTC target

A new report from enterprise-grade digital assets platform Fireblocks shows 
that 90% of institutional players are either using or exploring the use of 
stablecoins in their operations.
The report, published May 15, surveyed 295 executives across traditional 
banks, financial institutions, fintech companies and payment gateways. Nearly 
half of respondents (49%) said they already use stablecoins in payments, while 
23% are conducting pilot tests, and another 18% are in the planning phase.&#8217;
Only 10% of institutions surveyed said they are undecided about stablecoin 
adoption.
&#8220;The stablecoin race has become a matter of avoiding obsolescence as customer 
demand accelerates and use cases mature,&#8221; Fireblocks wrote in the report.
_Current stablecoin adoption among institutional respondents. Source: 
Fireblocks_
## Traditional banks prioritize cross-border payments for stablecoin use
As traditional cross-border systems are hampered by higher costs, delays and 
other inefficiencies, stablecoins have emerged as a strategic solution in 
emerging markets&#8217; business-to-business (B2B) settings.
The report found that financial institutions, particularly traditional banks, 
cited cross-border payments as their top priority when using stablecoins. 
Banks use stablecoins to regain a competitive advantage, reduce friction and 
meet customer expectations.
The report found that 58% of traditional banks use stablecoins for cross- 
border payments, while 28% use the assets to accept payments. Twelve percent 
of banks use stablecoins to optimize their liquidity, while 9% use them in 
merchant settlement. Another 9% use them in B2B invoicing.
Fireblocks said banks see stablecoins as a &#8220;path to modernization.&#8221; It said 
that since the assets are fiat-pegged, it&#8217;s easier to integrate them into 
existing treasury workflows. In addition, stablecoins also offer a lever to 
reclaim market share from financial technology companies and reduce capital 
lock-up.
_Stablecoin use case for traditional banks. Source: Fireblocks_
 _**Related:**__**Stablecoin bill passes in Northern Marianas as House 
overrides veto**_
## Speed is cited as the top benefit for stablecoin use
The survey results showed that banks use stablecoins to regain cross-border 
volume while maintaining existing infrastructure. Meanwhile, financial 
technology firms and payment gateways use digital assets to gain margin and 
revenue.
_Top cited benefits of stablecoin use. Source: Fireblocks_
Among the benefits cited by survey respondents, faster settlement came in at 
the top, with 48% of participants citing it as a benefit for stablecoin use. 
Meanwhile, the least cited benefit was lower transaction costs.
Other benefits included greater transparency, better liquidity management, 
integrated payment flows and enhanced security.
_**Magazine:**__**Danger signs for Bitcoin as retail abandons it to 
institutions: Sky Wee**_