A New York lawmaker has introduced a proposal aimed at preparing Americans for the economic impact of artificial intelligence, including the possibility of widespread job displacement.

A New “AI Dividend” Concept

Alex Bores unveiled a plan to create an “AI Dividend,” a system that would provide direct payments to US citizens if automation significantly reduces employment.

The idea is simple in principle: if AI drives massive productivity gains and concentrates wealth, a portion of that value should be redistributed to the public.

How the Program Would Work

The proposed dividend would be funded through a mix of mechanisms, including:

• Taxes on AI usage
• Equity stakes in major AI companies
• Broader tax reforms targeting capital versus labor

Payments would only be triggered if AI begins to meaningfully displace workers, positioning the program as a safeguard rather than a permanent entitlement.

Beyond Direct Payments

The plan also includes funding for:

• Workforce retraining and education
• Transition support for displaced workers
• Oversight and safety infrastructure for AI systems

This broader approach aims to help workers adapt rather than rely solely on financial assistance.

Rising Concerns Over AI Job Losses

The proposal comes amid growing debate about AI’s impact on employment.

Some estimates suggest automation is already affecting the labor market, with thousands of jobs reportedly lost each month due to AI-driven efficiencies.

Major companies like Amazon, Meta, Intel, and Microsoft have all reduced workforces while increasing investment in AI.

Not Everyone Agrees on the Risk

Despite these concerns, some analysts argue the threat may be overstated.

Morgan Stanley recently noted that AI’s impact on jobs has been “modest so far,” pointing out that past technological shifts often created new roles even as they eliminated others.

However, there is still uncertainty about whether AI could break from historical patterns.

Political and Economic Implications

The AI Dividend is part of Bores’ campaign platform as he runs for Congress, meaning its future depends on both political support and broader legislative momentum.

If adopted, it could mark a major shift in how governments:

• Tax emerging technologies
• Distribute economic gains
• Address automation-driven inequality

A Safety Net for the AI Era

Bores framed the initiative not as a penalty on innovation, but as a form of economic insurance.

The proposal reflects a growing recognition that as AI reshapes industries, policymakers may need new tools to ensure the benefits are shared more broadly across society.

Bybit is doubling down on Southeast Asia, leading an $8 million Series A funding round for Hata, a fast-growing digital asset platform operating under a dual licensing structure in Malaysia.

Backing a Fully Licensed Crypto Platform

Hata stands out as a dual-licensed exchange, operating under approvals from:

• Securities Commission Malaysia
• Labuan Financial Services Authority

This regulatory positioning allows Hata to offer both trading and custody services, giving it a strong compliance edge in a region where regulation is rapidly evolving.

Funding to Fuel Growth

The new capital will be used to:

• Improve platform liquidity
• Expand its user base
• Develop new digital asset products

Bybit also participated in Hata’s earlier $4.2 million seed round, signaling continued confidence in the platform’s growth trajectory.

Strong Early Traction

Since launching in 2023, Hata has already shown solid momentum:

• 209,000+ registered users
• حوالي $225 million in transaction volume in 2025

This growth highlights rising crypto adoption in Malaysia and the broader Southeast Asian market.

Malaysia Emerging as a Crypto Hub

Bybit CEO Ben Zhou described Malaysia as a strategically important market, citing:

• High digital engagement
• Growing interest in crypto assets
• Long-term adoption potential

Malaysia is positioning itself as a regional leader in regulated digital asset innovation.

Regulatory Momentum Builds

The investment comes as Malaysia accelerates its crypto and fintech framework.

Key initiatives include:

• A Digital Asset Innovation Hub sandbox
• Experiments with ringgit-backed stablecoins
• Pilot programs for tokenized deposits and cross-border payments

The central bank, Bank Negara Malaysia, is actively working with industry players to shape the future of digital finance.

Bybit Expands Global Footprint

Beyond Southeast Asia, Bybit is also growing its presence in other regions, including the Middle East, where it is building partnerships with banks and payment providers.

This latest investment reflects Bybit’s strategy of supporting regulated platforms in high-growth markets.

A Step Toward Mainstream Adoption

By backing Hata, Bybit is helping strengthen compliant crypto infrastructure in Malaysia.

As regulatory clarity improves and adoption rises, platforms like Hata could play a key role in bridging traditional finance with digital assets in the region.

Tether is continuing its aggressive expansion across crypto infrastructure, taking a significant ownership position in a key player supporting Bitcoin mining operations.

Strategic Stake in Antalpha

Tether has acquired an 8.2% stake in Antalpha, making it one of the company’s largest shareholders following its 2025 IPO.

The investment gives Tether control over approximately 1.95 million shares, with chairman Giancarlo Devasini holding voting power tied to the position.

Tether also indicated it may increase or reduce its stake depending on market conditions.

Antalpha’s Role in Bitcoin Mining

Antalpha specializes in Bitcoin-backed lending and equipment financing for mining companies.

Key highlights:

• Loan portfolio of about $1.6 billion
• Strong ties to Bitmain
• Rapid financial growth, with 2025 revenue up 68% year over year

The company plays a critical role in helping miners access capital and scale operations.

Market Reaction and Growth

Following the news, Antalpha’s stock rose about 7.2% in early trading.

The company had previously raised around $49.3 million in its IPO and continues to show strong earnings growth, with net income more than tripling year over year.

Tether’s Expanding Investment Strategy

The move reflects Tether’s broader strategy of reinvesting profits into crypto and adjacent sectors.

Beyond stablecoins, Tether is actively investing in:

• Mining infrastructure
• Artificial intelligence
• Financial services
• Tokenized assets

It has now backed over 120 companies through its venture arm.

Stablecoin Dominance Powers Expansion

Tether is the issuer of Tether (USDT), the world’s largest stablecoin, with a market share of more than 58%.

This dominance provides the company with significant capital to deploy into strategic investments like Antalpha.

Broader Investment Push

Alongside the Antalpha stake, Tether continues to expand into new areas:

• Participated in funding rounds for tokenization platforms
• Invested in digital asset banks and infrastructure providers
• Explored opportunities in real-world assets like gold

The company is also reportedly considering raising capital at a valuation of up to $500 billion, underscoring its rapid growth.

Strengthening Crypto Infrastructure

By investing in Antalpha, Tether is deepening its exposure to the Bitcoin mining ecosystem, a critical layer of the crypto industry.

The move signals a long-term strategy focused not just on issuing stablecoins, but on shaping the broader financial infrastructure that supports digital assets.