(Week 11) HIPTHER Weekly Huddle: Your Essential Briefing Across iGaming, AI, Blockchain, Fintech, Cybersecurity and Beyond

?? Welcome to the HIPTHER Weekly Huddle! ??

Your go-to briefing on the latest trends shaping iGaming, AI, Blockchain, Fintech, Cybersecurity, and beyond. Each week, we bring you the biggest industry updates, expert insights, and must-know developments—all in one place.

Stay ahead of the curve, discover key innovations, and make informed decisions with our weekly roundup of news, partnerships, and emerging trends.

Let’s dive in!

This week on the HIPTHER Talks Podcast

HIPTHER Talks S4-Ep8: Building Your Personal Brand, Networking & Events with Sonya Sverdlova

In this episode, Zoltan talks with Sonya Sverdlova.

HIPTHER Talks S4-Ep9: Leading in iGaming Revenue Growth, Strategy & Leadership with Tamar Badashvili

In this episode, Zoltan talks with Tamar Badashvili.

Beyond the HIPTHER’s Huddle ep.3

Beyond the HIPTHER’s Huddle is a bi-weekly podcast exploring the latest developments in iGaming, tech, startups, AI, and beyond. Co-hosted by Zoltan Tundik (HIPTHER) and Daniel Gunba (TRIION Gaming / eestistartup.ee), each episode features expert insights, in-depth discussions, and bold conversations on the trends and innovations shaping the industry. Tune in for fresh perspectives and valuable takeaways!

AI Weekly Highlights – March 7–12, 2025

• OpenAI's New AI Tools OpenAI has released advanced tools to assist developers in building sophisticated AI agents, enhancing automation capabilities across various industries.
• AI Uncovers Lost Civilizations Researchers have utilized AI to detect remnants of ancient civilizations beneath desert landscapes, offering new insights into historical human settlements.
• Bellini College's AI and Cybersecurity Hub Bellini College has established a dedicated center focusing on AI and cybersecurity, aiming to foster innovation and address emerging digital threats.
• Elon Musk's Doge Automation Initiative Elon Musk has announced plans to automate Doge-related projects, leveraging AI to enhance efficiency and scalability within the ecosystem.
• Meta's In-House AI Training Chip Meta has unveiled a proprietary AI training chip designed to accelerate machine learning processes, reducing reliance on external hardware providers.
• Bluesky's Data Consent Framework Bluesky is developing a framework to ensure user consent in AI data applications, promoting ethical standards in data utilization.
• Qualcomm's AI Healthcare Diagnostics Qualcomm has introduced AI-powered diagnostic tools aimed at improving accuracy and speed in medical assessments.
• Edge Impulse's AI and IoT Integration Edge Impulse is advancing the integration of AI with IoT devices, enhancing real-time data processing capabilities.
• Telefónica's AI Resilience Initiatives Telefónica has launched initiatives to bolster AI system resilience, focusing on maintaining functionality under adverse conditions.
• Alibaba's DeepSeek AI Model Alibaba has introduced DeepSeek, a new AI model designed to enhance data analysis and decision-making processes.
• Larry Page's New AI Startup Larry Page, co-founder of Google, has embarked on a new AI venture, aiming to explore innovative applications of artificial intelligence.
• Nvidia's AI in Creative Industries Nvidia is expanding the use of AI in creative sectors, developing tools to assist artists and designers in their workflows.

For more detailed information, read the full articles:

Blockchain Weekly Highlights – March 7–12, 2025

• Blockchain Week Rome 2025 Italy's premier crypto and blockchain event returns, bringing together industry leaders to discuss advancements and innovations in the blockchain space. hipther.com
• Sony's Blockchain Integration Sony-backed initiatives are merging entertainment with decentralized technology, signaling a significant move towards integrating blockchain in mainstream media. hipther.com
• DC Blockchain Summit 2025 The upcoming summit features an impressive speaker lineup amid a promising policy climate, highlighting the growing importance of blockchain in policy discussions. hipther.com
• Utah Legislature's Blockchain Initiatives Utah lawmakers are making groundbreaking legislative moves to incorporate blockchain technology into state operations, showcasing a progressive approach to digital assets. hipther.com
• Pakistan's Blockchain Projects Pakistan is launching ambitious blockchain projects aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in various sectors, reflecting a commitment to technological advancement. hipther.com
• Celebrating Women Leaders in Blockchain and AI The industry honors the trailblazing leadership of women in blockchain and AI, recognizing their significant contributions to technological innovation. hipther.com
• Emirates NBD's Crypto Trading Innovation Emirates NBD introduces new crypto trading solutions, enhancing accessibility and convenience for clients interested in digital assets.
• BBVA's Approval for Crypto Services in Spain BBVA receives regulatory approval to offer crypto services in Spain, marking a significant milestone in mainstream financial institutions embracing digital currencies.
• Japan's Crypto Reforms Japan announces comprehensive crypto reforms aimed at fostering innovation while ensuring consumer protection, setting a precedent for balanced regulatory approaches.
• THSYU Exchange Launch The launch of THSYU Exchange introduces a new platform for crypto trading, offering innovative features to enhance user experience.
• EY's Blockchain Initiatives Ernst & Young (EY) continues to invest in blockchain technology, developing solutions to improve transparency and efficiency in various industries.
• Virginia Blockchain Council's Policy Advocacy The Virginia Blockchain Council is actively advocating for policies that support blockchain innovation, aiming to position the state as a leader in the digital economy.

For more detailed information, read the full articles:

Cybersecurity Weekly Highlights – March 7–12, 2025

• Oman Data Park Partners with Fortinet Oman Data Park has collaborated with Fortinet to enhance its security operations with AI-powered solutions, aiming to bolster cybersecurity measures across its infrastructure.
• Tines Secures Funding for Automation Tines has raised significant funding to advance its security automation platform, focusing on streamlining incident response and threat management processes.
• Cisco's New Security Solutions Cisco has unveiled a suite of security solutions designed to protect hybrid work environments, addressing the evolving challenges of remote and on-site workforces.
• Gartner's Cybersecurity Forecast Gartner has released its latest cybersecurity forecast, highlighting emerging threats and the necessity for adaptive security strategies in the face of sophisticated cyber attacks.
• TSA Enhances Cybersecurity Measures The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented stricter cybersecurity protocols to safeguard critical transportation infrastructure from potential cyber threats.
• Japan and Switzerland Collaborate on Cyber Defense Japan and Switzerland have entered into a bilateral agreement to strengthen cyber defense capabilities, focusing on information sharing and joint response strategies.
• NSA's Cybersecurity Initiatives The National Security Agency (NSA) has launched new initiatives aimed at enhancing national cybersecurity posture, including partnerships with private sector entities to address emerging threats.
• Microsoft's Security Enhancements Microsoft has announced enhancements to its security offerings, integrating advanced threat protection features to better defend against sophisticated cyber attacks.

For more detailed information, read the full articles:

Fintech Weekly Highlights – March 7–12, 2025

• Stax Payments Expands in St. Petersburg Stax Payments is broadening its operations in St. Petersburg, aiming to strengthen its presence in the fintech sector and enhance payment solutions for local businesses.
• Emergence of Credit Rewards Fintech Platforms New fintech platforms are focusing on innovative credit rewards systems, offering consumers more personalized and valuable incentives.
• Stripe's Market Disruption Stripe continues to challenge traditional payment processors like PayPal and Adyen, processing $1.4 trillion in 2024—a 38% increase from the previous year—and expanding its services to include stablecoin transactions through the acquisition of crypto firm Bridge. investors.com
• Apex Fintech's Strategic Moves Apex Fintech is making significant advancements in the industry, focusing on enhancing its technological infrastructure to better serve clients.
• Finovifi's Innovative Banking Solutions Finovifi is introducing modern banking systems aimed at improving financial services and customer experience through advanced technology.
• France's Flowdesk Secures Investment Flowdesk, a French fintech company, has secured substantial investment to expand its services and enhance its technological capabilities.
• Wise Relocates in London Wise is relocating its operations within London, aiming to strengthen its position in the fintech market and improve service delivery.
• Visa and Cadence Collaborate in Canada Visa has partnered with Cadence to enhance payment solutions in Canada, focusing on improving transaction efficiency and customer experience.

For more detailed information, read the full articles:

In-Person Conferences for 2025

HIPTHER’s in-person conferences bring together the brightest minds and key decision-makers across gaming, tech, and related sectors. Each event is designed to foster meaningful discussions, provide actionable insights, and create unparalleled networking opportunities. Mark your calendars for these must-attend events:

Prague Gaming & TECH Summit

• Dates: 25-26 March 2025
• Location: Prague, Czech Republic
• View details / Register

MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit

• Dates: 27-28 May 2025
• Location: Vilnius, Lithuania
• View details / Register

European Gaming Congress (EGC)

• Dates: 28-29 October 2025
• Location: Warsaw, Poland
• View details / Register

Virtual Events: Introducing “iGaming Exchange: Europe & Americas”

As part of HIPTHER’s commitment to adapting to the needs of a global audience, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of iGaming Exchange: Europe & Americas—a revamped and enhanced virtual event series.

Thank you for joining this week’s Huddle! We’ll be back in January with more top stories, insights, and updates from the industries shaping the future. Got feedback or topics you’d like us to cover? Feel free to reach out—we’d love to hear from you!

In the meantime, stay curious, stay informed, and stay ahead.

The HIPTHER Team