RUSI Launches Crypto and International Security Taskforce

According to BlockchainReporter, the Centre for Finance and Security at the Royal United Services Institute launched a Crypto and International Security Taskforce on September 24, 2026. Funded by Chainalysis, the body examines how cryptoassets impact global security by bringing together officials, law enforcement, researchers, and experts.

RUSI states the initiative is urgent due to rising illicit activity. Researchers estimate sanctioned entities received $104 billion in crypto during 2025, marking a 694% year-on-year increase. Additionally, organised crime groups move billions through crypto while exploiting regulatory gaps. The Financial Action Task Force warned that criminal networks could create their own stablecoins to resist freezing and seizure. Meanwhile, generative AI accelerates malicious activities, and nation-states connect to illicit crypto supply chains.

The taskforce will hold meetings to examine illicit uses, evaluate regulatory and law enforcement tools, and study legitimate applications like humanitarian aid. Findings will produce recommendations for policymakers, culminating in a conference and a special session at RUSI's SIFMANet Summit in London in December 2026. Tom Keatinge, Jonathan Levin, and Kinga Redlowska commented on the urgency, transparency, and financial autonomy risks.