RUSI Launched Crypto and International Security Taskforce
The newly formed group aims to assess illicit financial threats and policy responses to state-linked crypto use.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Cybersecurity
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The Centre for Finance and Security at RUSI has officially launched a taskforce dedicated to investigating the intersections of cryptocurrency and international security. This initiative, supported by funding from Chainalysis, aims to examine how emerging technology and nation-state actors shape illicit financial flows.
Why it matters
The taskforce was established to address the growing risks posed by nation-states utilizing illicit crypto supply chains, a trend further complicated by the use of generative AI in malicious activities. It serves as a centralized forum to reconcile regulatory responses with legitimate digital asset use cases.
The taskforce will convene a multi-stakeholder group including regulators, researchers, and private sector experts to evaluate current digital finance threats. These findings will synthesize operational data on illicit flows into actionable recommendations for global policy and industry adherence.
The players
RUSI
The Royal United Services Institute is a global defense and security think tank focused on international conflict, military technology, and financial crime.
Chainalysis
A blockchain analysis firm that provides compliance and investigation software to track digital asset transactions for government agencies and private firms.
The details
The taskforce operates by hosting a series of meetings where participants analyze the mechanics of modern digital finance threats, specifically focusing on the intersection of generative AI — software capable of producing new content such as text or code— and decentralized financial networks. These sessions evaluate how nation-states leverage these systems to bypass traditional security controls. The ultimate objective is to provide a structured framework of recommendations for policymakers to mitigate these evolving security challenges.
Timeline
September 24, 2026: The taskforce was officially launched by the Centre for Finance and Security.
December 2026: A special session of the taskforce is scheduled to take place at the SIFMANet Summit in London.
The Tech Race
This initiative aligns with the ongoing global effort to establish standardized oversight for digital asset infrastructure. It extends the mandate of existing security research programs by focusing specifically on the fusion of AI and illicit crypto, positioning itself as a central clearinghouse for international policy recommendations.
This taskforce will produce findings that likely influence future regulatory standards for digital asset institutions and global financial compliance workflows. Participants and industry observers should track the upcoming London session for initial insights into the projected policy trajectory.
The takeaway
The development signals a shift toward more formal, multi-sector integration in defining international standards for crypto-security. Watch for the forthcoming capstone conference, where the taskforce will share its final findings and recommendations for policymakers.
What happens next
The taskforce will hold a special session in December 2026 at the SIFMANet Summit in London to further its operational assessment.
Further reading
For broader coverage of how authorities are adapting to digital asset threats, explore our Cybersecurity section.
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Do you believe the rise of cryptocurrency poses a net risk to international financial security?
