Welcome to the NiceHash crypto news digest. Let's see what happened these last few days.

Lightning Labs Unveils Tools That Enable AI Applications To Interact With Bitcoin Network

Lightning Labs has introduced a new set of tools that allow artificial intelligence (AI) applications, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, to interact with the Bitcoin network via the Lightning Network.

These tools, built on the L402 protocol and utilizing the Langchain library, enable AI developers to send, receive, and hold BTC, making payments faster, cheaper, and more accessible. The move aims to address the lack of native payment mechanisms for AI models and reduce reliance on traditional payment methods. Lightning Labs expects these tools to foster innovation and enhance the accessibility of AI infrastructure.

BlackRock's CEO, Larry Fink, Endorses Bitcoin as 'Digitized Gold', Signaling Shift in Institutional Attitude

BlackRock, the largest global asset manager, is increasingly embracing bitcoin as demonstrated by its recent application for a bitcoin ETF. It revised its application to include Coinbase following suggestions from the SEC.

During an interview on Fox Business, Larry Fink, BlackRock's CEO, underscored Bitcoin's role as "digitizing gold", highlighting its capacity as a global store of value and its international significance. This interest in a Bitcoin ETF and Fink's approval indicate a major shift in how financial institutions perceive Bitcoin.

Multichain Loses $126 Million in Crypto Assets in Major Cross-Chain Bridge Hack

Multichain, a cross-chain bridge, has lost $126 million in crypto assets, which were reportedly transferred to an unknown addresses. Blockchain security firm PeckShied tracked the stolen tokens, including Wrapped Bitcoin, Chainlink, stablecoins like USDC, USDT, and DAI.

The most significant withdrawal was from Fantom, amounting to $118 million. The issue with Multichain began in late May when transactions were stuck, and rumors about the arrest of Multichain CEO Zhaojun in China started circulating. Recently, Multichain's governance token, MULTI, has seen a 14.7% drop following the hack.

For other news and updates from NiceHash make sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter below and follow us on social media.