As AI reshapes the labour market, companies are changing interview questions and hiring criteria, pushing candidates to show what value they add beyond what AI can do. Researchers and executives say productivity gains are real and firms increasingly expect employees to use AI tools. Reports cited in the article show freelancers saving time with AI and suggest automation will not necessarily trigger mass layoffs. Others warn that overreliance on AI can reduce service quality and raise costs.

The global digital payments market is entering a structural transition, with payments evolving into a core operating layer shaped by regulation, infrastructure and industrial strategy. In 2026, the sector is likely to focus on regulated stablecoins, AI agent-led automated payments and practical on-chain settlement. Visa and Mastercard are expanding pilots and frameworks. Stablecoin volumes are rising and U.S. rules are being finalised. In South Korea, legislative delays over a won stablecoin persist amid inter-agency differences.