Also: AI agents & crypto payments, CoW Swap hijack, ZK proofs on XRPL.

What to know:
Welcome to The Protocol, CoinDesk’s weekly wrap of the most important stories in cryptocurrency tech development. I’m Margaux Nijkerk, a reporter at CoinDesk.
In this issue:
- Bitcoin developers are trying to build quantum defenses. Your coins could pay the price.
- AI agents are set to power crypto payments, but a hidden flaw could expose wallets
- Popular DeFi platform warns users to stay away from its site after security breach
- XRP Ledger adds zero-knowledge proofs targeting institutional privacy gap
Network News
In Other News
Regulatory and Policy
Calendar
- Apr.15-16, 2026: Paris Blockchain Week, Paris
- May 5-7, 2026: Consensus, Miami
- Sept. 29-Oct.1, 2026: Korea Blockchain Week, Seoul
- Oct. 7-8, 2026: Token2049, Singapore
- Nov. 3-6, 2026: Devcon, Mumbai
- Nov. 15-17, 2026: Solana Breakpoint, London