# June 2025
Construction Blockchain Newsletter
Welcome to our June CBC Newsletter! This month’s highlights include a stark warning for Bitcoin, which faces a five-year deadline to upgrade its cryptography or risk being compromised by quantum computing. Crypto giants are edging closer to EU-wide approval, while Vietnam will formally recognise crypto as property from 2026. In the US, Bitcoin hits a record high amid anticipation of new stablecoin legislation. Latin America reports a 40% surge in crypto-based remittances. Meanwhile, $90 million was stolen from Iran’s largest exchange, with pro-Israel hackers claiming responsibility. On the research front, blockchain advances in secure data environments and lifecycle management, with increasing emphasis on circular economies and digital transformation in construction.
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World & Blockchain
Worldwide
Unless Bitcoin upgrades its core cryptography in the next five years, the trust it has built over 16 years could be wiped out by a single quantum attack. Urgent upgrades are needed to protect the world’s leading cryptocurrency.
Europe
Crypto giants set for EU green light amid growing regulatory rift
Two of the world’s largest cryptocurrency companies are poised to secure licences granting them access to operate across the European Union, as a rift grows among regulators over the speed and rigour of some countries' approvals, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Asia
Vietnam passes law recognizing crypto as property, new rules effective January 2026
Vietnam’s National Assembly passed a landmark law to regulate cryptocurrencies, introducing incentives to support domestic startups and retain local talent. Set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, the legislation could strengthen Vietnam’s growing crypto adoption and improve its standing with global financial watchdogs.
North America
Bitcoin hits new price high as crypto industry scores US legislation win
Bitcoin hit a new all-time high as the world’s most popular cryptocurrency reached price levels not seen since President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Bitcoin surged to a fresh record high on Thursday, fuelled by optimism that the US Congress will soon pass a bill ill for stablecoin- the GENIUS Act, which is set to be the first regulatory framework under the Trump Administration.
South America
Cryptocurrency Remittances Spike 40% in Latin America
According to a report by Chainalysis and AUSTRAC, cryptocurrency rails for remittances are booming in Latam. This use case, which previously struggled to gain momentum, is currently experiencing significant growth, with volumes increasing by over 40% in 2024 and the potential for further growth as stablecoins go mainstream.
Middle East
Pro-Israel hackers take credit after $90 million stolen from Iran’s largest crypto exchange
Hackers stole the equivalent of roughly $90 million from Iran’s largest cryptocurrency exchange on Wednesday, according to multiple independent crypto-tracking firms. A skilled pro-Israel hacking group known as “Predatory Sparrow” took credit for the cyberattack, which appeared to be aimed at further weakening Iran amid Israeli’s military strikes on Tehran.
Research & Development Digest
This monthly Research Digest features some notable papers produced or suggested by our academic and industry Members and Partners that we hope will be of interest.
Blockchain & Data Lifecycle
Blockchain-Based Decentralized Common Data Environment: User Requirements and Conceptual Framework
Jaskula K., Kifokeris D., Papadonikolaki E., and Rovas D., 2025
A common data environment (CDE) is defined as a single source of truth for all project information that facilitates continuous collaboration between stakeholders. In practice, multiple CDEs are used simultaneously, leading to a lack of data integrity, traceability, and transparency. Moreover, current centralized cloud-based CDEs are vulnerable to security risks such as data manipulation, which magnifies the lack of trust among project stakeholders. Previous studies proposing blockchain for information management focused on narrow use cases and did not encompass the whole life cycle of a built asset. This work aims to develop a framework for decentralized information management concerning all life cycle phases. First, we identify the users’ needs for a CDE using desk research and an empirical approach, including semistructured interviews with industry experts. It is found that the top user requirement is integrating data scattered across multiple CDEs along the built asset’s life cycle in a single source of truth. A CDE should provide an accountable and transparent record of the entire project history, integrating data from various tools utilized during the life cycle. In the final step, we propose a conceptual framework for a blockchain-based CDE where transactions from various tools used along the entire life cycle of a built asset are recorded on a blockchain linked with Inter-Planetary File Storage (IPFS) to increase the security of the files. Three illustrative use-case scenarios demonstrate the framework’s applicability in the design, construction, and operation phases. The utilization of blockchain technology ensures an immutable, independent, and reliable record of all transactions, offering a comprehensive and tamper-proof history. This approach addresses gaps in previous studies and lays the foundation for establishing trustworthy product and material passports.
https://doi.org/10.1061/JCEMD4.COENG-14852
Keles C., Cruz Rios F., Hoque S., 2025
The circular economy implementation in the built environment is hindered by the complexity of CE strategies and unique nature of the construction industry. Digital technologies have been explored as promising solutions to aid decision making and enable circular solutions in the architecture, engineering, and construction sector. The literature on both circular economy and digital technology fields has grown exponentially in the past few years, and there is a need for a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art applications, integrations, potential, and limitations of digital technologies in the circular economy context. Through a systematic literature review, this study identified ten key digital technologies to enable circularity in the building sector: building information modeling, spatial data acquisition, artificial intelligence and machine learning, Internet of Things, blockchain, digital twin, augmented and virtual realities, digital platform/marketplace, material passports, and additive manufacturing and digital fabrication. In this study, we review current applications, discuss their integrations, match digital technology opportunities with circular economy barriers, and map the digital technologies applications along a building’s lifecycle. Blockchain and material passport technologies demonstrated potential to enable circular economy strategies throughout the whole building’s lifecycle, but their application remains limited in the construction industry. Building information modeling was found to be at the core of most technological integrations, but more research is needed to understand the impact of such integrations in supporting circular economy policies, standards, and assessment methods. Finally, collaborative research efforts are needed to unveil the risks of digitalization in the built environment, including risks concerning privacy and cybersecurity.
https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15040553
Pfeil A., Kifokeris D., Spyridis P., 2025
Blockchain technology is a digital decentralized data ledger recording transactions in an encrypted format. Its implementation can potentially hold significant advantages for the built environment, particularly in manufacturing and building product usage aligned with Building Information Modeling (BIM). This paradigm shift toward decentralized transactions can foster security, reliability, and accountability. Hyperledger Fabric (HLF), an enterprise-grade distributed ledger, offers a modular, scalable, and confidential digital framework. This article introduces HLF-based workflows to address inefficiencies in BIM and fastener product lifecycle management, such as fragmented data handling and limited process automation. Leveraging chaincodes linked to BIM models, HLF simplifies, enhances transparency, and automates construction product lifecycle processes. Contract data and execution details are managed through a blockchain stored in a common data environment (CDE) and linked to chaincodes. The article presents the conceptualization and implementation of automated workflows, emphasizing efficiency and transparency. While showcasing successful deployments, it also highlights areas for future improvement and development. The proposed framework represents a pioneering step toward a decentralized cooperative environment in the construction industry, aligning with the transformative potential of blockchain technology.
Events Agenda
TUM Blockchain Conference 25
11-12 September 2025, Munich, Germany
The 3rd iteration of the TUM Blockchain Conference unites visionaries and thought leaders in a non-profit setting to transform Web3’s potential from promise to action through collaboration and open dialogue.
Consensus 2026
10-12 Feb 2026, Hong-Kong.
Since 2015, Consensus has been more than an event–it's the annual gathering of the tribes. It's where the most influential voices in blockchain, web3, and decentralized AI come together to drive innovation forward.
2025 European Conference on Computing in Construction
14-17 July 2025. Porto, Portugal.
EC³ is the premier European Conference for information, communication and technological research, innovation and policy for the Construction Sector as a whole in Europe.
Knowledge Upgrade
How blockchain technology is changing online gambling
If you’re interested in the future of online betting, here’s how blockchain tech and iGaming go hand-in-hand.
Rethinking Sweden’s cashless society: An offline e-cash option is needed
The demand for an offline digital cash option has been intensifying since Russia invaded Ukraine. Is there a role for blockchain?
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