Bangladesh Banking Policy: Bangladesh Bank told lenders to hold back incentive packages unless borrowers first withdraw lawsuits against the government, the central bank, or the banks—aimed at cutting litigation and speeding credit to priority sectors. Cross-Border Payments: BB also cleared a framework for local banks to partner with foreign digital payment and money-transfer providers (including PayPal and Payoneer) to move remittances and freelancer payments more transparently. Maritime Banking Deal: Standard Chartered Bangladesh signed an MoU with the Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers’ Association to offer mariners priority banking, preferential lending rates, fee waivers, and cashback. UK Consumer Watchdog: The UK CMA opened an investigation into whether Microsoft misled customers about Microsoft 365 subscription renewals and Copilot-related price changes. UBS Capital Return: UBS reported stronger-than-expected results, flagged healthy client activity, and announced a $3bn buyback as AI stock jitters fade but geopolitics stays a risk. Stablecoin IP Move: Circle acquired nearly 1,000 IBM blockchain patents, a potential new lever for stablecoin competition with banks. Gold Loan Outlook: ICRA said organised gold loans could top Rs 30 lakh crore by March 2028, with NBFCs needing tighter risk controls as competition rises. Agentic Commerce Payments: A new push in agentic commerce highlights a near-term cards-first reality, but warns banks that ignoring local payment rails could slow growth.