RBI Policy Shift: India’s RBI ended the FCNR(B) forex swap window early after $52.3bn inflows, reshaping banks’ dollar funding plans and tightening the timeline for diaspora deposit strategies. UPI Pricing Debate: A new Lok Sabha amendment keeps UPI free for consumers but opens the door to Merchant Discount Rate charges on high-value transactions, with MDR proposals discussed around 0.25%–0.5% for merchants. Cross-Border Payments: RCBC is exploring cross-border QR interoperability via HIVEX, aiming to connect inbound QR payments to Philippine merchants and eventually enable outbound QR payments for RCBC users. Banking Stress Tests: Myanmar’s banks are buckling under junta rule as the kyat loses about three-quarters of its value and sanctions and financial isolation squeeze deposits and hard-currency access. Credit Quality Watch: Philippines consumer lending is facing its first real stress as bad loans rise to 3.37% of lending, with credit cards and unsecured exposure proving vulnerable. AI in Banking: India’s banks and finance are leaning into AI to cut paperwork and speed underwriting, while regulators and insurers are also pushing for stronger AI oversight. Crypto Meets Traditional Banking: JPMorgan now accepts Bitcoin and Ethereum as collateral for U.S. dollar loans, further blurring the line between mainstream banking and crypto finance. Australia Home Loans: NAB’s home lending held steady while it shifts origination toward proprietary channels, and deposit competition is still pressuring margins. New Zealand Central Bank Costs: New Zealand’s RBNZ is consulting on a prudential levy for insurers and banks, targeting full cost recovery by mid-2027.