Banking Regulation: Kuwait has amended its Bankruptcy Law to speed up proceedings, including new flexibility for setting up bankruptcy courts and changes to how the Bankruptcy Department is led. Digital Finance: Maldives’ central bank chief says payments are set to move toward an “invisible” model over the next five years, using APIs, biometrics and AI to automate transactions and support SME working capital. Bank Performance: Qatar’s commercial banks reported assets up 6% to QR2.2tn in May, with deposits up 7.1% and credit rising to QR1.36tn. Banking Security: Woori Bank said 17,551 customers’ data was leaked via an external developer’s retained files, though phone numbers and addresses were not compromised. Credit & Growth: HDFC Bank posted double-digit growth in deposits and advances in Q1 FY27, with deposits up 14.7% and gross advances up 15.4%. Policy & Welfare Oversight: The UK DWP outlined new eligibility verification powers that could require banks to flag accounts for benefit-related eligibility indicators. Remittances: Pakistan’s banks hit out after the State Bank ended remittance incentive schemes, raising concerns about banks absorbing costs. Corporate/Legal: India’s CBI arrested Reliance Capital ex-CFO Amit Bapna in a ₹9,280 crore fraud probe. Infrastructure & Jobs: World Bank urged Uganda to reform construction-sector rules to unlock more jobs, citing weak regulation and procurement delays. M&A/Structure: Bahrain’s SICO completed merging its funds unit into the parent bank, folding fund administration and custody under one licence.