UAE Business Banking Boost: Emirates NBD is rolling out an Emirati Business Package with digital onboarding, lower early-stage friction (including a six-month no fall-below fee period), and perks like free online remittances and priority business support. IMF Reform Pressure: The IMF is pushing Bangladesh to remove Section 18(A) from the Bank Company Act, calling it a governance loophole, while also demanding clearer plans to cut non-performing loans and curb political interference. AI Risk & Inclusion: A UK study warns AI and digital banking tools fail vulnerable customers at over three times the rate of others, with 17% of vulnerable users unable to complete tasks when tools don’t work. Regulatory Clarity on UPI Credit: India’s RBI says UPI-linked credit must follow the same prudential rules as traditional loans, closing regulatory arbitrage. Capital Relief in the Philippines: BSP grants time-bound relief so banks can temporarily exclude certain unrealized losses on peso government securities from capital ratio calculations amid Middle East-driven volatility. Cyberattack Hits Iran State Banks: Iran reports card and online payment disruptions at Melli, Saderat and Tejarat after another cyberattack on state lenders. Community Banking Deal: North Shore Bank signs to acquire PyraMax Bank, expanding its footprint in Wisconsin. UK Branch Closures: Lloyds Banking Group confirms dozens of branch shutdowns in 2026 and more in early 2027, citing continued shift to digital channels. Bahrain Retail Exit Watch: Standard Chartered is exploring a sale of its Bahrain wealth and retail banking unit, while keeping corporate/investment banking unaffected.