Digital Banking: Bank of Cyprus launched Cyprus’ first in-app AI assistant, offering customers round-the-clock answers in Greek and English. AlRayan Bank introduced payment cards with a tactile notch for visually impaired users and 80% recycled PVC. Cybersecurity: South Korea’s major banks plan steep increases in 2027 security budgets after customer-data breaches; Shinhan is budgeting 115 billion won. India’s central bank also consolidated cyber rules for non-bank payment providers. Banking Expansion: Shoprite and Investec agreed in principle to partner on transactional accounts and a debit card, with Investec providing the banking infrastructure. Nigeria’s Access Holdings is considering leaving at least one foreign market as it adjusts to limits on overseas subsidiary investments. Markets & Regulation: Credit Agricole proposed merging its Italian unit with Banco BPM, whose shares surged, while UniCredit raised its profit outlook. South Korean regulators plan to review banks’ loan-rate discounts by year-end amid concerns borrowers are not benefiting from rate changes. Workforce: Greek banks expect to create more than 600 jobs in 2027, with demand growing for AI, cybersecurity and data expertise.