Gulf Finance Fracture: Saudi banks have reportedly blocked or delayed payments to UAE accounts since May, signaling a widening rift that could disrupt cross-border business and destabilize the region. Zimbabwe Banking Shock: OK Zimbabwe’s operational strain is turning into a reputation crisis, underscoring how empty shelves can hit customer confidence before financial statements do. Sri Lanka Corporate Moves: Arpico Insurance appoints veteran banking risk expert Naresh Tillekeratne to its board, while Siyapatha Finance opens its 64th branch in Bandarawela to push leasing, deposits and gold financing. M&A Scrutiny: Minority shareholders in AMF are pressing regulators to review LB Finance merger pricing, arguing the offer price may not fairly protect them. Wealth Gap Watch: UBS says global personal wealth jumped 10.8% in 2025, but median wealth fell in many markets—inequality is widening. AI Meets Retail Finance: A new analysis argues AI is already embedded in retail finance via market information and decision tools, raising the question of what standards firms will set. IMF Conditionality: Bangladesh’s finance minister says any new IMF program must protect public interest and economic security, rejecting past conditions. Crypto to AI Pivot: Empery Digital sold 1,400 BTC to fund an AI data center push, cutting its BTC holdings nearly in half. Kenya Sovereign Wealth Fund: Kenya’s new sovereign wealth fund is positioned to safeguard resource revenues for future generations and long-term investment.