AI in Banking: OpenAI launched ChatGPT for Financial Services for banks and investment firms, bundling financial data from providers (including PitchBook, LSEG News and Crunchbase) with GPT-6 Astra to speed research, analysis and client materials. Regulatory Watch: ESMA warned that tighter crypto links to traditional markets can transmit shocks; it flagged tokenized equities, DeFi exploits and prediction markets as key risks, noting insider-trading and manipulation detection challenges. Digital Finance & Connectivity: India’s telecom minister Jyotiraditya Scindia urged an “accessible first” digital financial ecosystem at Global Fintech Festival 2026, calling connectivity the “invisible highway” for fintech growth. Green Finance Collaboration: Hong Kong and BOCHK hosted a Southeast Asia green finance forum to boost cross-border cooperation on low-carbon transition and sustainable finance practices. Public Finance & Growth: South Korea’s finance ministry said recovery remains solid, led by exports (August exports +68.7% y/y) while inflation and Middle East uncertainty still pressure households. Corporate/Deal News: Arrow Financial agreed to buy Skene Valley Agency in New York; Kansas City approved up to $185m public financing for CPKC Stadium expansion. Access to Credit: UAE fintech NEOPAY partnered with Deem Finance to offer regulated SME working-capital funding using merchants’ payment data. Social Impact: Ghana’s Development Bank Ghana pushed for better financing to unlock ICT sector potential, while Papua New Guinea launched the PNG Empower Finance Code to tackle financial abuse.