US Financial Crackdown: Trump signed an executive order aimed at cutting off undocumented migrants from the U.S. financial system, directing the Treasury to stop banks and payment firms from being used for trafficking, drug activity, illegal immigration and related criminal networks. Stablecoin Rules Under Fire (UK): A House of Lords committee urged the Bank of England to rethink strict stablecoin limits and backing-asset requirements, warning they could choke sterling-pegged growth and leave the UK behind the US and EU. Crypto Sanctions (Iran): The U.S. Treasury sanctioned Iran’s Nobitex and other exchanges, alleging support for terror finance and sanctions evasion, as part of a broader “follow the money” push. Market Volatility (Korea): Korea Exchange sidecar activations hit the highest level since 2008, reflecting sharper swings tied to AI-stock momentum and Middle East uncertainty. Banking Valuations (Eurozone): ECB analysis links euro area bank valuation gains to higher payouts, buybacks and improved profitability expectations. Fintech Funding (Singapore): Handshake Finance raised S$500k pre-seed for escrow-as-a-service to reduce trust failures in renovation and other high-trust services. AI Infrastructure (Sovereign): BG Titan’s report argues AI compute is now constrained by reliable, financeable power and grid/land permitting—not just chips. Insurance Governance (Bangladesh): Auditors flagged reporting irregularities and weak controls at multiple non-life insurers, including unverifiable cash and fixed deposits. Housing Finance (Tasmania): Tasmania will back modular home construction loans with a government guarantee to unlock faster, cheaper housing supply.