AI Trust Backlash: Sriram Krishnan, Trump’s outgoing AI adviser, says big AI labs drowned real benefits in “doomer” messaging, fueling public fear and distrust. Digital Payments Shift: Bank of Maldives CEO Mohamed Shareef predicts “invisible” payments in five years via connected payment ecosystems, biometric identity, and AI-driven working-capital support. Fintech Lending Deal: Pakistan’s LogiServe (SLGTrax) signed a lending facility with Mobilink Microfinance Bank to fund merchants in its wallet ecosystem, including working-capital limits and added protections. Bangladesh Banking Push: Dhaka Bank plans to pivot toward SME and retail lending through digital transformation, citing faster credit decisions via its e-Rin platform. Bangko Sentral Cost Cut: GCash cut InstaPay transfer fees to P10 from P15, aligning with BSP guidance on lowering interbank vs intrabank cost gaps. Anti-Money Laundering Drive: Nepal says it filed seven money-laundering cases in 100 days, seeking Rs 118bn recovery, and is building an integrated digital asset registry. UCB Modernization Warning: India’s cooperation ministry urged urban cooperative banks to adopt new tech and management or risk “like Nokia” decline. Critical Minerals Setback: India scrapped auctions of nine strategic mineral blocks due to poor investor response, highlighting financing and bidder risk. Stablecoin/Payments Theme: Card networks, banks and fintechs are partnering on a regulated dollar stablecoin for cross-border payments.