Malaysia Fraud Watch: An electrician in Kuala Terengganu lost RM150,000 to a fake “Centralize International” investment after WhatsApp pitches led to multiple bank transfers, with the account later frozen. Policy & Banking Oversight: Nepal’s Finance Committee discussed a bill to amend the Nepal Rastra Bank Act with bankers and regulators, while Nepal’s electricity VAT plan faced backlash as a 5% VAT on domestic power use kicked in despite earlier assurances. Central Banking Shift: Ethiopia’s central bank lifted its credit growth cap and is moving to a targeted reserve requirement framework, aiming to steer lending via indirect tools. RBI Rules for Stressed Assets: India’s RBI set new timelines and disposal expectations for immovable properties banks take over from defaulted loans, with public auctions expected and a maximum holding period of seven years. Banking Results & Market Focus: India’s big lenders stayed in the spotlight after Q1 results, including HDFC Bank’s 5% profit rise and ICICI Bank’s stronger quarter, keeping investors focused on loan growth and asset quality. Crypto & Finance Risk: UK-linked car finance compensation claims are being packaged into crypto tokens on an offshore exchange, raising fresh regulatory alarm over speculative litigation financing. Investments & Governance: Malaysia’s finance minister said he will explain a reported RM200m KWAP loss tied to eFishery in parliament, as anti-graft scrutiny and recovery efforts continue. Regional Finance & Conflict: Israel’s finance minister approved expansion of a West Bank highway to boost settlement connectivity, while West Bank incidents and unrest continued to draw international attention. Banking Operations & Labor: A Karnataka Gramin Bank manager faced backlash after a viral video allegedly showed him locking a branch gate to keep staff working late. Investment Climate: India’s Chhattisgarh topped key investor-friendliness parameters in a CRISIL-NITI Aayog index, driven by regulatory ease and institutional environment.