BRICS & Digital Finance: Iran’s central bank governor said Tehran will soon join the BRICS New Development Bank, after talks on linking payment systems and digital currencies to speed cross-border transfers. Banking Operations & Tech: Avidia Bank completed a six-month enterprise overhaul using Creatio as a single system of record, aiming for faster, broader adoption across banking functions. Corporate Finance Leadership: MMCM appointed Prasad S. Shetty as CFO to strengthen financial controls and governance for its circular economy and carbon market push. Investor Appetite & IPO Watch: Shein’s Hong Kong IPO faces skepticism as investors question slowing growth and rising costs, with valuation concerns tied to future earnings expectations. Energy & Project Finance: Recurrent Energy closed $695m in project financing and tax equity for a 330MW California solar project, backed by MUFG and Nord/LB. Housing Finance Focus: Kenya’s affordable housing conference will spotlight financing models—blended finance and mortgage liquidity—to widen homeownership access. Geopolitics & Risk: The U.S. ambassador condemned a West Bank settler siege of a Palestinian American family as a “horrific act of terror,” as troops dismantled illegal outposts and tensions escalated. Airline Cost Shock: Philippine Airlines swung to a first-half net loss as Middle East conflict drove jet fuel costs sharply higher. Local Banking Dispute: Zimbabwe’s High Court cleared the way for NMB Bank to evict a couple from a Borrowdale Brooke property.