Credit Ratings Watch: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) had its top-tier ratings reaffirmed by Moody’s, S&P Global and Fitch, keeping AA- or equivalent with stable outlooks—backed by strong capital, liquidity, asset quality and earnings, plus its UAE franchise and access to global wholesale funding. AI Policy & Governance: China’s Xi called for international cooperation on AI development and governance, warning against letting one country dominate and pushing shared approaches to safety and cybersecurity. EU Banking Scale Push: The European Commission flagged political interference and cross-border deal barriers as reasons EU banks can’t reach US-style scale, urging reforms to make mergers and expansion easier across the bloc. Market Mood Shift: Futures slid as a “DeepSeek moment” and renewed AI-chip spending worries hit semis, while Middle East tensions around the Strait of Hormuz kept oil and inflation risk in focus. Banking Regulation (India): The RBI proposed tighter data governance rules for banks and NBFCs, with board-level oversight and stronger controls across the data lifecycle, with feedback due by Aug 17. Cybersecurity for Finance: SlowMist warned of macOS malware that can hijack Telegram Desktop sessions and steal wallet-related data, enabling crypto wallet takeovers without needing a blockchain transaction first. Community Banking (Ghana): Ghana’s central bank is converting rural banks into community banks to close the credit gap for traders and small businesses, not just expand access. Wall Street/Tech: HSBC upgraded Apple to buy on “Apple Intelligence” momentum, while analysts set new 12-month targets as tech sentiment wobbled.