Central Bank Independence Under Strain: IMF officials warn political pressure is rising as inflation shocks from the Iran war push governments to demand unpopular rate moves, risking long-term trust in central banks. Banking & Payments: SoFi becomes the first US national bank to launch a stablecoin inside a consumer app, with SoFiUSD redeemable 1:1 for dollars under OCC oversight. UK Banking Rules: The Bank of England prepares a major banking rule shake-up, including potential leverage-ratio and ring-fencing changes aimed at freeing up more lending for households and firms. Data Breach Payouts: Cadence Bank faces a $5.25m settlement over MOVEit-related breach exposure, with eligible Americans able to claim up to $10,000 automatically. Banking Expansion: Bank of Commerce opens a new Starkville Highway 12 branch, adding locations across Mississippi’s Golden Triangle. Supervision & Compliance: Moldova hosts a regional banking supervisors conference focused on harmonising standards, AI in supervision, and tougher anti-money-laundering and sanctions monitoring. Corporate Finance Risk: Euroclear files to block immediate enforcement of a Russia-linked Central Bank ruling seeking recovery of $256bn. Local Banking Access: Wales council blocks Nationwide Building Society from installing defibrillator and bleed-kit cabinets on a listed branch building.