HDFC Bank Leadership Shake-up: India’s HDFC Bank named former Finance Secretary and ex-Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar as part-time chairman for three years (RBI approval pending) and approved Puneet Sharma as CFO from Dec 1, 2026, after the abrupt March resignation of Atanu Chakraborty. Banking Oversight & Cybersecurity: Australia’s Treasurer called alleged access to PM Anthony Albanese’s bank details “incredibly concerning” as two Sydney men face charges after an EY graduate allegedly accessed Commonwealth Bank data. Court Orders & Frozen Accounts: A St. Maarten court ordered Flow to lift conservatory attachments on TELEM’s accounts at multiple banks, saying the freeze crippled operations. World Bank Climate Pivot: The World Bank will retire its 45% climate-lending target and shift to “smart development,” while still reporting climate indicators. Payments Modernisation: Singapore’s MAS and ABS plan PayNow Generation 2 enhancements, including QR interoperability and smoother online checkout. Regional Finance Moves: Saudi’s Bidaya Finance renewed an $80m shariah loan with Al Jazira Bank; Qatar’s Lesha Bank deployed $85m via a PE fund. Inclusion & Lending Access: Papua New Guinea’s Wau Waria reopened formal banking via a Mama Bank access point; Sri Lanka’s Seylan Bank launched “Seylan Athwela” farm financing at 5% interest. Banking Sector Risk Watch: Nuvama said new India measures like FCNR(B) relaxations and ECLGS should help banks manage West Asia and El Nino risks.