Central Banking & Currency Controls: The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas warned Filipinos that reproducing Philippine peso notes without approval can bring prison terms of 5 to 10 years, after viral social media misuse of a courtroom rule. Banking Operations & Consumer Protection: Nepal Rastra Bank ordered banks to cut dormant accounts by mid-2026, including regular customer outreach via phone, SMS and email, and easier account closure rules. Fraud & Cybercrime: Authorities flagged app-based bait scams aimed at stealing bank details, while police in Kenya investigated a Sh600,000 robbery after a cash withdrawal and a Rs 10 crore gold-loan fraud at Bank of Baroda tied to a branch appraiser. India Banking & Markets: SBI Research said India’s FY27 start looks stronger, citing deposit growth and capital inflows, while Indian Bank reported Q1 profit up 10% to Rs 3,273 crore and targeted $2B in FCNR(B) deposits. Policy & Rates: Thailand’s central bank chief said inflation should run below 2.8% this year and ease in 2027, keeping policy accommodative. World Finance: The World Bank approved $375.9m for Pakistan’s grid stability upgrade and $890m for India’s rooftop solar push. Regulation & Compliance: Australia’s prudential regulator proposed technical updates to bank capital and reporting rules, with responses due Aug 21. Political Crosscurrents: Bihar’s Bankipur bypoll saw BJP swap candidates days before voting, as Prashant Kishor attacked the move.