Gulf Finance Tensions: Saudi banks have reportedly blocked or delayed payments to UAE accounts since May, adding friction to the Saudi-UAE axis and raising cross-border business risk. Oil Market Liberalisation: Venezuela signed new rules that weaken PDVSA’s control and open more of the oil value chain to private investment as output nears 1.2m bpd. Banking Strategy & AI: KB Financial’s chairman said the “money move” can be turned into wealth-management opportunities, with a push to redesign processes using AI. India Capital Markets: India’s earnings season kicks off with Q1 results next week for major names including HCL Tech and Wipro, while investors watch how tech margins and guidance hold up. Investor Protection in Court: A judge ruled investors can proceed with a suit against Zeta Global over alleged misleading data consent claims. Retail Investing Resilience: In India, SIPs kept growing despite volatility, with AMFI data pointing to continued retail confidence. Healthcare Spending: Cyprus approved an extra €61.7m for hospital upgrades, lifting public hospital investment to €206.7m. Corporate Investment Push: Bangladesh business leaders urged lower costs, simpler rules, and easier finance to improve the investment climate. Corporate Investment in Odisha: Aditya Birla Group plans an additional ₹12,000 crore to expand its Kansariguda alumina refinery in Odisha. Market Watch: Israel’s finance sector led Friday’s trading as banks and insurers outperformed.