Digital Banking & Crypto: Bank Leumi will launch Israel’s first bank-backed crypto trading for BTC, ETH and SOL via Galaxy Digital, starting early 2027, after the Bank of Israel removed some deposit frictions in mid-July. Banking Regulation: A Trump-appointed US regulator granted World Liberty Trust conditional approval to establish a bank charter and issue a dollar-linked stablecoin, a first for a president’s family-owned firm. Egypt Macro & Markets: The IMF expects Egypt’s net FDI inflows to climb to about $18.2bn by FY2030/31, while saying exchange-rate flexibility helped absorb recent external shocks; Morgan Stanley also renewed a view that foreign investors can buy Egyptian T-bills without hedging. Egypt Policy & FinTech Adjacent: Egypt’s NTRA says demand for its free “Safety SIM” for children is strong, with filtered browsing via mobile networks. Egypt Debt & Privatization: IMF documents say Egypt targets $4.7bn in divestment proceeds for debt reduction, with an emphasis on real private-sector participation. Kuwait Investment: Kuwait’s Shaheen Project (KPC/KOC with Blackstone, Brookfield and KKR) is set to be a major FDI milestone, with $7.85bn upfront proceeds. Regional Energy Finance: Saudi SPPC extended RFQ deadlines for Round 3 conventional IPPs (CCGT), with BOO structures and future carbon capture readiness. Crypto Compliance (Africa): Nigeria’s SEC ordered capital market firms to suspend dealings tied to North Korea, Iran and Myanmar under FATF-aligned rules. Geopolitics Impacting Finance: Iran says Hormuz will remain under its control and warns of continued blockade effects as Trump pushes economic pressure; oil and FX risks remain a key driver for regional investment sentiment.