DIFC Expansion: WTW won DFSA approval to run its investment unit in Dubai’s DIFC, letting it offer regulated investment advisory and arrange access to fund solutions for wealth managers, family offices and institutions. Capital Markets: Oman Arab Bank celebrated the successful $400m AT1 bond listing on the London Stock Exchange, with strong demand (orderbook $1.1bn; ~2.75x oversubscription) despite geopolitical strain. Sanctions & Crypto: The US Treasury sanctioned Iran-linked crypto exchanges including Nobitex and three others, warning banks and firms against dealing with them over alleged sanctions evasion and IRGC-linked activity. Geopolitics Driving Rates & Commodities: Euro zone bond yields rose as markets priced more ECB hikes amid stalled US-Iran talks; oil pushed higher toward $97 as missile attacks in the Gulf reignited risk premiums, while gold slipped on the same mix of higher crude and uncertainty. Regional Macro Watch: EBRD cut Türkiye’s growth forecast for 2026/27, citing energy import costs, inflation pressure and Middle East-linked tourism/manufacturing risks; OECD warned prolonged Iran conflict could trigger deeper global slowdown and higher inflation. Egypt Banking Snapshot: Egypt’s banking sector net foreign assets rose to about $22.9bn in April, supporting FX resilience as the CBE reported higher foreign assets vs liabilities.