SME Finance Boost: Emerging Markets Global Advisory closed a $15M senior debt facility for Sri Lanka’s CDB, backed by Swedfund, to expand SME lending and grow a greener portfolio. Power & Local Business Risk: Mumbai’s eight-to-12-hour blackouts sparked a political storm in the Maharashtra Assembly; the Speaker demanded a BEST accountability plan and faster fault response to protect the city’s commercial lifeblood. Cross-Border Expansion: Hong Kong says nearly 200 Shanghai firms listed there by year-end, as the SAR pushes mainland tech “going global” support via a dedicated GoGlobal task force. AI for B2B Discovery: Generative engine optimization is becoming the new battleground for visibility—brands need earned mentions in trusted outlets to show up in AI answers. Digital Identity & Ads: Media Square tested Intent IQ identity resolution in France, reporting higher CPMs and RPM on previously unaddressable inventory while staying GDPR-compliant. Startup Funding for Private Markets: Nomerra raised $2M to make private-market operations more AI-native, aiming to cut manual retyping and reporting drag. Crypto for Social Impact: BingX partnered with Save the Children Hong Kong to fund cash vouchers and essentials for migrant and at-risk children in Serbia and Bosnia. Immigration Pressure on SMEs: South Africa’s anti-immigrant mobilisation ahead of June 30 is intensifying uncertainty for workers and businesses, with debate focused on jobs, public services, and security. New Trade Deal: The UAE-Ukraine CEPA takes effect, cutting duties on most goods and expected to lift private trade and investment flows.