This week’s featured stories…
Modernizing financial regulation
The financial system is constantly evolving, and the regulatory and supervisory framework must keep pace. Michelle Bowman discusses the work of the US and urges global financial watchdogs to be flexible
Reforming EU banking regulations
EU banking rules are under pressure for simplification. Jesper Berg and Hans Geeroms argue that reforms should cut complexity without weakening financial safeguards
Philip Lane examines AI’s implications for monetary policy, productivity, labour markets, and inequality (eg. capital- vs labour-augmenting effects)
AI has the potential to transform lives and the US economy. Michael Barr warns that artificial intelligence could dramatically narrow or widen economic inequality in the US, depending on the policy choices society makes in the coming years
Strengthening foundations for the future
At the BIS Annual General Meeting, Pablo Hernández de Cos discussed resilient 2025 growth (aided by AI optimism and tariff adaptations) but highlighted perils like inflation risks, AI investment boom uncertainties, high public debt, and non-bank vulnerabilities
World Bank to increase access to trade finance in developing countries
New framework to boost trade finance access in developing countries via guarantees (starting with HSBC), aiming to narrow the ~$2.5 trillion global gap and support SMEs/jobs
Demand for trade finance to rise
Global Trade Finance Gap Survey shows persistent $2.5 trillion gap (~10% of trade). Demand expected to rise with supply chain realignment; AI/ESG trends noted
DHL Global Connectedness Report shows deglobalisation is not the current reality
At first glance, the world seems to be pulling apart. But the data tells a different story. The world is not disconnecting – its connections are evolving. Explore the latest findings in the 2026 DHL Global Connectedness Report
Global fintech investment slows
Global fintech investment slowed to $28 billion in H1 2026, but AI share surged; UK strong in Europe
Agentic commerce is about to reinvent payments
A new joint report from Visa and Artemis examines how AI agents are starting to pay for things, drawing on live onchain data. Here are the findings that stood out
How to bridge the global AI divide
A global AI divide will not be defined solely by deployment and use of the technology—it will encompass the fundamental inputs of energy systems, data centres, supply chains, and geopolitical power
Progress on access (water, electricity, health) but uneven; calls for scaling solutions ahead of 2030
