Instant Payments Upgrade: Singapore’s MAS and ABS will study PayNow Generation 2 enhancements, including QR interoperability with NETS QR and smoother online checkout via deep-linking, with pilots targeted for end-2026. Swiss Finance & Wealth: UBS has appointed multiple senior leaders across Asia-Pacific wealth management, with changes effective 1 July, including new heads for Taiwan, Singapore, Philippines and Australia. Climate & Insurance Scrutiny: Swiss Re is singled out as a “laggard” on fossil fuel expansion in a new reinsurer briefing, while another global report finds major insurers still underperform on climate, biodiversity and social risk despite rising disaster costs. Carbon Pricing Watch: A new European carbon tax roundup places Norway highest and Switzerland/Liechtenstein among the higher rates, with wide variation across countries’ coverage and exemptions. Swiss Business & Trade: Switzerland marked National Day in Ghana, reaffirming cooperation on trade, investment, climate action and sustainable development, including a farewell for outgoing ambassador Simone Giger. Sports (Swiss angle): Akira Schmid, a Bern native, was traded from Vegas to Florida, adding another Swiss name to the NHL’s summer reshuffle. Energy & Weather Risk: Central Europe’s record heatwave continues to strain health systems and infrastructure, with Switzerland among the hardest hit as rivers warm and nuclear plants face heat-related shutdowns.