Cross-Border Payments Upgrade: City Bank says it has become the first bank in Bangladesh to execute live transactions under SWIFT’s new retail cross-border payments scheme, enabling faster, full-value remittances and e-commerce payouts across 17 countries. SME Export Readiness: A new analysis argues many MSMEs still lack “export intelligence,” noting only 1–2% of Indian MSMEs export meaningfully versus 20–25% in Germany—an issue policymakers and trade bodies are now trying to tackle. Energy Costs for Small Firms: EDF and Heliotec have launched a partnership aimed at helping small businesses cut energy bills, pushing practical efficiency support rather than just advice. EU Digital Rules Pressure: An opinion piece warns EU digital regulation is creating trade barriers that hurt competition and cross-border tech business—raising fresh questions for SMEs selling into Europe. Tariff Shock Fallout: US states (including multiple Democratic-led ones) filed major court challenges to Trump’s latest forced-labor tariffs, arguing they exceed legal authority and will hit businesses and prices. Local Business Boost: Belfast’s St George’s Market is running a week-long Fleadh Cheoil programme, drawing footfall for traders and makers during the event. SME Finance in Africa: The EIB-backed programme in Uganda reports support for 24,000 micro-enterprises, with women and rural businesses taking the lead.