Banking & Finance: Bank of Maldives (BML) opened seven new branches across multiple atolls, bringing its network to 55 branches nationwide, while CEO Mohamed Shareef pushed back against unverified claims about BML’s foreign currency liquidity, saying average monthly dollar sales have risen to about USD 80m. Youth & Entrepreneurship: BML, with SME Digital, launched a Youth Entrepreneurship Financing facility offering up to MVR 150,000 for 18–30-year-olds with no collateral, plus guidance and fast approvals. Digital Payments & Banking Tech: BML highlighted Swipe’s International Account feature, enabling Maldivians to receive international transfers in USD/EUR/GBP into a wallet-linked IBAN. Cybersecurity: Dhiraagu launched Cyber Protect, an Eset-powered managed endpoint security service for business devices. Trade & Regional Deals: India and the Maldives concluded the first round of free trade agreement talks with “substantive progress,” aiming to deepen trade and investment ties. Travel & Visas: Thailand revised its visa-free rules, extending a 30-day visa-free stay to Maldivians (effective after publication). Air Connectivity: Shirak Avia announced direct flights from Yerevan to the Maldives (weekly Saturdays) plus Bali and Phuket starting November 2026. Tourism Industry: Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2026 set its theme on resilience and reinvention, focusing on talent, technology and transformation. Business Risk Watch: A UK crypto scam gang impersonating police officers was jailed after stealing over £4m.