UK Banking & AI: A government “AI champion” says UK banks can’t yet access Anthropic’s Mythos model, highlighting how lenders remain reliant on US tech and need faster domestic AI capability. High Street Banking: The Cumberland pledges to keep and invest in its branch network despite wider UK branch closures, arguing physical presence still matters for communities. Mutuals & Lending: Principality Building Society’s boss says it wants to double commercial lending to £2bn+ while insisting branches will remain central. Regulation & Governance: The UK Financial Reporting Council publishes its 2025/26 annual report, including updates to stewardship, audit enforcement and new guidance on AI tools. Payments & Retail Finance: Amex says Delta co-branded card spending is surging, with expected 2026 remuneration topping $9bn. Fintech/Investing: BlackRock Income & Growth reports portfolio gains in volatile June, while Gold-i adds VaR/CVaR and stress-testing features to Visual Edge risk tools. Tokenisation Push: BlackRock, Goldman, JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley join the UK tokenisation taskforce, as regulators eye a rules overhaul for asset managers. Energy/Climate Finance: BII partially syndicates a $75m mezzanine Blueleaf Energy facility with EAAIF to back 850MW of renewables in India. Housebuilding Watch: Barratt Redrow updates and upcoming Bank of Canada policy are in focus as investors weigh a sector “perfect storm” of rates and costs.