Mortgage Reform: The FCA has set out five new mortgage rules in a consultation running until July 28, aiming to widen access for first-time buyers, older borrowers and the self-employed while keeping protections in place. Crypto Access: The FCA is consulting on letting some authorised retail funds hold up to 10% in crypto exchange-traded notes, with “conservative restrictions” to protect consumers. Banking Expansion: Woori Bank wins UK approval for a London trading centre to sell derivatives and run securities operations, positioning it as a hub for foreign investors into won-denominated assets. Housing Finance: NatWest launches a £250m Section 106 loan fund (matched by Homes England) to help housing associations buy affordable homes and unblock stalled delivery. Consumer Credit & Payments: Global IME Bank and Bhat-Bhateni partner on a 0% installment credit card facility for in-store purchases in Nepal. Regulatory & Risk: Make UK warns AI adoption in manufacturing is still patchy, with skills shortages the biggest barrier. Workplace Rights: Government proposals for “Hugh’s law” would introduce paid leave and a right to return for parents of seriously ill children. Public Money Pressure: GMB investigations show council tax enforcement is driving huge court volumes, with at least 1.5m summonsed nationwide in 2024-25. AI Capital Markets: OpenAI files for an IPO in the US just days after Anthropic, intensifying the AI listing race for Wall Street funding.