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Standard Chartered

Industry News
Source: China Daily

Gulf Energy Pressures and AI Infrastructure Reshape Asia Trade Finance

International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned that elevated energy prices will likely persist even after Gulf conflict subsides, with Strait of Hormuz navigation risks hitting Asian and Chinese supplies. Concurrently, senior transaction bankers reported that energy security and AI infrastructure expansion are driving higher working capital requirements and shifting trade finance patterns across Asia.

Industry News
Source: Arabian Business

Standard Chartered, Mashreq, and LuLu Launch Hal SME Platform in UAE

Standard Chartered, Mashreq, and LuLu Financial Holdings have launched Hal, a new digital B2B marketplace for small and medium-sized enterprises in the UAE. Unveiled at Investopia Bridge 2026, the platform connects SMEs with buyers, suppliers, and essential financial, tech, and logistics partners. Ecosystem partners including Beehive, Microsoft, Visa, and Aramex have signed initial cooperation agreements.

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