SMB Banking & Payments: Maybank rolled out its next-gen Maybank2E platform for SMEs and mid-caps, bundling cash management, trade finance and FX under one login with online account opening in minutes. Business Registration Push: Malaysia’s SSM signed an MoU with YPU Terengganu to boost awareness of legal registration and LLP/company incorporation for micro and small traders. Visa Crackdown on “Visitor” Businesses: Malaysia’s PM warned foreigners are misusing visitor/student visas to run MSMEs, directing enforcement against illegal activity and fronting in locals’ names. Hiring Reality Check: New research finds employers trust resumes less but still rely on them, with many reporting hires who misrepresented skills—fueling calls for more objective screening. Rising Costs Squeeze SMBs: Ireland’s Small Firms Association says small firms’ costs are up 44.4% since 2023, led by labor, energy and insurance. Tech for SMB Finance: Cegid completed its acquisition of Shine, aiming to build a cloud-native, AI-driven financial hub for over 1M SMB customers and 15,000 accountants across Europe. SMB Sales Flat: Fiserv’s Small Business Index shows May sales flat MoM, with foot traffic still soft even as average tickets rise. Energy Pressure on Operators: Nigeria’s LPG shortage is pushing households and small businesses toward pricier charcoal and firewood, hitting margins. IPO Watch: India’s CMR Green Technologies IPO allotment is due, with strong subscription and a reported gray market premium ahead of listing. SME AI Adoption: Taiwan hosted an APEC event focused on helping SMEs build AI capabilities and competitiveness through policy dialogue and practical exchanges.