Artificial intelligence is spreading rapidly across industries, but assessments of its employment impact and broader social effects remain divided. MIT Technology Review outlined five key mid-2026 trends: jobs, safety, social backlash, scientific research and technology diffusion. It said data on AI’s economic impact are still limited, while deepfakes and risky dependence on chatbots are emerging as concrete safety issues. Social pushback and environmental strain from data centres are also growing.

Woori Bank has obtained licences from UK regulators needed for client-facing derivatives business and securities management, it said. The bank said its London trading centre received approvals from the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority on May 29. Woori Bank began work on setting up the centre in January last year and submitted its application in July, receiving final approval about 10 months later. It plans to start full operations this month after completing internal procedures.