Deposit-token trials are spreading from payment gateways and merchant networks to cross-border payments, shifting the commercialisation race from issuance to where tokens can be used. Payment and settlement at the same time could cut small merchants’ fees and settlement periods. Inclusive finance is expanding by borrower type as banks tailor products and fintechs support fees. Regulators are weighing tighter limits on single-stock leveraged products. Market reforms also tighten scrutiny of duplicate listings and low-PBR firms.

A U.S. Senate vote to bring the crypto market-structure \'Clarity\' bill to the floor is increasingly likely to be delayed until next week, complicating last-stage legislation. The industry wants leaders to at least begin the cloture process before the August recess. In South Korea, financial firms are accelerating digital-asset initiatives, including exchange shareholder changes, new teams for regulatory shifts, investments in blockchain networks and participation in a central bank digital currency pilot.