Digital Yuan Expansion: China’s central bank added eight more banks to the e-CNY network, bringing authorized service operators to 30, with new banks set to start offering e-CNY after business and technical readiness. Macao Finance & Payments: Macau’s Monetary Authority reported June 2026 upticks in new residential mortgage and commercial real estate loan approvals, while Q2 2026 mobile payments grew quarter-on-quarter in both transaction value and count. Local Tax Administration: Macau’s Legislative Assembly is set to consider a consumption tax rule change that would collect tax directly from importers’ bank accounts at customs clearance, aiming to cut refund steps and reduce business burden. Tourism Demand Watch: MGTO said Macau’s summer visitor totals rose, but international arrivals stayed flat versus expectations, citing geopolitical uncertainty, higher fuel costs, and reduced flight capacity; the office plans more carrier and platform coordination. Health Retail Deal: DFI Retail Group will be the exclusive wholesaler, distributor and franchisee for GNC in Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore, using Guardian’s network to expand access to “science-backed” wellness products. AI in Public Service: Hong Kong’s Digital Policy Office discussed how AI can reshape government service delivery, including speeding up vetting and complaint handling across departments. Biotech Publishing Push: China’s life-sciences journal Vita launched its print edition as open-access, aiming to become a world-class publication without charging authors.