Fintech Banking: Revolut has secured an Australian APRA deposit-taking licence and launched “Revolut Bank Australia”, pledging about A$400m investment over five years as it transitions its 1m+ local retail customers into a fully regulated banking setup. Big Four Shake-up: KPMG Australia has appointed John Sams as permanent CEO amid fallout from a confidential client-data scandal, as Treasury’s consultation on breaking up Big Four audit and consulting arms closes soon (with potential structural separation on the table). ASX & Markets: Wall Street climbed on another AI-led rally, lifting S&P 500 and Nasdaq; ASX futures pointed to a modest gain as investors weigh whether AI spending will translate into profits. Housing & Costs: A builder argues waiting on renovations is a losing game as labour and imported materials keep costs rising; separate reporting flags Australia heading for its weakest living-standards decade in more than a century. Energy & Travel Prices: Qantas warns jet fuel costs could keep airfares higher for months after Middle East conflict, despite dips in petrol. Insurance & Risk: Insurers face pressure as climate risk becomes harder to price, with regulators expecting more transparency as premiums jump. Local Services: A new map shows “pharmacy deserts” exist beyond remote areas, including parts of outer-city Melbourne. Climate Resilience: Lismore is “open for business” 18 months after major floods, highlighting recovery lessons for flood-prone regions. Tech & Mapping: Esri will use Nearmap aerial imagery as a default layer in ArcGIS Living Atlas, expanding high-resolution mapping access for government, utilities and real estate. Workplace Insurance: Rising workers’ compensation claims—especially mental health—are pushing business insurers toward the brink. Education Partnership: Australia and the Philippines launched a A$40m (P1.6b) EQUIP program to improve employability of senior high graduates, with possible extra Australian funding.