Foreign Exchange Crackdown: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee approved amendments to the Foreign Exchange Bill that would make advertising or publishing black-market USD rates an offence, with fines up to MVR 500,000 for individuals and up to MVR 1 million for illegal FX trading; opposition lawmakers and the Maldives Journalists Association warn it could curb media freedom and worsen market confidence. Tourism & Connectivity: Velana International Airport handled 1.62 million passengers in Q2 2026 (1.04m international, 341,782 seaplane, 242,104 domestic), supported by the expanded terminal. Banking & Governance: Maldives Islamic Bank opened applications for an elected director seat for common shareholders (deadline 31 Aug). Separately, the Pension Administration Office appointed Yazmeed Mohamed as CEO/COO for a five-year term starting 23 Aug. Fisheries Funding: The World Bank-funded TRANSFORM Project launched the MVR 278m Aaruveri Matching Grant scheme, offering non-reimbursable grants of 40% for proposals across energy efficiency, sustainable production, mariculture, value-added fish and youth/women employment. Regional Trade Facilitation: Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh agreed to exchange pre-arrival customs data to speed clearance and strengthen controls. Business Growth: JAT Holdings reported 34% revenue growth in 1Q FY26/27, driven by international operations. Maritime Security: UKMTO said six armed men seized an oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden and redirected it toward Somalia, urging caution in the area.