Digital Banking: Euromoney spotlighted Converse Bank’s digital overhaul, citing a jump in active app users (+17%), faster account opening (about 20 seconds vs 5 minutes), and more than 15 services inside one mobile ecosystem. Central Banking Watch: The Central Bank of Armenia kept the refinancing rate at 6.5%, pointing to export-market stress and higher inflation risks (June inflation 5.1%). Russia Trade Pressure on Food & Water: Russia’s Rospotrebnadzor, via the “Honest Sign” system, suspended sales of over 70,000 bottles of Armenian water and carbonated drinks over alleged mandatory product requirement violations—another hit to Armenia’s export-dependent producers. Agriculture Finance: Armenia restructured agricultural loans tied to Russian sanctions impact; the Central Bank deputy governor said over AMD 30bn in loans have already been reworked. High-Tech Leadership: Armenia appointed David Tadevosyan as new Minister of High-Tech Industry, highlighting AI factories and supercomputing infrastructure as key national priorities. Regional Connectivity & Trade: Azerbaijan says it has largely met obligations to reopen transport links and expects construction in Armenia after preparatory work, with TRIPP flagged as a next step. Energy/Logistics Stress: Europe’s heat and drought are shrinking the Rhine and Danube, disrupting power generation and cargo flows—an indirect risk to regional supply chains Armenia relies on.