SME Growth & Funding: IFC is advising Asialink Finance Corp. on creating an affordable home lender for low-income and informal borrowers in the Philippines, aiming to prove lending can work for underserved markets and map out products, operations, and capital plans. Local Red Tape: Malaysia’s SME group Samenta says competitiveness gains won’t help small firms unless local councils and agencies speed up licensing, permits, and enforcement—calling unpredictable processing a major cost driver. Cyber Insurance for Small Firms: BOXX Insurance says its Cyberboxx® Business policy now clearly covers AI, deepfakes, and social engineering failures, responding to rising AI-enabled fraud risks for commercial customers. AI Security Pressure: Sophos reports AI is helping attackers move faster, with identity-based attacks and deepfakes becoming more operational—raising the stakes for SMB cyber readiness. Small Business Tech & Services: City Electric Supply expands with Siemens Digital Industries via a new Industrial Automation Solutions division, offering engineered automation support across North America. Community Business Spotlight: Chicago’s neighborhood bakeries are thriving, with a report pointing to artisan craft, heritage, and community ties as they navigate consolidation and inflation. Business Continuity Watch: Seoul’s bankruptcy court resumed Homeplus rehabilitation after the retailer secured 200 billion won in debtor-in-possession loans, offering relief to employees and suppliers but not a guaranteed turnaround.