Banking Modernisation: Bank of Maldives has selected Finastra Essence to modernise core banking across conventional and Islamic operations, aiming for faster product launches and more efficient, automated service. AI in Travel: India’s AI-native travel platform 30 Sundays raised ₹61 crore in a Series A led by Bessemer Venture Partners to expand its AI planning and booking stack and push into new international markets, including the Maldives. Tsunami Preparedness: UNESCO-IOC brought together facilitators and tsunami experts in Bali, including participants from the Maldives, to strengthen regional community training and disaster readiness. Coral Restoration + Citizen Science: Villa Nautica and diveOceanus, with Finland International School, launched a coral restoration programme where students track individual coral fragments over time using a Coral Tracker system. Local Logistics Boost: Sarjak Container Lines partnered with Ocean Gate Logistics to expand last-mile and specialised cargo handling in the Maldives as infrastructure projects ramp up. Governance Watch: UK charity oversight is under scrutiny after serious governance concerns were raised around the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme following a teenager’s death. Safety + Legal Fallout: Parents of a 15-year-old British girl killed during a Maldives school trip have filed a negligence lawsuit against her school, spotlighting risks in marine excursions. Cyber + Payments (Region): Visa hosted Sri Lanka’s Cybersecurity Conclave 2026, focusing on AI-driven threats, fraud prevention, and strengthening cyber resilience for digital payments.