Fintech & Consumer Credit (Brazil): Mercado Pago says its underwriting models are still “robust” even as Brazil worries about rising household debt, noting it issued 2.6M credit cards in Q2 and can slow growth if portfolio health requires it. Banking Expansion (U.S. launch): Nubank has started U.S. operations via a sponsor bank (Lead Bank) while it works toward its own OCC de novo charter, and it’s also pushing instant, low-cost remittances to LATAM countries like Colombia. Elections & Risk (Brazil): Brazil’s top court unsealed documents showing Flavio Bolsonaro is under investigation for alleged corruption, money laundering and tax evasion tied to payments from a disgraced banker to finance a film. Capital Markets & Policy (Brazil): Eduardo Bolsonaro floated investor Marcelo Kayath as a potential finance minister if Flavio wins, pitching IPO-era expertise and a sustainable-growth agenda. Geopolitics & Trade (BRICS): India’s BRICS summit messaging is aimed at avoiding an “anti-West” label while advancing trade, investment and technology ties; Uruguay’s FM also met Jaishankar on sidelines. EU Investment (Ecuador): The European Commission proposed an EU-Ecuador Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement to cut red tape and boost EU investment, including in renewables and raw materials. Identity & Fraud (LATAM): Unico agreed to buy Argentina biometric firm Valida to scale against accelerating AI-assisted identity fraud. Energy & Climate Finance (LATAM): Finance ministries exchanged climate-finance lessons in Salvador, with Somalia sharing approaches that could resonate for fragile economies. Streaming & Media (LATAM-adjacent): HBO Max’s Spanish-language telenovela “Collision/Colisión” is climbing U.S. charts fast, signaling continued appetite for non-English premium drama.