Venezuela–US Oil Deal: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez pushed back on backlash over a 25-year pact that gives the US majority control of output tied to 65 billion barrels of proven reserves, while insisting Caracas retains ownership and sovereignty; unresolved terms still leave investors watching financing, private operators, and how the deal fits Venezuela’s legal framework. Colombia Fiscal Stress: Colombia’s 2026–27 budget points to a deeper deficit than expected, with analysts warning the government may need multilateral support, potentially including the IMF, as debt risks climb. China Trade Pressure at the G20: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged G20 finance ministers to revisit trade terms with China to shrink a record $1.2 trillion surplus, arguing China’s export model is driving global imbalances—Latin America is named as a key diversion outlet. Stablecoin Payments: Stablecoin-linked card spending topped $10.9B globally, with July hitting a record $1B+ month, signaling faster mainstreaming of crypto rails via Visa-style networks. Puerto Rico Fintech: A look at how Puerto Rico’s payments ecosystem blends US banking rails with local behavior (ATH Móvil), as fintech becomes part of the island’s post-debt-crisis transition. Venezuela Oil Market Spillover: Separate coverage frames the deal as potentially reshaping global oil markets and US pricing, but notes political and investment hurdles. Cuba–China Retail JV: SUMAI’s first China container arrives in Holguín as renovations advance on a new market aimed at dollar-accessible trade. Latin America Tech & AI: Reporting highlights growing Chinese tech presence across the region, raising digital sovereignty and cybersecurity concerns.