Banking & Markets: Bahrain-headquartered Investcorp said it has closed its North American Private Equity Fund II at $1.22bn, topping its $1.1bn target, with co-investments and early deals in business services and commercial services. Digital Finance: Payward (Kraken parent) partnered with Singapore Gulf Bank to enable selected institutional clients to settle qualifying transactions 24/7 via SGB Net, starting with US dollars, with expansion planned. Central Banking & Talent: The Central Bank of Bahrain named 15 graduates for the GP15 Graduate Development Programme’s second cohort, following aptitude testing and interviews. Capital Markets: Bahrain Bourse’s All Share Index fell for a third straight month in September, down 1.5% to 1,907.8 points, with materials and Alba weighing most. Sustainability & Industry: Safa, backed by Mumtalakat, will host a GCC industrial sustainability session at Made in GCC Forum and Expo 2026, focusing on turning compliance into investable projects. Business Diplomacy: Bahrain Chamber will host GCC chambers’ board and consultative meetings, with priorities including industrial integration and cross-border trade in health, food and agriculture. Aviation & Connectivity: Gulf Air launched its inaugural direct Bahrain–Kuala Lumpur service, positioning the route to boost business travel, tourism and two-way investment. Fraud & Enforcement: Two expats were jailed for online banking fraud after using stolen card details and OTPs to pay utility bills for others.