Cong Lin, deputy director of China’s Financial Regulatory Administration, said the regulator will leverage its guiding role to push financial institutions to speed reform and transformation and to strengthen their internal growth momentum and vitality. He said priorities include targeted/differentiated measures to optimize the financial institution framework and substantive reforms and risk resolution for local small- and medium-sized financial institutions.

UK government confirmed plans to allow English local leaders to impose an optional overnight accommodation tax on visitors. The Prime Minister's spokesperson said councils and mayors may set the rate and decide revenue use after consulting residents and businesses; the levy should be charged as a percentage of accommodation cost rather than a fixed fee. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities will publish further details later on Thursday.

UN climate affairs head says the EU's "hellish heat" is exacerbating inf pressures.