Group 1 - United Overseas Bank (UOB) and its wholly-owned subsidiary in China have officially signed on as direct participants in the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) [1] - UOB will leverage CIPS to provide a "one-stop" cross-border RMB clearing, settlement, and payment services for domestic and foreign enterprises and financial institutions [1] - UOB's connection to CIPS allows it to interface with over 1,600 global participants, enhancing its ability to process cross-border payments and settlements efficiently [1] Group 2 - East Asia Bank (China) has opened its flagship branch in Beijing, which is the first retail demonstration outlet following its brand renewal [1] - The new branch will offer specialized wealth management and cross-border financial services, catering to personalized customer needs [1] - The opening of this branch marks a significant step in East Asia Bank's transformation journey [1] Group 3 - American Express has announced that eligible cardholders can now use contactless "tap-to-pay" functionality for tickets on the Shanghai Maglev Line and all Beijing rail transit lines, including the suburban S2 line [2] - This initiative aims to enhance convenience for both local residents and visitors traveling in China [2] - The CEO of the joint venture in China emphasized the importance of providing more choices and greater convenience for American Express card members [2]