SINGAPORE - Catch up on the morning's top business headlines in Singapore with The Straits Times Money Desk's daily update.

1. DBS' Q2 net profit rises 9%, first-half earnings cross $2b for first time. The better-than-expected results came on the back of strong loans growth and a hike in fee income.

2. Stricter requirements to qualify as Singapore public accountants. The changes, which include acquiring longer work experience as well as specific audit management experience, will take effect from Feb 1 next year.

3. BreadTalk signs joint venture agreement to set up BreadTalk Thailand. The restaurant and bakery group will collaborate with Thailand's Minor Food Group to set up a 50:50 joint venture to operate a bakery business.