Banking & Finance

FCA Proposes Action to Close Credit File Gaps for Borrowers

The FCA is consulting on proposals to require lenders to share credit information with all designated consumer credit reference agencies (CRAs). This aims to close gaps in consumers' credit files and ensure they more accurately reflect financial circumstances. The consultation closes on May 1, 2026.

FCA Stablecoin Regulatory Sandbox Testing

The FCA has selected four firms to participate in its regulatory sandbox to test stablecoin innovation. This initiative aims to gather real-world data to inform the development of future UK stablecoin regulations, with findings expected to shape final rules later in 2026.

Payments Forward Plan Published by Committee

The Payments Vision Delivery Committee, comprising HM Treasury, Bank of England, FCA, and PSR, has published the Payments Forward Plan. This plan outlines upcoming initiatives in retail and wholesale payments, including digital assets, to foster innovation and economic growth.

ESMA Consultation: Regulatory Standards for Post-Trade Risk Reduction Services

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has issued a consultation paper on proposed regulatory technical standards (RTS) for post-trade risk reduction services. This consultation seeks feedback on requirements for services that aim to reduce risk for the purpose of clearing obligation exemptions under EMIR.

FINRA proposes rule change for overnight transaction reporting exception

FINRA has filed a proposed rule change with the SEC to amend rules governing transaction reporting. The proposal seeks to provide a limited, temporary exception for reporting specified overnight transactions before 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

SEC Obtains Consent Judgment Against Defendant in Fraud Case

The SEC announced it obtained a final consent judgment against Charles T. Lawrence, Jr. in a civil enforcement action. Lawrence was charged with a multi-million dollar offering fraud, misappropriating at least $4.89 million of investor funds. The judgment permanently enjoins him from violating securities laws and orders disgorgement.

SEC Obtains Final Judgments Against Mining Company and Executives

The SEC announced final judgments by consent against Western Sierra Resource Corporation and its executives Roger Johnson and Dennis Atkins. The company and executives were charged with issuing false and misleading statements regarding the acquisition of gold mining claims. Johnson and Atkins each agreed to pay a $150,000 civil penalty, a three-year officer-and-director bar, and a five-year penny-stock bar.

ESMA Draft RTS on EMIR 3 Clearing Thresholds

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published draft Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) detailing new clearing thresholds under EMIR 3. These proposals aim to manage systemic risk in OTC derivative markets while minimizing compliance burdens for market participants.

Omnipoint Management Solutions LLC - Cease and Desist Order and $100,000 Penalty

The Connecticut Banking Commissioner has issued a Cease and Desist Order and imposed a $100,000 civil penalty on Omnipoint Management Solutions LLC. The company operated as a consumer collection agency without a required license and violated communication regulations.

SEC Settles Joel Castellanos Ponzi Scheme Action

The SEC has settled an action against Joel Castellanos for his role in an alleged $196 million Ponzi scheme. Castellanos is charged with selling unregistered securities and operating without proper registration, resulting in a $150,000 civil penalty and disgorgement.