Banking & Finance

Federal Reserve Enforcement Actions for Embezzlement

The Federal Reserve Board announced enforcement actions against two former bank employees for embezzlement and misappropriation of funds. Jacob Hilton, formerly of United Bank, and Klaus Koberstein, formerly of East Cambridge Savings Bank, have each received consent prohibition orders.

Federal Reserve Consent Order with Jamal Hillman

The Federal Reserve Board has issued a consent prohibition order against Jamal Hillman, a former employee of First Financial Bank, for misappropriation of customer funds. This enforcement action prohibits Mr. Hillman from participating in the banking industry.

Federal Reserve Board Enforcement Action Against Former PrimeLending Employee

The Federal Reserve Board has issued a consent prohibition order against Aquana Raffington, a former employee of PrimeLending. The action addresses conflicts of interest and fraud, with no monetary penalty imposed.

New York Designates Butternut Valley Banking Development District

New York State Comptroller DiNapoli and the Department of Financial Services (DFS) have designated the Butternut Valley as a Banking Development District. This designation aims to support community banking and economic development in the region.

New York Regulation for Buy Now, Pay Later Loans

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new regulation establishing comprehensive consumer protections for Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) loans. This regulation aims to provide a framework for BNPL services operating within the state, ensuring greater transparency and fairness for consumers.

New York Behavioral Health Treatment Access Campaign Launched

Governor Hochul has launched a public awareness campaign to educate New Yorkers on accessing behavioral health treatment. The campaign aims to inform individuals about their rights and available resources for mental health and substance use disorder services.

Statement on FY 2027 Executive Budget Hearing

New York State Department of Financial Services Acting Superintendent Kaitlin Asrow delivered a statement at a joint legislative public hearing on the FY 2027 Executive Budget, focusing on economic development. The statement outlines the DFS's priorities and budget requests for the upcoming fiscal year.

Jericho Share Ceases NY Operations for Selling Unlicensed Health Insurance

The New York State Department of Financial Services announced that Jericho Share has agreed to cease all operations in New York for selling unlicensed health insurance plans. This action follows an investigation into the company's activities.

PCAOB Publishes Expanded Inspection Reports on Three Firms

The PCAOB has published expanded inspection reports for three audit firms: Assure CPA, LLC; Kronick Kalada Berdy & Co, P.C.; and Michael T. Studer CPA P.C. These expansions are due to the firms' failure to adequately address quality control issues within the 12 months following the original inspection reports.

PCAOB Chairman and Board Members Sworn In

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) announced that Demetrios (Jim) Logothetis was sworn in as Chairman, and Mark A. Calabria and Steven D. Laughton were sworn in as Board Members on February 10, 2026. The new leadership was appointed by the SEC and will oversee the PCAOB's statutory responsibilities.