Financial Regulation

Technical Amendments to Residence-Based Tax Regime

HM Revenue & Customs has published technical amendments to the residence-based tax regime introduced in the Finance Act 2025. These amendments aim to ensure the regime operates as originally intended without altering the underlying policy. The changes affect Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, and Inheritance Tax.

Fuel Duty Cut Extended to August 2026

HM Revenue & Customs has extended the temporary cut in fuel duty rates until the end of August 2026. Fuel duty rates will gradually return to March 2022 levels through phased increases starting September 1, 2026.

Juan Dario Lopez License Revocation by DFI

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) has issued a Consent Order revoking the check casher license of Juan Dario Lopez (NMLS #1463739). The revocation is stayed for two years, contingent on compliance with the terms of the order.

Noble Escrow Services LLC - Temporary Cease and Desist Order

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions issued a temporary cease and desist order against Noble Escrow Services LLC on March 2, 2026. The order requires the company to immediately deposit funds to cover a deficit in its trust account, cease accepting new business, and continue processing existing transactions without harming customers.

Z Grills, Inc. Consent Order under Securities Act

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions Securities Division has issued a Consent Order against Z Grills, Inc. for alleged violations of the Securities Act of Washington. Z Grills offered and sold over $140,000 in securities through its Reward Crowdfunding Program to over 180 Washington investors without proper registration or disclosure.

ESMA Compliance Table for Market Abuse Guidelines under MiCA

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published a compliance table for its guidelines on market abuse under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. This document serves as a reference for entities to understand their obligations regarding market abuse provisions within the MiCA framework.

MiCA Guidelines: Compliance Table for System and Security Access

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published a compliance table for guidelines on the maintenance of systems and security access protocols under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. This document aids entities in assessing their adherence to MiCA's requirements.

ESMA Compliance Table: Crypto-Assets as Financial Instruments

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published a compliance table related to its Guidelines on the conditions and criteria for qualifying crypto-assets as financial instruments. This document serves as a reference for market participants to understand how to apply the guidelines.

ESMA Compliance Table for Crypto Asset Classification Guidelines

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published a compliance table related to its Joint Guidelines on templates for explanations and opinions, and the standardised test for the classification of crypto assets. This document serves as a reference for entities to ensure their compliance with existing guidelines.

CapexMD LLC Consent Order for Unlicensed Small Loans

The Connecticut Department of Banking issued a consent order against CapexMD LLC for making unlicensed small loans to 41 Connecticut borrowers. CapexMD agreed to pay a civil penalty and restitution without admitting wrongdoing.