International

ISO 20022 CBPR+ Address Structuring Deadline November 2026

SWIFT announced that the CBPR+ ISO 20022 migration achieved 97% adoption as of November 2025. A new requirement mandates removal of unstructured postal addresses from CBPR+ payment messages by November 2026. After this date, only fully structured or hybrid postal addresses will be accepted; payments with non-compliant addresses may be rejected or delayed by PSPs. Standards Release 2026 Usage Guidelines were published February 20, 2026.

ISDA Response to EC Tax Omnibus Call for Evidence on Beneficial Ownership

ISDA, the International Securities Lending Association, and the Association for Financial Markets in Europe submitted a joint response on March 30, 2026, to the European Commission's call for evidence on the tax omnibus. The associations called for an EU-level, principles-based framework on beneficial ownership to address inconsistent interpretations among member states that create withholding tax uncertainty for securities lending and derivatives. They recommended alignment with OECD guidance supplemented by practical safe harbors for standard capital markets transactions.

IMF-IOSCO Joint Conference on Digital Assets and Retail Access to Illiquid Assets

IOSCO and IMF announced their third joint conference on Market-Based Finance, scheduled for April 13, 2026 in Washington DC. The conference will address digital assets and retail investor access to illiquid assets, featuring participation from SEC Chairman Paul Atkins, FCA CEO Nikhil Rathi, and other international securities regulators from MAS, SEBI, and AMF France. The event will be livestreamed and open to registered IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings participants.

UN adds HAMIDAH NABAGALA to ISIL sanctions list

The UN Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) approved the addition of HAMIDAH NABAGALA (QDi.439) to the ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List on 30 March 2026. The individual, a Ugandan national born 9 March 1996, is subject to an assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo under Security Council resolution 2734 (2024) adopted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

Ukrainian local and national authorities unite for reconstruction

Ukrainian local and national authorities unite for reconstruction

Georgia Local Democracy Jeopardized - Congress Report

The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe issued a report finding local democracy in Georgia to be in jeopardy, citing rapid democratic backsliding, high polarisation, one-party rule over local authorities, and lack of follow-up on past recommendations. The Congress debated findings from a fact-finding visit conducted September 24-25, 2025, and deplored irregularities in the October 4, 2025 local elections including widespread boycotts, electoral law changes, and intimidation of opposition voices.

Freedom of Expression Clampdown - Middle East Region

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk warned on April 1, 2026, of deepening repression of civic space and freedom of expression across the Middle East following US and Israeli attacks on Iran. In Iran, an estimated 2,345 people have been arrested since the conflict began on national security charges including terrorism, dissent, and alleged espionage, with 8 executions reported. Iran is experiencing its fifth week of nationwide internet blackout.

Lithuania and Monaco local democracy recommendations adopted

Lithuania and Monaco local democracy recommendations adopted

Congress encourages local authorities bridge gaps regional-history teaching

Congress encourages local authorities bridge gaps regional-history teaching

Updated OTC Derivatives Compliance Calendar

ISDA published its updated global OTC derivatives compliance calendar for April 2026, consolidating regulatory deadlines and compliance dates across multiple jurisdictions including the US, EU, UK, and Asia-Pacific. The calendar covers derivatives regulations under frameworks including EMIR, Dodd-Frank, Basel III, and MiFID II. No new regulatory requirements are created by this calendar update.