International

WIPO Launches City of Innovation Award

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has launched the "WIPO City of Innovation" award program to recognize cities committed to fostering innovation and creativity. The award program rewards pledges made by city leaders over a 12-month period, with applications for the 2026 edition open from April 1 to June 30, 2026.

IOSCO Monitoring Group Extends PIOB Board Terms

The IOSCO Monitoring Group has extended the terms of three Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB) members and the PIOB Chair through December 31, 2027. This action supports the group's objective of advancing high-quality international auditing, assurance, ethics, and independence standards.

CJEU Decision on DSARs and Compensation Eligibility

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled on the interpretation of Article 12(5) of the GDPR concerning Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs). The decision clarifies that a single DSAR can be considered excessive or abusive, and controllers may rely on publicly available information to assess such claims, impacting how organizations handle and potentially refuse DSARs.

IAPP Survey on Digital Governance Complexity

The IAPP is launching its 2026 Governance Survey to gather insights on privacy, AI, and digital governance amidst increasing regulatory complexity and geopolitical tensions. The survey aims to benchmark organizational practices and inform international digital policy development.

Fifth Circuit Hears NetChoice v. Fitch Age Verification Case

The Fifth Circuit heard oral arguments in NetChoice v. Fitch, a challenge to Mississippi's child age verification law. This case examines the constitutionality of laws requiring platforms to verify user ages, potentially impacting online anonymity.

Mark Uyeda Discusses US Treasury Clearing and ISDA Regulatory Responses

ISDA published an interview with SEC Commissioner Mark Uyeda discussing the upcoming mandatory clearing of US Treasury securities. The interview addresses the benefits of clearing and the implementation path for rules finalized by the SEC in 2023, with clearing set to begin at the end of 2026.

Azerbaijan Strengthens AML and CFT Measures

The FATF has published a report on Azerbaijan's measures against money laundering and terrorist financing. The report, part of the FATF's Follow-Up Review process, assesses the country's progress in implementing international standards. It highlights areas where Azerbaijan has strengthened its framework to combat financial crime.

FSB Publishes 2025 Annual Report on Global Financial Stability

The Financial Stability Board (FSB) has published its 2025 Annual Report, detailing its work on global financial stability. The report covers key areas such as non-bank financial intermediation (NBFI) leverage, crypto-assets, operational resilience, and cross-border payments, and outlines the FSB's strategic review of reform implementation.

WTO Academic Conference on Trade Reform in Cameroon

The WTO Chairs Programme held an academic conference in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on March 19-20, 2026, to discuss reforms to the multilateral trading system from an African perspective. The event brought together academic chairs, experts, and stakeholders to explore trade and development opportunities for the continent.

Haiti Gang Violence and Human Rights Impact Report

A new UN Human Rights Office report details the expanding reach of gangs in Haiti and their impact on human rights, noting at least 5,519 deaths and 2,608 injuries between March 2025 and January 2026. The report highlights gang violence, security force operations, and actions by self-defense groups, as well as sexual violence and excessive force by police.