United States

DOJ Audit Report: DEA Drug Control Funding FY2025

The Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General has released an audit report reviewing the Drug Enforcement Administration's accounting of drug control funding for Fiscal Year 2025. The report, number 26-017, was posted on February 5, 2026.

Morgan Stanley Compensation Plan Not Subject to ERISA

The Department of Labor issued Advisory Opinion 2025-03A, determining that Morgan Stanley's deferred incentive compensation programs are not considered employee pension benefit plans under ERISA. This guidance clarifies the applicability of ERISA to specific compensation structures for financial advisors.

US Marshals Service Drug Control Funding Audit FY2025

The Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General has released an audit report (Report 26-020) concerning the United States Marshals Service's accounting of drug control funding for Fiscal Year 2025. The report was posted on February 5, 2026.

ERISA Advisory Opinion on Lifetime Income Strategy Program

The Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) issued Advisory Opinion 2025-04A, responding to a request from AllianceBernstein L.P. (AB) regarding its Lifetime Income Strategy (LIS) program. The opinion addresses whether the LIS program, which includes a guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit, meets the requirements to be a qualified default investment alternative (QDIA) under ERISA.

DOJ OIG Audits BOP Compliance with National Menu Requirements

The DOJ Office of the Inspector General has released an audit report detailing the Federal Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) compliance with national menu requirements. The report, number 26-021, was posted on February 11, 2026, and includes one recommendation.

CFPB Proposes Rules on Small Business Lending Data Collection

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding small business lending data collection under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B). The CFPB is seeking public comment on potential changes to transaction coverage, financial institution scope, small business definitions, data points, and compliance dates.

CFPB Rulemaking: Auto Financing, Debt Collection, Consumer Reporting

The CFPB is considering new rules to define larger participants in the automobile financing, consumer debt collection, and international money transfer markets. These actions are part of the Bureau's rulemaking process to address key consumer financial markets.

CFPB, FRB, OCC Announce 2026 Higher-Priced Mortgage Loan Appraisal Exemption Threshold

The CFPB, Federal Reserve Board, and OCC announced the 2026 threshold for higher-priced mortgage loan appraisal exemptions will increase to $34,200 from $33,500. This annual adjustment reflects changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers.

Truth in Lending and Leasing Rules: 2026 Dollar Thresholds Announced

The CFPB and Federal Reserve announced the 2026 dollar thresholds for Truth in Lending (Regulation Z) and Consumer Leasing (Regulation M) rules. These thresholds, adjusted annually based on CPI-W, determine which consumer credit and lease transactions are subject to federal protections. For 2026, the general threshold is $73,400 or less.

CFPB Final Rules and Regulatory Adjustments

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued final rules and regulatory adjustments, including updates to the Rules of Practice for Adjudication Proceedings and adjustments to exemption thresholds for higher-priced mortgage loans and consumer leases under TILA and Regulation M. These changes are effective in late 2025 and early 2026.