OFAC Designations and Removals - Counter Terrorism, North Korea, Narcotics
The US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has updated its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List with new designations related to counter-terrorism, North Korea, and narcotics. These updates include adding individuals involved in facilitating North Korea sanctions evasion and disrupting illicit networks.
USTR Section 301 Investigations into Excess Capacity
The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated Section 301 investigations into structural excess capacity and production in 16 economies. The USTR is seeking public comments on these investigations, with a deadline of April 15, 2026.
FSA: Bank Loans Total 8.0 Trillion Yen as of Sep 2025
The Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan has published its provisional translation of the status of loans held by all banks as of the end of September 2025. Total loans amounted to 8.0 trillion yen, a decrease of 0.4 trillion yen from the previous period.
FSA, SEC Hold Spring Financial Regulatory Dialogue
The Financial Services Agency of Japan (FSA) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) held their Spring Financial Regulatory Dialogue in Tokyo on February 27, 2026. The meeting focused on cross-border issues, market developments, and regulatory matters including digital assets.
FSA AI Discussion Paper Update for Financial Sector
The Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan has published Version 1.1 of its AI Discussion Paper, updating its previous 2025 version. This revision incorporates insights from public-private forums on AI utilization and risk management in the financial sector. The FSA is seeking comments on the paper to inform future policy development.
FSA Publishes English Version of Analytical Notes (2026.3)
The Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan has published the English version of its "FSA Analytical Notes (2026.3)". This publication provides analysis on financial markets and related topics, with specific notes on the OTC derivatives market.
FSA Analytical Notes on Regional Banks and Talent
The Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan has published its "FSA Analytical Notes (2026.2)", focusing on the analysis of human resource support by regional banks and talent shortages in firms. An English version is expected to be released shortly.
Exchange Fund Bills Tender Results Announced
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority announced the tender results for Exchange Fund Bills on March 10, 2026. The results detail the amounts applied for and allotted, along with accepted yields for various bill issuances.
HKMA Scam Alert: Fraudulent Bank Websites and Scams
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued a scam alert on March 10, 2026, to warn the public about fraudulent websites and scams reported by several banks. The alert provides guidance on identifying and reporting such incidents.
HKMA Scam Alert: Fraudulent Websites and Scams Targeting Bank Customers
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued a scam alert regarding fraudulent websites and scams targeting bank customers. The alert highlights specific instances reported by The Bank of East Asia and Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited, warning the public about phishing attempts and advising on protective measures.
Hong Kong Green Week 2026 Announced
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has announced the return of Hong Kong Green Week 2026, scheduled for September 7-11. This flagship sustainability event will focus on "Future-proofing Sustainable Growth" and will feature conferences, forums, and satellite events coordinated by the HKMA.
Capital Asia Investments Investigated for Money Laundering and Compliance Failures
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Police are investigating Capital Asia Investments Pte Ltd and its directors for suspected money laundering and compliance failures. Over S$160 million in assets were seized, and two directors were arrested as part of the ongoing investigation.
MAS Issues Environmental Risk Transition Planning Guidelines
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has issued new Guidelines on Environmental Risk Management - Transition Planning for banks, insurers, and asset managers. These guidelines set supervisory expectations for managing climate-related transition and physical risks, taking effect from September 2027.
Federal Reserve Issues Consent Order Against Former Regions Bank Employee
The Federal Reserve Board has issued a consent prohibition order against Nicole M. Ramsey, a former employee of Regions Bank. The action stems from the misappropriation of customer funds. This enforcement action signifies the Federal Reserve's commitment to upholding standards of conduct within the banking sector.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NCUA and FDIC Host Webinar on Financial Scams
The NCUA and FDIC are hosting a free webinar on March 12, 2026, to educate credit unions and banks on identifying and combating prevalent financial scams. The webinar will offer practical strategies, financial education resources, and best practices for protecting consumers.
NCUA Proposes Deregulation Changes to Records Preservation Program
The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) has proposed changes to its Records Preservation Program, aiming to clarify guidance and remove burdensome requirements. The proposals include removing appendices, defining key terms, and allowing electronic record formats, offering greater flexibility to credit unions.
NCUA Releases Q4 2025 Credit Union Performance Data
The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) has released its fourth quarter 2025 performance data for federally insured credit unions. The report indicates growth in total assets and loans outstanding, alongside an increase in net income for the year 2025.
NCUA Voluntary EGRPRA Review and Deregulation Project
The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) has initiated a voluntary review of its regulations under the Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act (EGRPRA). This review, which is not statutorily required, aims to reduce regulatory burden on credit unions and will inform future regulatory changes. The comment period is open for 90 days.
NCUA Share Insurance Fund Results - Q4 2025
The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) released the Share Insurance Fund results for the fourth quarter of 2025. The fund reported a net income of $113.8 million and held $24.1 billion in assets. The report also noted a decrease in credit unions with composite CAMELS codes 3, 4, and 5, with no federally insured credit union failures during the quarter.
Geographic Targeting Order for Southwest Border MSBs
FinCEN has issued a Geographic Targeting Order (GTO) imposing recordkeeping and reporting requirements on certain Money Services Businesses (MSBs) along the Southwest Border. This order aims to enhance efforts against illicit finance and money laundering activities.
FinCEN Fines Canaccord Genuity $80 Million for BSA Violations
FinCEN has assessed an $80 million civil money penalty against Canaccord Genuity LLC for willful violations of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA). This is the largest penalty ever imposed against a broker-dealer for BSA violations, stemming from failures in anti-money laundering programs and suspicious activity reporting.
Canaccord Genuity LLC - Enforcement Action
FinCEN announced an enforcement action against Canaccord Genuity LLC, citing violations of the Bank Secrecy Act. The action resulted in a consent order and a financial penalty. This action serves as a reminder of the importance of robust AML compliance programs for financial institutions.
FATF Lists Iran, DPRK, Burma as High-Risk; Kuwait, PNG Under Monitoring
FinCEN is informing U.S. financial institutions of the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) updated lists of jurisdictions with strategic AML/CFT/CPF deficiencies. Kuwait and Papua New Guinea were added to the 'Jurisdictions Under Increased Monitoring' list, while Iran, DPRK, and Burma remain on the 'High-Risk Jurisdictions Subject to a Call for Action' list.
FDIC Extends Comment Period for GENIUS Act Stablecoin Rulemaking
The FDIC has extended the public comment period for its proposed rulemaking concerning the GENIUS Act application procedures for stablecoin issuance. The comment period is now extended to May 18, 2026, providing additional time for FDIC-supervised institutions to submit feedback.
FDIC Amends Guidelines for Appeals of Material Supervisory Determinations
The FDIC is amending its Guidelines for Appeals of Material Supervisory Determinations by replacing the Supervision Appeals Review Committee with a new Office of Supervisory Appeals. This office will serve as the final review level for supervisory determinations and will also expand appeal rights to certain enforcement action cases.
FDIC Final Rule on Signs, Advertising, and Misuse of Name/Logo
The FDIC issued a final rule amending regulations on official signs, advertising, and misuse of the FDIC's name or logo for insured depository institutions. The rule provides additional flexibility for digital signage and ATMs while clarifying consumer protections, with a compliance date of April 1, 2027.
Call Report Instructions for Q4 2025
The FDIC issued updated instructions for the Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income (Call Report) for the fourth quarter of 2025. The notice highlights the implementation of multifactor authentication for the Central Data Repository and provides submission deadlines for the December 31, 2025, report date.
FDIC FAQ on Capital Treatment of Tokenized Securities
The FDIC, OCC, and Federal Reserve have issued an FAQ addressing the capital treatment of tokenized securities for FDIC-insured financial institutions. The guidance clarifies how ownership rights represented by distributed ledger technology are treated under existing capital rules and confirms the technology-neutral nature of these regulations.
CFTC and SEC Sign MOU for Lawful Innovation
The CFTC and SEC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance coordination and collaboration on lawful innovation, market integrity, and investor protection. The MOU establishes a Joint Harmonization Initiative to clarify definitions, modernize frameworks, and streamline reporting for areas of common regulatory interest, including crypto assets.
CFTC Advisory on Prediction Markets and Event Contracts
The CFTC's Division of Market Oversight issued an advisory reminding designated contract markets (DCMs) of their regulatory obligations under the Commodity Exchange Act and Commission regulations concerning the listing of event contracts. The advisory encourages innovation while emphasizing proactive compliance, particularly for sports-related event contracts.
CFTC Seeks Comment on Prediction Market Regulations
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has published an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) to solicit public comment on potential new regulations for prediction markets. The ANPRM seeks input on how existing rules apply to event contracts and what types of contracts may be prohibited.
CFTC Announces Marc H. Sielski as Executive Director
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced Marc H. Sielski has been named the agency's new executive director. Sielski will oversee administrative operations to support the CFTC's mission and ensure effective stewardship of public resources.
CFTC Senior Advisor Brigitte Weyls Departs
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced the departure of Senior Advisor Brigitte Weyls after 17 years of service. Weyls played a role in significant litigation, policy, and rulemaking initiatives, including those related to digital assets and emerging markets.
Federal Reserve Board Approves FirstSun Capital Bancorp Merger with First Foundation Inc
The Federal Reserve Board has approved the application by FirstSun Capital Bancorp to merge with First Foundation Inc. This approval allows for the indirect acquisition of First Foundation Bank. The decision was announced on March 11, 2026.
Federal Reserve Approves Associated Banc-Corp Acquisition of American National Corporation
The Federal Reserve Board has approved the application by Associated Banc-Corp to acquire American National Corporation. This approval allows Associated Banc-Corp to indirectly acquire American National Bank.
Federal Reserve Terminates Enforcement Actions Against Banks
The Federal Reserve Board announced the termination of several enforcement actions against Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and Standard Chartered Bank. These actions were terminated on various dates in February 2026, following the completion of their respective terms.
Federal Reserve Approves CBS Banc-Corp. Acquisition
The Federal Reserve Board has approved a notice from CBS Banc-Corp. to acquire TAG Bancshares Inc. and indirectly acquire Citizens Bank & Trust, Inc. This action pertains to a standard regulatory approval for a banking acquisition.
Agencies Clarify Capital Treatment of Tokenized Securities
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Federal Reserve Board, and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency have issued frequently asked questions to clarify the capital treatment of tokenized securities. The guidance confirms that eligible tokenized securities should receive the same capital treatment as their non-tokenized counterparts.
FDIC Issues List of Banks Examined for CRA Compliance
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has issued a list of state nonmember banks recently evaluated for compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). The list includes evaluation ratings assigned to institutions in December 2025.
Agencies Clarify Capital Treatment of Tokenized Securities
The FDIC, Federal Reserve Board, and OCC have jointly issued Frequently Asked Questions to clarify the capital treatment of tokenized securities. The guidance confirms that eligible tokenized securities generally receive the same capital treatment as their non-tokenized counterparts and that the capital rule is technology-neutral.
FDIC Issues CRA Examination Schedules for Q2 and Q3 2026
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has issued the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) examination schedules for the second and third quarters of 2026. These schedules outline institutions slated for CRA examinations, which assess banks' records of meeting community credit needs.
FDIC Publishes January 2026 Bank Enforcement Actions
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has published a list of administrative enforcement actions taken against banks and individuals in January 2026. The publication includes eight orders, comprising consent orders, orders terminating consent orders, orders to pay, and prohibition orders.
FDIC Approves Edward Jones Bank Deposit Insurance Application
The FDIC approved the deposit insurance application for Edward Jones Bank, a Utah-chartered industrial bank. The approval is subject to certain conditions, including maintaining a minimum tier 1 leverage ratio and capital/liquidity support from its parent companies. The approval order expires if the bank is not established within 12 months.
Paula Christina Krost - Consent Order and Fine
The Washington Department of Financial Institutions issued a consent order against Paula Christina Krost, requiring a $50,000 fine and prohibiting her from participating in mortgage lending until March 9, 2036. Krost also surrendered her mortgage loan originator license.
EU Council President Costa and Azerbaijan President Aliyev Meet
European Council President António Costa met with Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev to discuss deepening political dialogue and practical cooperation. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a new comprehensive bilateral agreement and highlighted Azerbaijan's role in energy security and regional connectivity.
Eurogroup President Visits Netherlands for Economic Talks
Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis visited the Netherlands on March 11, 2026, to discuss macroeconomic conditions and Eurogroup priorities with national authorities, including digital finance and the Savings and Investments Union. Meetings were held with the Dutch Minister of Finance and the President of the Dutch Central Bank.
EU Council President Remarks on Azerbaijan Meeting
European Council President António Costa made press remarks following a meeting with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev on March 11, 2026. The remarks highlighted strengthened cooperation in security, energy, digital, and transport, and expressed EU solidarity with Azerbaijan amidst regional geopolitical challenges.
Eurogroup President Reports on Euro Area Economy to Euro Summit
The President of the Eurogroup has submitted a report to the President of the Euro Summit detailing the state of the euro area economy and upcoming work priorities. The report covers topics such as international cooperation, the strengthening of the euro's international role, and the acceleration of the savings and investments union.
EU Council Agrees Negotiating Position on Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics Framework
The Council of the EU has agreed on a negotiating position for a new regulation on fisheries and aquaculture statistics. This framework aims to modernise data collection, replace five existing regulations, and improve the use of digital technologies. Negotiations with the European Parliament are expected to begin later in 2026.
Press Briefing for Foreign Affairs Council
The Council of the EU announced a press briefing for the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on March 16, 2026. The briefing will be held on March 13, 2026, and is 'off the record'. Journalists must register by March 13, 2026, at 14:00.