General Licence INT/2026/9491628 - Prince Group Insolvency Payments Under Global Human Rights Regulations
HM Treasury OFSI has issued General Licence INT/2026/9491628 under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020. The licence permits persons, designated parties (DPs), and subsidiaries of the Prince Group to carry out insolvency-related activities and permits relevant financial institutions to process associated payments, notwithstanding sanctions prohibitions in regulations 11-15. The licence names 15 designated persons including Prince Group Global Group Ltd, Cambodian entities, and individual DPs, and specifies that funds made available must ultimately be held in frozen accounts or treated as frozen resources.
Switzerland Adopts UN Security Council Taliban Sanctions Amendments
The UN Security Council Sanctions Committee has amended the list of individuals, companies, and organizations subject to sanctions in connection with the Taliban. Switzerland's SESAM database has been updated to reflect these changes. Under the Federal Council's Ordinance of March 4, 2016, UN Security Council sanctions lists are applied automatically in Switzerland without delay.
Iran Sanctions: 11 Added, 9 Removed from Annexes 12 and 14
SECO's Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) amended Annexes 12 and 14 to the Ordinance on Measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Annex 12 had 8 entries removed and 5 amended. Annex 14 added 8 individuals and 3 entities, amended 6 entries, and removed 1 entry. The measures entered into force at 11 pm on 14 April 2026.
AI under AMLA: The Rules of Engagement in Financial Crime Compliance
ACAMS Today published an opinion piece examining how financial institutions can leverage artificial intelligence within Anti-Money Laundering Act compliance frameworks. The article explores the intersection of AI technologies and financial crime compliance obligations.
Crypto Threats, Vulnerabilities and What to Do Next
ACAMS published an analysis by Senior Director Craig Timm examining crypto-related threats and vulnerabilities from an anti-money laundering perspective. The article addresses how financial institutions and crypto businesses can identify and mitigate emerging risks in digital asset transactions.
Minutes of the Board's Discount Rate Meetings - February and March 2026
The Federal Reserve Board released minutes from its February 9 and March 18, 2026 discount rate meetings. The meetings reviewed and determined the discount rates provided to depository institutions through the discount window. The Board noted that its process for setting the discount rate is distinct from the Federal Open Market Committee's process for setting the target range for the federal funds rate.
MSB Issuance Notice: Competitive Bidding for Monetary Stabilization Bonds
The Bank of Korea published an issuance notice for Monetary Stabilization Bonds (MSB) to be sold through competitive bidding. The announcement includes an attachment with the full notice details (document 03340-2903-0301). Market Operations Team contact information is provided at 02-759-4564. This is a routine open market operation notice.
Venezuela General License 56, 57; SDN Removal; FAQ 1248; TSRA Quarterly Report
OFAC issued Venezuela General License 56 authorizing commercial-related negotiations of contingent contracts with the Government of Venezuela, and General License 57 authorizing financial services transactions involving certain Venezuelan banks and Government of Venezuela individuals. OFAC also removed one individual (MUNOZ PEDROZA, Reinaldo Enrique) from the Specially Designated Nationals List and published FAQ 1248. A TSRA Quarterly Report covering October-December 2025 licensing activities was also released.
Rural Communities: Worth the Investment
Federal Reserve Governor Michael S. Barr delivered a speech at the 'Strengthening America's Economy through Rural Investment' forum discussing challenges and opportunities in rural America. The speech highlights innovative financing solutions such as Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and New Markets Tax Credits as models for expanding economic opportunity. Barr shared observations from visits to rural communities including the Mississippi Delta and Montana tribal reservations, emphasizing creative approaches to addressing banking access gaps.
Build Quantum-Safe Payments Readiness Plan Now
NACHA and its Payments Innovation Alliance Quantum Payments Project Team published guidance urging payments industry participants to build multi-year quantum-safe implementation plans. The guidance identifies "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later" (HNDL) as a systemic risk where the weakest cryptographic link threatens all participants. Organizations are advised to follow a three-phase quantum-safe readiness implementation road map covering assessment, planning, and migration.
Quantum Computing Powers Daily Payments Security
NACHA published an educational article on April 14, 2026, outlining how quantum mechanics currently secures payment infrastructure and potential future threats from quantum computing to the payments industry. The article identifies risks including fraudulent transactions through false digital signatures and payment modification attacks. NACHA recommends that industry stakeholders audit payment infrastructures, vendor networks, and hardware modules including ATMs and POS terminals for quantum readiness.
Quantum Computing Threatens Payment Industry Cryptography
NACHA published a blog post warning the payments industry about quantum computing threats to current cryptography protocols. The article advises payment participants to begin quantum readiness planning, including inventorying critical data and assets that use public-key cryptography, and assessing vulnerabilities. The post references a white paper from the Payments Innovation Alliance Quantum Payments Project Team on protecting payments in the quantum era.
Steps for Conducting Quantum-Safe Payments Risk Assessment
NACHA published an article outlining steps for payment stakeholders to assess quantum computing risks to their cryptographic infrastructure. The guidance recommends updating risk management plans to address quantum threats affecting external-facing applications, conducting vendor risk assessments of third-party processors and solution providers, and providing regular reporting to senior leadership and boards on inherent risks and mitigation controls.
Payments Industry Must Plan for Quantum Computing Encryption Threats
NACHA published guidance on April 14, 2026 warning that quantum computers may eventually decrypt widely used encryption methods, posing risks to payments systems and data security. The article calls on financial institutions, payments processors, and other payments stakeholders to develop structured quantum-safe migration plans including technology road maps, system inventories, vendor engagement, and leadership alignment. The guidance references a companion paper published by the Nacha Payments Innovation Alliance Quantum Payments Project Team.
Payments Industry Steps Toward Quantum-Safe Security
NACHA published guidance for the payments industry on quantum computing risks and quantum-safe security preparedness. The advisory recommends financial institutions form quantum task forces, appoint subject-matter experts, and train senior leadership on post-quantum computing risks to payment systems. NACHA is an industry association, not a government regulator, and this content carries no binding compliance obligations.
Quantum Computing Myths in Payments Debunked
NACHA published an article debunking seven common myths about quantum computing in the payments ecosystem. The article addresses misconceptions about quantum threat timelines, post-quantum cryptography (PQC), and quantum-safe solutions for financial institutions, processors, and merchants. Key points include that quantum risks are already present, affect organizations of all sizes, and require careful implementation of NIST-standardized PQC algorithms.
Quantum-Safe Payments Education Blog Series Launched for World Quantum Day
NACHA's Payments Innovation Alliance launched a seven-part educational blog series on quantum-safe payments in support of World Quantum Day. The series translates the Alliance's foundational paper on quantum computing risks into practical guidance for the payments ecosystem. Blogs cover topics including quantum computing myths, getting started with quantum-safe planning, conducting risk assessments, and building readiness plans for organizations at every stage of quantum readiness.
Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Programs
The OCC, FDIC, and NCUA jointly propose a rule requiring banks and credit unions to establish and maintain effective AML/CFT programs reasonably designed to identify, assess, and mitigate illicit finance risks. The amendments align with AML Act of 2020 provisions and FinCEN proposals, intending to modernize Federal supervision of AML/CFT programs and enhance FinCEN's role in supervision and enforcement. Written comments on the proposal must be submitted by June 9, 2026.
Counter Narcotics, Counter Terrorism Designations; General Licenses and FAQ Issuance
OFAC designated three individuals and one entity linked to CARTEL DEL NORESTE under counter narcotics (EO 14059) and counter terrorism (EO 13224) authorities. The newly listed parties include Eduardo Javier Islas Valdez, Juan Pablo Penilla Rodriguez, Jesus Reymundo Ramos Vazquez, and Casino Centenario. OFAC simultaneously issued General License 35 authorizing a 30-day wind down of transactions involving the newly blocked entities.
Joint Bank Reporting Committee Opens Reporting Contact Group Applications
The Joint Bank Reporting Committee (JBRC), jointly established by the EBA and ECB, launched a public call for expressions of interest to join its Reporting Contact Group (RCG). The RCG serves as a forum for cooperation on banks' regulatory reporting matters. Applications are open to candidates across the EEA representing various stakeholder groups with expertise in supervisory, resolution, and statistical reporting. The deadline for applications is 28 April 2026.
Bank Branches Redesign for Wealth Management Client Privacy
ABA Banking Journal published an article on designing bank branch spaces to accommodate wealth management client privacy needs. The article discusses physical design considerations for financial institutions seeking to serve high-net-worth clients while maintaining confidentiality. No new regulatory requirements or compliance obligations are established by this publication.
PTIN User Fee Hearing Cancellation; Fee Reduction from $11 to $10 Still Pending
The IRS cancelled the public hearing scheduled for April 24, 2026 on the proposed PTIN user fee reduction. The hearing was cancelled because no requests to testify or topic outlines were received by the April 2, 2026 deadline. The underlying proposed rule would reduce the PTIN fee from $11 to $10; comments on the rule may still be submitted via Regulations.gov under docket REG-108673-25.
Gas Guzzler Tax Information Collection Comment Request
The IRS published a Federal Register notice seeking public comments on the Gas Guzzler Tax information collection (OMB Control No. 1545-0242, Form 6197) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The notice requests comments on whether the collection of information is necessary, the accuracy of burden estimates, and ways to enhance quality and minimize burden. Comments must be received by June 15, 2026.
Four Senior Leadership Appointments: DCP, DRR, Innovation, Chief of Staff
The FDIC announced four senior leadership appointments effective April 13, 2026. Benjamin Olson was appointed Director of the Division of Depositor and Consumer Protection with 24 years of experience including roles at CFPB, Capital One, and Buckley LLP. Shawn Khani was appointed Director of the Division of Resolutions and Receiverships, previously serving as Acting Director. Trey Maust was appointed Chief Innovation Officer, previously Executive Chairman of Lewis & Clark Bank. Sam Lupas was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff, previously senior policy advisor at HUD's Federal Housing Administration. These appointments affect internal FDIC operations and regulatory direction.
CFTC v. Matos - $1.3M Restitution and Penalties for Commodity Pool Fraud
The CFTC announced the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida entered a consent order against Emir Jesus Matos Camargo for futures fraud and related violations involving commodity pool operations. The court ordered $666,038.67 in restitution and $666,038.67 in civil monetary penalties, jointly and severally with defaulted defendant Aureus Revenue Group LLC, for a total exceeding $1.3 million. The order also imposes permanent trading and registration bans.
Single Market Boost, Free Capital Flow, Bank Integration
The ECB Governing Council published its response to the European Commission's public consultation on EU banking sector competitiveness. The response calls for the euro area to function more as a single jurisdiction with capital and liquidity moving freely within cross-border banking groups, and urges concrete steps towards a European Deposit Insurance Scheme. The ECB endorses December 2025 simplification proposals as integral to the response, and calls for banking rules to shift from directives to directly applicable regulations.
Scam Alert: Fraudulent Websites and Phishing Targeting Five Hong Kong Banks
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued a scam alert on 13 April 2026 warning the public about fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens, and phishing emails targeting five banks: The Bank of East Asia, Shanghai Commercial Bank, Chong Hing Bank, OCBC Bank (Hong Kong), and China Construction Bank (Asia). The HKMA clarified that legitimate banks do not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks directing customers to banking sites, nor do they request sensitive information such as login passwords or one-time passwords via phone, email, or SMS.
Pandemic Period Wage and Income Expectations
Federal Reserve economists Corinne Salter and Daniel Villar published a research note examining consumers' wage and income growth expectations before, during, and after the Covid-19 pandemic period. The analysis utilizes two surveys to track whether consumers' expectations of future wage growth followed similar movements to actual inflation expectations and realized wage growth. The study finds that while price inflation, inflation expectations, and wage growth moved substantially during the pandemic period, consumers' expectations about their own future wage growth showed very little discernible movement, raising questions about how workers and consumers form income expectations.
Illinois Valley, Credit Union 1 Merger Peru IL
Illinois Valley, Credit Union 1 Merger Peru IL
Pueblo FCU Merger with Air Academy CU
NCUA has received and posted for public inspection the merger application for Pueblo Federal Credit Union seeking to merge with Air Academy Credit Union. The filing is listed on Regulations.gov under docket NCUA-2026-0860-0001. This represents a routine regulatory filing for credit union consolidation requiring NCUA review and approval.
Pueblo Government FCU Member Notice Supporting Merger
NCUA published Pueblo Government Federal Credit Union's member notice supporting a proposed merger with Sunflower FCU. The notice is filed under docket NCUA-2026-0860-0002. Members will vote on the merger proposal.
MetroWest Community Merging into St. Mary's Credit Union
NCUA received a merger application for MetroWest Community Credit Union to merge into St. Mary's Credit Union. The filing was submitted to NCUA for regulatory review and approval as required under federal credit union merger regulations. Details of the merger terms and conditions are contained in the full filing.
Illinois Valley Credit Union Merger Notice
NCUA posted a merger notice filed by Illinois Valley Credit Union on Regs.gov. The notice pertains to a proposed merger involving the credit union. This is a standard regulatory filing notification under NCUA's merger approval process.
Singapore Tightens S$NEER Policy Band Amid Oil Price Surge
The Monetary Authority of Singapore tightened its Singapore dollar nominal effective exchange rate (S$NEER) policy band appreciation rate in April 2026. This action responds to sharply elevated crude oil, natural gas, and fuel prices stemming from shipping constraints through the Strait of Hormuz since late February. The MAS projects Singapore's GDP growth will step down from 2025's above-trend pace, with core inflation expected to rise as higher energy costs pass through supply chains.
SGB 2019-20 Series-V Redemption Price April 15, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India has announced the redemption price for Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) 2019-20 Series-V premature redemption due on April 15, 2026. The redemption price is set at ₹15,009 per unit based on the simple average of closing gold prices (999 purity) for the three business days of April 9, 10, and 13, 2026, as published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Ltd (IBJA). Premature redemption is permitted after the fifth year from the date of issue.
Money Market Operations Data, April 10, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India published money market operations data as of April 10, 2026. The press release contains a PDF attachment with statistical tables showing amounts in ₹ crore and interest rates in percent for various money market instruments. No new policy actions, compliance requirements, or regulatory changes are announced in this data release.
Money Market Operations Data - April 11, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India published money market operations data for April 11, 2026, showing zero volume in operations. The data was released on April 13, 2026, and includes amounts in ₹ crore and applicable interest rates. This is a routine publication of monetary policy operational data.
RBI Money Market Operations, April 12, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India published money market operations data as of April 12, 2026. The press release contains statistical information on money market operations including amounts in ₹ crore and interest rates in percent.
RBI Launches OBICUS Round 73 Survey for Q4 2025-26
The Reserve Bank of India has launched the 73rd round of its Order Books, Inventories and Capacity Utilisation Survey (OBICUS) for the reference period January-March 2026 (Q4:2025-26). Selected manufacturing companies will be approached by the RBI, while other manufacturers may voluntarily participate by downloading the questionnaire from the RBI website. The survey collects data on new orders, backlog orders, pending orders, inventories (finished goods, work-in-progress, raw materials), production, and installed capacity.
State Securities Auction, ₹12,700 Crore Accepted
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the results of a yield/price based auction of state government securities conducted on April 13, 2026. A total of ₹12,700 crore was accepted across five states: Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. The auction covered multiple tenors ranging from 5 to 30 years, with cut-off yields between 7.37% and 7.92%.
State Government Securities Full Auction Results, April 13, 2026
RBI announced the results of the auction of State Government Securities held on April 13, 2026. The auction included securities from Bihar (SGS 2051), Chhattisgarh (SGS 2031 and SGS 2040), and Kerala (SGS 2033). This is a routine reporting of government debt auction outcomes with no new compliance obligations.
RBI Imposes ₹7.5 Lakh Penalty on Himachal Pradesh State Co-operative Bank for KYC Violations
The Reserve Bank of India imposed a monetary penalty of ₹7,50,000 on The Himachal Pradesh State Co-operative Bank Ltd. for non-compliance with KYC directions. The penalty was imposed under Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The violation involved failure to conduct periodic review of risk categorisation of accounts at least once every six months.
GoI Securities Auction: 6.36% GS 2031 and 6.90% GS 2065 for ₹32,000 Crore
RBI announced the auction of two Government of India dated securities totaling ₹32,000 crore on April 17, 2026. The securities include 6.36% GS 2031 (₹21,000 crore) and 6.90% GS 2065 (₹11,000 crore) with settlement on April 20, 2026. The auction will use the multiple price method with both competitive and non-competitive bidding through the RBI e-Kuber system.
RBI Releases Financial Data for Non-Government Non-Financial Private Limited Companies 2024-25
The Reserve Bank of India released financial performance data for non-government non-financial (NGNF) private limited companies for 2024-25, covering 15,919 companies with total paid-up capital of ₹8,44,198 crore. Key findings include 11.4% growth in net sales, improved profit margins, and a decline in leverage ratios.
Report on Banks' Dry Run Testing of Recovery Plans
The European Banking Authority published a Report analyzing how banks test their recovery plans through 'dry run' exercises. The analysis finds that most institutions recognize the value of dry runs and use lessons learned to improve arrangements, though approaches and maturity levels vary significantly. The Report is benchmarking in nature and not intended to provide prescriptive guidance.
Existing Home Sales Down 3.6%, Affordability Cited
The American Bankers Association reported that existing home sales fell 3.6% in March compared to the prior month, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of approximately 4 million units. Affordability constraints were cited as a key factor limiting buyer activity in the housing market.
ABA Urges NCUA to Pause Stablecoin Framework
The American Bankers Association (ABA) has submitted comments to the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) urging the agency to pause its stablecoin framework development. ABA expressed concerns about the regulatory approach and requested additional time for industry input before moving forward with stablecoin-related rulemaking affecting credit unions. The trade group represents banks and is weighing in on how credit unions should be regulated regarding digital assets.
OFAC Russia Oil Sanctions Exemption Expires April 11
The ABA Banking Journal reports that the OFAC general license exemption for Russia-related oil sanctions is set to expire on April 11. This exemption has allowed certain transactions involving Russian oil to continue under specific conditions. Financial institutions and energy sector participants should monitor OFAC guidance for any extensions or termination of this authorization.
ABA State Associations Endorse SCAM Act to Reduce Consumer Fraud Losses
ABA state associations have endorsed the SCAM Act, legislation designed to reduce consumer fraud losses. The trade association support comes as the bill moves through the legislative process. The article reports on this endorsement but does not create any compliance obligations.
Banks Disrupt Illicit Tobacco Trade, Strengthen AML Oversight
AUSTRAC and the Illicit Tobacco and E-Cigarette Commissioner engaged the banking sector in late 2025 to strengthen AML/CTF oversight targeting illicit tobacco trade. Banks implemented tighter controls, enhanced transaction monitoring, and increased reporting. AUSTRAC received 337 suspicious matter reports using a dedicated reference code, resulting in 76 referrals to partner agencies. Approximately 1,000 high-risk customers were exited or recommended for exit, with around 20 percent of reporting entities exiting high-risk customers.