AML Compliance

DFSA Reminder on Working Arrangements

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) issued a reminder regarding its current working arrangements, with employees working remotely from March 2-4, 2026. Authorised Firms are reminded to report any operational changes via the DFSA ePortal.

Nasdaq Dubai Temporary Closure Notice

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) announced the temporary closure of Nasdaq Dubai on Monday, March 2, 2026, and Tuesday, March 3, 2026. This notice informs market participants of the exchange's operational status during these dates.

DFSA AML and Glossary Modules Amendments and FAQs Published

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has amended its Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorist Financing and Sanctions (AML) and Glossary Modules, effective March 2, 2026. These changes align with new UAE federal AML legislation and are accompanied by published FAQs to provide clarity for relevant persons operating within the DIFC.

DFSA Investor Caution Reminder During Global Tensions

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has issued a reminder to investors to exercise caution and prudence during periods of heightened global tensions. The notice highlights increased risks of short-term volatility, fake news, and phishing attempts, urging investors to verify information sources.

Hong Kong Fixed Income and Currency Market Development Roadmap

The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) have released a roadmap for developing Hong Kong's fixed income and currency markets. The roadmap outlines initiatives across four pillars: boosting primary market issuance, enhancing secondary market liquidity, expanding offshore RMB business, and developing next-generation infrastructure.

SFC and HKEX Launch Technology Enterprises Channel

The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) have launched a new Technology Enterprises Channel (TECH) to facilitate listing applications from specialist technology and biotech companies. This initiative includes a new confidential filing option and updated guidance on listing requirements.

Framework for Virtual Asset Perpetual Contracts by VATP

The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has issued a high-level framework for licensed virtual asset trading platform operators offering perpetual contracts. This guidance outlines key risks and safeguards for product design, market manipulation, and client disclosures to enhance investor protection and market liquidity.

SFC Regulatory Roadmap for Hong Kong Virtual Asset Market

The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong has released a regulatory roadmap titled 'A-S-P-I-Re' outlining its strategy for the virtual asset market. The roadmap details five pillars aimed at streamlining market entry, optimizing compliance, expanding product offerings, modernizing infrastructure, and empowering investors.

SFC and HKMA Joint Statement on Stablecoin Market Movements

The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued a joint statement on August 14, 2025, addressing recent market movements related to stablecoins. The statement urges caution among investors and reminds market participants to communicate responsibly.

CFTC Staff Letters Offer Guidance on Regulatory Matters

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) provides access to staff letters offering guidance on various regulatory matters. These letters, available from 2008 onwards, cover a wide range of topics and regulations relevant to market participants.

CFTC Exempts Senior Employees from QEP Requirements

The CFTC has issued guidance exempting certain senior employees from the definition of 'Qualified Eligible Person' (QEP) under CFTC regulations. This exemption applies to individuals who meet specific compensation and experience criteria, aiming to reduce regulatory burdens for market participants.

CFTC Staff Letters on Digital Assets

The CFTC has published staff letters providing regulatory guidance on digital assets. These letters offer interpretations and no-action relief related to various regulations under the Commodity Exchange Act. They are intended to assist market participants in navigating compliance requirements.

CFTC Staff Letters and Guidance

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) provides access to its staff letters and guidance documents issued from 2008 onwards. This resource is intended to offer clarity and interpretation on various regulations under the CFTC's purview.

CFTC Staff Letters on No-Action Positions

The CFTC has published staff letters providing no-action positions on various regulations. These letters offer guidance and relief to market participants regarding specific regulatory requirements. The CFTC staff letters are available on their website for review.

Governor Waller Discusses Operationalizing AI at the Federal Reserve

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher J. Waller delivered a speech on February 24, 2026, discussing the Federal Reserve System's efforts to operationalize artificial intelligence (AI) within its internal systems and applications. The speech highlighted the potential of AI to drive operational efficiencies across various functions.

Federal Reserve Supervision and Regulation Testimony

Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle W. Bowman testified before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs regarding the Federal Reserve's supervisory and regulatory activities. The testimony covered the current state of the banking sector, highlighting its soundness and resilience, and outlined priorities for enhancing supervision and regulation.

Bowman Speech on Liquidity, Financial Stability, and Fed Role

Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle W. Bowman delivered a speech on March 3, 2026, discussing the effectiveness of the current bank liquidity framework, including the LCR and NSFR. The speech calls for a critical review of whether existing regulations translate into actual resilience during times of stress.

Federal Reserve Speech on Basel III and Bank Capital Rules

Federal Reserve Vice Chair Bowman discussed upcoming proposed rules to implement the final phase of Basel III in the United States. The speech outlined the rationale for modernizing capital requirements, aiming for more efficient regulation and better support for economic growth while preserving safety and soundness.

Governor Cook Discusses AI and Productivity at NABE Conference

Federal Reserve Governor Lisa D. Cook delivered remarks on artificial intelligence and its potential impact on productivity at the NABE Economic Policy Conference. She expressed optimism about AI's long-term contributions to innovation and economic growth, while acknowledging the Federal Reserve's cautious approach to its adoption.

FDIC Reports Strong Earnings for Insured Institutions

The FDIC released its Quarterly Banking Profile for Q4 2025, reporting strong full-year earnings for FDIC-insured institutions. The industry finished 2025 with a return on assets of 1.20 percent, driven by increased net interest income and loan growth.

FDIC Proposed Rule for Payment Stablecoin Issuance by Subsidiaries

The FDIC has proposed a rule to establish procedures for FDIC-supervised insured depository institutions (IDIs) seeking to issue payment stablecoins through subsidiaries, as mandated by the GENIUS Act. This proposed rule outlines a tailored application process to evaluate safety and soundness while minimizing regulatory burden.

FDIC Statement on Establishing Office of Supervisory Appeals

FDIC Chairman Travis Hill announced final guidelines for the new Office of Supervisory Appeals. The office will provide an independent review of supervisory determinations, with modifications to panel composition and expanded appellate rights for institutions facing proposed enforcement actions.

FDIC Chairman Testimony on Rightsizing Regulation

FDIC Chairman Travis Hill testified before the Senate Banking Committee on the agency's efforts to reform its regulatory and supervisory approach. Key initiatives include defining "unsafe or unsound practices" through a proposed interagency rule and establishing an Office of Supervisory Appeals.

FDIC Chairman Discusses Reforms to Regulatory Toolkit

FDIC Chairman Travis Hill announced updates on reforms to the agency's regulatory and supervisory toolkit. Key initiatives include proposals on defining "unsafe or unsound practices," refocusing examinations on material risks, and overhauling the CAMELS rating system. Changes to consumer compliance supervision aim to focus on actual harm and violations rather than process.

CFTC Secures $2.4M Judgment Against Forex Companies for Fraud

The CFTC announced a default judgment against Safety Capital Management Inc. and GNS Capital Inc. for retail forex fraud. The companies were ordered to pay over $2.4 million in restitution and civil monetary penalties.

NY Governor Announces Auto Insurance Reform Saves MTA $50 Million Annually

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that auto insurance reforms have resulted in nearly $50 million in annual savings for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). This reform is part of a broader effort to lower costs for New Yorkers.

DOJ Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy

The Department of Justice has updated its Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy, effective March 10, 2026. This policy outlines the DOJ's approach to corporate criminal enforcement and provides incentives for companies that self-disclose misconduct.

FCPA Guidelines for Investigations and Enforcement

The DOJ Antitrust Division has updated its Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) Guidelines for Investigations and Enforcement. These updated guidelines, effective June 9, 2025, provide clarity on the DOJ's approach to FCPA enforcement and investigations.

DOJ FCPA Resource Guide Updated with FEPA Addendum

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has released an addendum to its FCPA Resource Guide to address the Foreign Extortion Prevention Technical Amendments Act (FEPA), enacted on July 30, 2024. This update provides information on the new criminalization of the 'demand side' of foreign bribery.

DOJ FCPA Opinion Procedure Regulations

The Department of Justice updated its Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) Opinion Procedure Regulations. This update provides guidance on how companies can seek an opinion from the DOJ regarding proposed conduct under the FCPA.

DOJ FCPA Enforcement Actions List

The Department of Justice's Antitrust Division has updated its Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) enforcement actions page. This update provides access to lists of past enforcement actions, categorized alphabetically and chronologically, to inform the public and regulated entities.

DFPI Fines Apoyo Financiero $1 Million for Overcharging

The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) has ordered Apoyo Financiero, Inc. to pay a $1 million penalty and over $218,000 in restitution for charging excessive interest and fees to customers. The enforcement action stems from a routine examination that uncovered violations of California financing laws.

DFPI Fines Nexo Capital Inc. $500,000 for Unlicensed Crypto Loans

The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) has fined Nexo Capital Inc. $500,000 for operating as an unlicensed lender and making risky crypto-backed loans to California residents. The company failed to assess borrowers' ability to repay loans, violating California financial laws.

DFPI Shares Steps to Protect Family from Scams

The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) issued a notice sharing practical steps for consumers to protect themselves and their families from scams and fraud. This follows a year where the DFPI and Attorney General's office shut down 48 scam websites.

DFPI Orders Apoyo Financiero, Inc. to Pay $1M Penalty for Overcharging Customers

The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) has ordered Apoyo Financiero, Inc. to pay a $1 million penalty and reimburse over $218,000 to customers for charging excessive interest and fees. The lender marketed services to the unbanked community.

DFPI Orders Coinme to Refund $175,000 to California Consumers

The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) has ordered crypto kiosk company Coinme to refund $175,000 to consumers for violating the state's Digital Financial Assets Law. This action follows a previous order where Coinme was fined $300,000 and ordered to pay $51,700 in restitution.

OFAC SDN List Update: Removals and Additions

The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has updated the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List. This action involves the removal of certain individuals and entities previously designated, as well as the addition of new ones, related to cyber activities. Specific details on the designations and removals are provided.

OFAC Issues Venezuela General Licenses 46B, 48A, 49A and Amends FAQs

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued updated Venezuela-related General Licenses 46B, 48A, and 49A, authorizing specific activities related to Venezuelan oil, petrochemicals, and investment negotiations. OFAC also amended two related Frequently Asked Questions.

SAM.gov Entity Exclusions Unavailable During Maintenance

SAM.gov has announced that the entity exclusions search function was unavailable due to scheduled maintenance. This notice informs users that the functionality has been restored. The specific dates of the unavailability were not provided.

SAM.gov Maintenance Affects Entity Registrations

SAM.gov experienced maintenance that affected entity registrations and exclusions. The page providing information on these effects is currently unavailable. Users are directed to search, the homepage, or the help page for assistance.

SAM.gov Entity Exclusions Unavailable During Maintenance

The System for Award Management (SAM.gov) experienced a temporary outage where entity exclusions were unavailable due to system maintenance. This notice confirms the unavailability and provides links for assistance.

SAM.gov Entity Registration and Exclusions Unavailable

SAM.gov experienced a temporary outage, making entity registrations and exclusions unavailable. The page is now a 404 error, and users are directed to contact the Federal Help Desk for assistance or to report website issues.

SAM.gov Maintenance - Entity Exclusions Unavailable

SAM.gov experienced a maintenance outage, making entity exclusions unavailable. The page indicates the issue is resolved and provides links for users who encountered problems or need further assistance.

SAM.gov Entity Exclusions Unavailable Due to Maintenance

SAM.gov experienced a maintenance issue that temporarily made entity exclusions unavailable. The system is expected to be back online, and users are directed to contact the Federal Help Desk for persistent issues. This notice indicates a temporary system unavailability.

Council Agrees Position to Streamline Artificial Intelligence Rules

The Council of the EU has agreed its position on a proposal to streamline rules for artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Key amendments include a prohibition on AI generating non-consensual intimate content and revised timelines for high-risk AI systems, with new application dates set for late 2027 and mid-2028.

Media Advisory: Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council Meeting

The Council of the EU has issued a media advisory for the upcoming Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council meeting focused on energy matters. The meeting is scheduled for March 16, 2026, in Brussels and will cover topics including energy security, grid packages, and financing frameworks for nuclear energy.

President António Costa's Weekly Schedule

The European Council has published the weekly schedule for President António Costa for March 16-19, 2026. The schedule includes various meetings with international leaders and participation in the Tripartite Social Summit and the European Council meeting.

Media Advisory: Foreign Affairs Council Meeting

The Council of the EU has issued a media advisory for the Foreign Affairs Council meeting scheduled for March 16, 2026. The advisory outlines the indicative program, including discussions on Russia's war against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and the EU Southern Neighbourhood.

EU Council Forward Look: March 16-29, 2026

The Council of the EU has released a forward look detailing upcoming meetings and key discussion topics between March 16-29, 2026. Topics include foreign affairs, energy, environmental standards, and economic policy.

Press Briefing for General Affairs Council

The Council of the EU has announced a press briefing for the General Affairs Council on March 17, 2026. The briefing will take place on March 16, 2026, and is designated as 'off the record'. Registration is required for journalists wishing to attend.