Financial Compliance

SEC Technical Amendment to Delegation of Authority Rules

The SEC has adopted a technical amendment to its delegation of authority rules. This amendment corrects an outdated cross-reference in the rules that delegate authority to the Commission's staff to grant certain exemptions from Rule 612 of Regulation NMS.

SEC Proposes Amending Small Business Definitions for Investment Companies and Advisers

The SEC has proposed amendments to the definitions of 'small business' and 'small organization' for investment companies and advisers under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The proposal aims to increase asset-based thresholds and establish a mechanism for future inflation adjustments. Public comments are due by March 13, 2026.

FINRA Proposed Rule Change to Amend Communications with the Public Rule

FINRA has filed a proposed rule change with the SEC to amend FINRA Rule 2210 concerning communications with the public. The amendment would permit members to project performance or provide targeted returns on investments, subject to specific conditions ensuring a sound basis for such projections.

ESMA Principles for Risk-Based Supervision

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published its principles for risk-based supervision. These principles aim to foster a common and effective EU-wide supervisory culture and strengthen the EU single market by providing a structured framework for identifying, assessing, and addressing risks.

ESAs Joint Guidelines on ESG Stress Testing

The European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) have published joint guidelines on integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks into supervisory stress tests for the banking and insurance sectors. These guidelines aim to establish common standards for ESG risk assessment methodologies across the EU financial system and will be subject to a 'comply or explain' procedure by National Competent Authorities.

ESMA Thematic Note on ESG Strategies Clarity

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published a thematic note on ESG strategies, focusing on ESG integration and exclusions. The note aims to promote clarity in communications directed at retail investors and provides practical do's and don'ts to mitigate greenwashing risks.

ESMA, UK Regulators Sign MoU on DORA ICT Oversight

The European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) and UK financial regulators (BoE, PRA, FCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation on overseeing critical ICT third-party service providers under DORA. This agreement facilitates information sharing and coordinated oversight activities.

CFPB Supervisory Highlights Issue 32 - Consumer Reporting

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has released its Supervisory Highlights Issue 32, focusing on consumer reporting companies and furnishers. The report details supervisory observations and remedial actions related to accuracy and identity theft requirements under the FCRA and Regulation V.

CFPB Supervisory Highlights: Servicing and Collection of Consumer Debt

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has released its Supervisory Highlights Issue 34, focusing on the servicing and collection of consumer debt. This edition summarizes supervisory findings from April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, covering auto loans, student loans, debt collection, credit card account management, and deposit/prepaid accounts.

CFPB Auto Finance Supervisory Highlights Issue 35

The CFPB has released its Fall 2024 Supervisory Highlights, focusing on auto finance. The report details findings on origination disclosures, repossessions, servicing, add-on products, and furnishing deficiencies, highlighting a trend of significant violations. It also notes public enforcement actions within the auto finance market.