OFAC Venezuela-Related General License 51
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued Venezuela-related General License 51, authorizing certain activities involving Venezuelan-origin gold. This license provides specific exemptions to sanctions regulations for authorized transactions.
Palladium CVD Investigation: Preliminary Affirmative Determination
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced a preliminary affirmative determination in the countervailing duty investigation of unwrought palladium from the Russian Federation. Preliminary subsidy rates for Russian exporters were determined to be 109.10%. The final determination is scheduled for May 20, 2026.
Basel Committee Report on Synthetic Risk Transfer Markets
The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has published a report analyzing the growth of synthetic risk transfer (SRT) markets, which provide capital relief for banks managing corporate credit risk. The report identifies trends and supervisory concerns, estimating protected assets at approximately EUR 750 billion.
Court Orders Tariff Refunds for Importers
The U.S. Court of International Trade has ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection to refund duties collected under the now-unlawful IEEPA tariffs. This decision follows a Supreme Court ruling and impacts importers nationwide, with specific actions required for refund eligibility.
EU Industrial Accelerator Act: Focus on Green and Procurement
The EU has published a proposal for its Industrial Accelerator Act, shifting focus from high-tech sectors to decarbonizing heavy industry and introducing 'Buy European' rules for public procurement. The Act aims to bolster EU industrial capacity and competitiveness, with significant implications for supply chains and international trade relations.
UK Employment Rights Act 2025 Reforms
The UK's Employment Rights Act 2025, passed on December 18, 2025, introduces significant reforms to employment law. These changes, phased in from 2026 to 2027, affect industrial action, family leave, statutory sick pay, and dismissal rights, with the establishment of a new Fair Work Agency.
SEC Grants Conditional Reporting Relief for Foreign Private Issuers
The SEC has issued an exemptive order providing conditional relief from Section 16(a) insider reporting requirements for certain foreign private issuers. This relief applies when insiders are subject to substantially similar reporting obligations in their home jurisdiction, aiming to avoid duplicative filings.
Court of International Trade Orders Refunds for IEEPA Tariffs
The Court of International Trade (CIT) has ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to issue refunds for tariffs collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This decision follows a Supreme Court ruling invalidating these tariffs and applies to importers whose liquidations are not final.
UK Cryptoasset Prudential Regime Proposals
The UK FCA has proposed a new prudential regime for cryptoasset firms, introducing capital, liquidity, risk management, and governance requirements. This consultation aims to ensure firms have sufficient financial resources and operational continuity. The regime is expected to come into force in October 2027.
Regulation of AI in Drug Development: US, EU, and UK Approaches
Regulators in the US, EU, and UK are developing approaches to govern the use of AI in drug development, focusing on patient safety and research integrity. Key initiatives include common principles agreed upon by the EMA and FDA, and international harmonization efforts for AI/ML-enabled medical devices.
UK PSR Seeks Merchant Survey Views on Interchange Fees
The UK Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) is seeking comments on a draft merchant survey questionnaire as part of its review of cross-border interchange fees. The survey aims to gather data on merchants' processing costs for online payments from the EEA to inform fee levels. The deadline for comments is March 5, 2026.
US and Hong Kong Stablecoin and Crypto-Asset Regulation Analysis
This analysis compares the regulatory approaches to stablecoins and crypto-assets in the US and Hong Kong as of March 2026. It highlights the US's evolving fragmented approach, including the GENIUS Act, and Hong Kong's unified, purpose-built licensing framework. The document aims to guide market participants through these distinct regulatory landscapes.
Court Orders Refund of Invalid Tariffs on IEEPA Goods
The U.S. Court of International Trade ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection to refund invalid tariffs charged under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This ruling provides nationwide relief for importers, though an appeal is expected.
SEC Exempts Foreign Private Issuer Directors/Officers from Section 16(a) Filings
The SEC has issued an order granting an exemption from Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting requirements for officers and directors of certain foreign private issuers (FPIs). This exemption applies to FPIs incorporated in qualifying jurisdictions with substantially similar disclosure regulations, such as Canada, the EEA, the UK, and others. The order aims to align with the Holding Foreign Insiders Accountable Act.
SEC Exempts Foreign Companies' D&Os from Insider Reporting
The SEC has issued an order exempting directors and officers (D&Os) of certain foreign private issuers (FPIs) from Section 16(a) insider reporting requirements. This exemption, effective March 18, 2026, applies to D&Os in qualifying jurisdictions like Canada, the EU, and the UK, relieving them of the obligation to report initial ownership and subsequent transactions within two business days.
Importers' Path to Recover IEEPA Tariffs After Supreme Court Ruling
A recent article discusses the implications of a Supreme Court ruling invalidating tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Importers must take affirmative legal action, such as filing suit in the U.S. Court of International Trade, to recover paid tariffs, as refunds are not automatic.
High Court Re-Affirms 'One-Stop' Dispute Resolution in Arbitration Award Challenges
The English High Court has dismissed a challenge to an arbitral award, confirming an arbitrator's jurisdiction in a Section 67 challenge. The ruling reinforces the principle of 'one-stop' dispute resolution, particularly in settlement agreements, and clarifies the scope of an arbitrator's authority.
Latin America Crime Risk Trends 2025-2026
This notice analyzes political, economic, and financial crime risk trends in Latin America for 2025-2026. It highlights the impact of electoral cycles, US national security policies, and organized crime on financial institutions and corporate governance across the region.
Supreme Court Strikes Down IEEPA Tariffs; Trade Court Orders Refund Path
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) by the Trump administration were unlawful. Following this decision, the Court of International Trade has ordered a process for importers to seek refunds of these invalidated tariffs.
Net-Zero GHG Emissions News and Views
Baker Botts L.L.P. has published Edition 42 of their 'P2N0 - News and Views on the Drive Towards Net-Zero GHG Emissions' newsletter. This edition, dated March 6, 2026, provides updates and insights on the global efforts to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
EU-Canada CETA Trade Agreement Updates and Digital Trade Negotiations Launched
The EU and Canada have advanced their trade relationship under the CETA agreement by adopting an interpretation on investment provisions and expediting dispute resolution for SMEs. They also agreed to amend the GMP Protocol to include active pharmaceutical ingredients and launched negotiations for a Digital Trade Agreement.
EU and Canada Launch Digital Trade Agreement Negotiations
The EU and Canada have launched negotiations for a Digital Trade Agreement (DTA) to facilitate digital trade and enhance consumer protection. This agreement aims to establish clear rules for digital transactions, building on the existing CETA framework and complementing the non-binding Digital Partnership.
European Council President Costa to Visit Baku
The European Council announced that President Costa will visit Baku on March 11 for high-level meetings with Azerbaijani officials. Discussions will focus on energy cooperation and the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, highlighting Azerbaijan's strategic importance to the EU.
EU Council Meetings: AI, Poverty, Human Capital, and Geopolitics
The EU Council has released a forward look detailing key topics for meetings between March 9-22, 2026. Discussions will cover AI's impact on jobs, poverty reduction, economic and financial affairs, foreign policy including Ukraine and the Middle East, energy, environmental standards, and the next Multiannual Financial Framework.
António Costa Keynote Speech at Hamburg Matthiae Mahl Event
European Council President António Costa delivered a keynote speech at the Matthiae Mahl event in Hamburg on March 6, 2026. The speech touched upon European history, the role of cities, the EU's commitment to democracy and the rule of law, and the current geopolitical situation, including the conflict in the Middle East.
Social Policy Council Meeting Advisory
The Council of the EU has issued a media advisory for the upcoming Social Policy Council meeting on March 9, 2026. The advisory outlines the indicative programme, including discussions on gender equality, anti-racism strategies, child well-being, and the European Semester.
Media Advisory: Eurogroup and Econ/Fin Council Meetings March 2026
The Council of the EU has issued a media advisory for upcoming Eurogroup and Economic and Financial Affairs (Ecofin) Council meetings scheduled for March 9-10, 2026. The advisory outlines the indicative programmes for these meetings, which will cover macroeconomic developments, fiscal plans, digital finance, and the economic impact of geopolitical events.
President's Weekly Schedule
The European Council has published the weekly schedule for President António Costa for March 9-11, 2026. The schedule includes a video conference with Middle East leaders, a speech at the Annual Ambassadors Conference, and an official visit to Baku, Azerbaijan.