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TSLA Capitals v. ATL Funds - CPLR 3213 Summary Judgment on Promissory Note

A New York court granted summary judgment under CPLR 3213 in TSLA Capitals v. ATL Funds on a partially paid promissory note exceeding $24 million. The decision clarifies that performance-related provisions in a note do not disqualify it from CPLR 3213 accelerated treatment unless those provisions operate as conditions precedent to payment.

CFPB open banking revisions, fintech partnerships, enforcement actions

CFPB open banking revisions, fintech partnerships, enforcement actions

Payday and Small-Dollar Lending Enforcement Trends - State AG Activity

JD Supra reports that CFPB continued its hands-off approach to small-dollar lending enforcement in 2025-2026, while state attorneys general and banking regulators filled the enforcement gap. Goodwin monitored five enforcement actions in 2025, down from 15 in 2024, but total recoveries increased dramatically to $1.085 billion, largely driven by a New York enforcement action against a small business lender exceeding $1 billion.

Student Lending Compliance Shifts to States Post-Federal Oversight

Goodwin law firm's March 2026 analysis summarizes how the retreat of federal oversight in student lending has shifted regulatory activity to state regulators and attorneys general. CFPB enforcement against student loan servicers halted in 2025, DOE partnerships focused on administrative restructuring, and state AGs have increased licensing and servicing enforcement. Private lenders and fintech platforms are expanding in the student loan market as federal lending caps tighten.

Credit Reporting Regulatory Developments and CFPB Enforcement Landscape

The CFPB dismissed six credit reporting enforcement actions initiated between January 2021 and July 2024 while continuing litigation against Experian Information Solutions Inc. for alleged failures to address consumer disputes properly. The agency withdrew pending guidance that would have classified data brokers as consumer reporting agencies under FCRA and proposed rulemaking regarding supervisory authority scope.

Florida Fourth DCA Clarifies Limits of Attorney Liability in Third-Party Opinion Letters

The Florida Fourth District Court of Appeal affirmed that attorneys who prepare opinion letters for borrowers in arm's-length commercial transactions do not owe a duty of care to the lender, even when the letter contains language permitting lender reliance. The court upheld summary judgment for the attorney defendant against a $9 million negligence and breach of fiduciary duty claim arising from a $7.5 million auto dealership loan. This decision expands prior precedent and provides clarity on third-party opinion letter liability.

SDNY limits crypto platform liability in token fraud

SDNY limits crypto platform liability in token fraud

CFPB enforcement drops, mortgage compliance shifts to states

Goodwin law firm published its monthly mortgage market review documenting a continued decline in federal enforcement activity. The CFPB tracked only 12 publicly announced enforcement actions in 2025 (9 state, 3 federal), the second fewest in the decade-long tracking period and reflecting the lowest annual recovery. The analysis predicts increased state AG and private litigation activity as federal oversight diminishes.

OSC Enforcement Against KPMG for Audit Failures Related to Bridging Finance Funds

The Ontario Securities Commission filed an Application for Enforcement Proceeding against KPMG LLP for audit failures relating to its 2019 and 2020 audits of four funds managed by Bridging Finance Inc. The OSC alleges KPMG issued false auditor's reports claiming compliance with generally accepted auditing standards while failing to perform sufficient audit procedures on loan valuations. Bridging Finance entered receivership on April 30, 2021, one month after KPMG's final auditor's reports.

Tokenization Initiative for Capital Markets

The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) has launched Project Tokenization under its CSA Collaboratory to examine tokenized financial products in Canadian capital markets. The CSA is inviting stakeholders to regulatory workshops in Calgary (April 9, 2026) and Toronto (June 11, 2026) to explore how tokenization intersects with securities laws.

FSCS Management Expenses Levy Limit 2026/27

The PRA published PS8/26 finalizing the FSCS Management Expenses Levy Limit (MELL) at £113 million for 2026/27. The limit comprises £108 million for ongoing operating costs and a £5 million unlevied reserve for unforeseen costs. All FSCS levy-paying PRA and FCA authorised firms are affected by this annual levy limit setting.

Monetary Committee Quarterly Meeting with Private Forecasters

The Bank of Israel Monetary Committee held its quarterly meeting with private forecasters who provide projections for inflation, interest rates, and exchange rates. Governor Prof. Amir Yaron and Committee members discussed recent economic developments including operation 'Roaring Lion.' The Research Department presented its March 30, 2026 economic assessment alongside the interest rate announcement.

Mortgage Industry Consent Orders Consumer Credit Enforcement

The Connecticut Department of Banking posted three new administrative consent orders on March 25-26, 2026 against mortgage industry entities and individuals. LeadPoint Inc d/b/a Secure Rights received a consent order on March 26. Lim Ho Jin and Bay-Valley Mortgage Group (d/b/a Pacific Bay Lending Group, Valley View Home Loans) each received consent orders on March 25 for consumer credit violations.

Private Health Insurance Risk Equalisation Statistics

APRA released private health insurance risk equalisation statistics for the 2024-25 financial year. The publication provides industry-wide data on risk equalisation arrangements for private health insurers in Australia. No new compliance obligations or policy changes are associated with this statistical release.

Monthly Authorised Deposit-taking Institution Statistics

APRA released its Monthly Authorised Deposit-taking Institution Statistics (MADIS) for February 2026. The publication provides statistical data on authorised deposit-taking institutions (banks) operating in Australia. This is a routine data release with no new regulatory requirements.

Level 3 Conglomerate Prudential Standards Remaking

APRA released a consultation package proposing minor amendments to Level 3 conglomerate prudential standards. The remaking ensures existing standards remain current without substantial policy changes. Written submissions are due by 29 May 2026.

APRA grants general insurance licence to Europ Assistance Australia

APRA has granted Europ Assistance Australia Pty Ltd a licence to operate as a general insurer under the Insurance Act 1973. This routine licensing action adds a new authorised general insurer to APRA's register of supervised institutions. APRA currently supervises institutions holding $9.8 trillion in assets.

APRA Imposes Additional Licence Conditions on Fiducian

APRA imposed additional licence conditions on Fiducian Portfolio Services Limited to address prudential concerns in its investment governance frameworks and board effectiveness. The superannuation trustee, with $3.1 billion in funds under management and approximately 9,779 member accounts, must appoint independent experts to review high-risk products, investment governance, conflicts management, and board effectiveness. Fiducian must refrain from onboarding new high-risk investment options until cleared by an independent expert and accountable person attestation.

FLX CFO Trademark Publication for Opposition

USPTO published trademark application TM99434330 for FLX CFO covering fractional Chief Financial Officer services, specifically financial management services. The application was filed on 2025-10-09 and published for opposition on 2026-03-30. This is a standard trademark publication notice with no new regulatory obligations.

REALDEBT Trademark - Mortgage Brokerage Services

USPTO published REALDEBT trademark application (TM99513124) for mortgage brokerage services on March 30, 2026. The trademark publication initiates a standard 30-day opposition period during which third parties may file an opposition to prevent registration. This is a routine administrative action in the trademark registration process.

LIQUID TREASURY Trademark Application

The USPTO received an intent-to-use trademark application (TM99512904) for LIQUID TREASURY filed on November 24, 2025. The application covers software services for blockchain transactions, smart contracts, digital asset management, cryptocurrency exchange, stablecoin services, and financial custody services. This is a routine trademark filing with no regulatory obligations.

INFINITY WEALTH COUNSEL Trademark - Financial Services

The USPTO published trademark application TM99374155 for "INFINITY WEALTH COUNSEL" covering financial services including tax planning, financial planning, investment advisory services, wealth management, and estate planning. The publication initiates an opposition period during which third parties may challenge the registration.

CWM Continuity Wealth Management Trademark

USPTO published trademark application TM99473764 for 'CWM CONTINUITY WEALTH MANAGEMENT' covering financial information and advisory services, financial planning, investment advisory services, and financial asset management. The application was filed on October 31, 2025, and published for opposition on March 30, 2026.

Exploring the Structure of Bank Holding Companies

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York's Liberty Street Economics blog published an educational post explaining the structure of bank holding companies (BHCs) and financial holding companies (FHCs). The article uses a fictional 'Central Point Corporation' to illustrate organizational hierarchies, regulatory filing requirements (FR Y-9C, FR Y-9LP, FFIEC 031), and the distinctions between different entity types within banking organizations. This is the first in a series replacing the discontinued Quarterly Trends report.

CSSF 2026 Supervisory Priorities for Investment Fund Sector

The CSSF published its 2026 supervisory priorities for the investment fund sector, identifying governance/operational risks, ICT/cyber risks, and third-party risk management as key focus areas. The regulator will conduct supervisory actions including follow-up on ESMA Common Supervisory Actions on internal audit, compliance, and risk management functions, as well as a study on third-party risk compliance with ESMA's 14 principles. DORA implementation monitoring remains a priority for Luxembourg investment fund managers.

The Estates Brokerage Trademark Application for Real Estate Brokerage Services

USPTO received trademark application TM99298238 for 'THE ESTATES BROKERAGE' filed by The Estates Brokerage on July 23, 2025. The application covers real estate brokerage services and is filed under Intent-to-Use provisions, with anticipated registration date of March 30, 2026.

Reyna Super Insurance Services Trademark Application TM99294594

The USPTO published trademark application TM99294594 for REYNA SUPER INSURANCE SERVICES covering insurance agency services. The application was filed on July 21, 2025, and published for opposition on March 30, 2026. This is a routine trademark publication allowing third parties to file opposition before registration.

America's Own Credit Union Trademark Application

USPTO received trademark application TM99092179 for "America's Own Credit Union" covering credit union services (International Class 036) on March 19, 2025. The application is filed on an Intent to Use basis, with a related deadline of March 30, 2026. This is a routine trademark filing; no immediate action is required from competitors or the public.

TFA Texas Financial Advisors Trademark Application

The USPTO published trademark application TM99085831 for 'TFA TEXAS FINANCIAL ADVISORS' in International Class 036 (Insurance & Finance). The application covers financial advisory services, wealth management, estate planning, and retirement planning. Publication date was March 30, 2026, initiating a 30-day opposition period during which third parties may challenge the registration.

Governor Barr Remarks on Stablecoins and GENIUS Act

Federal Reserve Governor Michael S. Barr delivered remarks at The Federalist Society on March 31, 2026, discussing the GENIUS Act and stablecoin regulation. Barr outlined key concerns including AML/terrorist financing risks from secondary market stablecoin purchases and financial stability risks related to reserve asset quality and liquidity. He referenced the historical context of private money instability, including the Free Banking Era and Panic of 1907, to emphasize the need for safeguards.

Governor Panetta Address on 2025 Budget Approval and Economic Context

Banca d'Italia Governor Fabio Panetta addressed the Assembly on March 31, 2026, presenting the 2025 budget approval and outlining key leadership changes including the appointment of Paolo Angelini as Director General. The speech reviewed international economic developments including US tariff announcements and Middle East tensions affecting energy markets, alongside ECB monetary policy actions including 100 basis points of rate cuts.

2025 Annual Accounts

Banca d'Italia has published its approved 2025 annual accounts. The balance sheet reached €1,113 billion at end-2025, with gross profit of €3,018 million, reversing two years of losses. Net profit doubled to €1,652 million, with €340 million in dividends distributed to shareholders. The general risk fund was replenished by €900 million to €24,714 million.

CFIUS Review Process for M&A Dealmakers, National Security Considerations

Morgan Lewis published guidance on navigating CFIUS and international trade issues in M&A transactions. The article emphasizes that national security considerations should be treated as a core deal workstream rather than a late-stage specialty review. Key takeaways include risk-based due diligence approaches, the expanded scope of CFIUS jurisdiction to minority investments, and the importance of early determination of mandatory versus voluntary filing requirements.

CFTC Innovation Task Force Launches, Congress Holds Tokenization Hearing, NYSE-Nasdaq Progress

CFTC Chairman announced launch of an Innovation Task Force providing a dedicated space for crypto, AI, and prediction market participants to engage with agency staff. SEC submitted an innovation exemption to the White House proposing safe harbors and exemptions to clarify the regulatory framework for crypto assets. DOL released a proposed rule allowing 401(k) plans to invest in alternative asset classes including digital assets, with a comment period closing March 30, 2026.

Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act Limits Mortgage Trigger Leads

The FTC released updated Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) text incorporating the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act (Public Law 119-36), which took effect in March 2026. The Act restricts consumer reporting agencies from selling consumer reports to third parties for mortgage trigger leads, requiring either a firm offer of credit/insurance or specific documentation certifications before furnishing reports.

Trauernicht v. Genworth Financial - ERISA Class Certification

The Fourth Circuit overturned class certification in Trauernicht v. Genworth Financial Inc., ruling that defined contribution plans like 401(k)s cannot satisfy Rule 23(b)(1) certification requirements. The court held that because individual participants hold separate account interests and not all challenged funds generated losses, individualized damages issues preclude class treatment. This ruling may substantially affect ERISA section 502(a)(2) litigation strategy.

FTC Warning Letters and Senator Warren Data Requests Target Auto Finance Industry

The FTC has issued warning letters to nearly 100 auto dealers regarding UDAAP violations in pricing and advertising practices, including hidden fees, conditional pricing, mandatory add-ons, and misrepresentations about vehicle availability. Senator Elizabeth Warren has issued a separate data request to auto finance companies seeking granular data comparing servicemember and general customer treatment.

CFTC FAQs Clarify Crypto Collateral Rules for Financial Institutions

The CFTC's Market Participants Division and Division of Clearing and Risk published FAQs clarifying crypto asset collateral rules for regulated entities. The FAQs build on Staff Letter 25-39 (tokenized collateral) and Staff Letter 26-05 (digital assets as margin collateral), establishing procedural requirements for FCMs to accept crypto assets as customer margin collateral.

NY court allows Lions Gate sacred rights, tortious interference claims

NY court allows Lions Gate sacred rights, tortious interference claims

SEC-CFTC Joint Interpretive Release on Crypto Token Taxonomy

The SEC and CFTC issued a joint interpretive release on March 17, 2026, establishing a five-category token taxonomy that determines which digital assets qualify as securities under federal law. The guidance excludes digital commodities, collectibles, utility tokens, and GENIUS Act-compliant stablecoins from securities classification, and clarifies that protocol mining, staking, wrapping, and airdrops do not constitute investment contracts. This represents a significant policy shift from the SEC's prior enforcement approach and serves as a bridge measure pending comprehensive market structure legislation.

SEC-CFTC Joint Guidance on Crypto Asset Classification Under Federal Securities Laws

The SEC and CFTC issued joint guidance on March 23, 2026, establishing five crypto asset categories: digital commodities, digital collectibles, digital tools, stablecoins, and digital securities. The guidance clarifies which crypto assets fall under SEC jurisdiction as securities versus CFTC jurisdiction as commodities, while reaffirming the Howey test remains the governing standard for determining securities status.

FinCEN Real Estate Reporting Rule Vacated Nationwide

A federal district court in Texas vacated FinCEN's 2024 residential real estate reporting rule on March 19, 2026, with full nationwide effect. The rule required detailed reporting of non-financed residential real estate transactions involving legal entities or trusts, covering over 800,000 transactions annually with an estimated $500 million in annual compliance costs. The court held FinCEN exceeded its statutory authority under the Bank Secrecy Act by treating all covered non-financed transactions as inherently suspicious. FinCEN has confirmed that reporting persons are not required to file transaction reports and will not face liability while the order remains in force.

CFTC FAQs on Crypto Asset Use by FCMs, DCOs, and Swap Dealers

The CFTC's Market Participants Division and Division of Clearing and Risk issued 11 FAQs on March 20, 2026, clarifying how futures commission merchants, derivatives clearing organizations, and swap dealers may use crypto assets under existing regulations and recent staff guidance. The FAQs address permissible crypto assets as collateral, capital charges (2% for stablecoins, 20% for bitcoin/ether), DCO margin acceptance standards, and prohibited uses such as customer fund investments in stablecoins or non-stablecoin crypto as residual interest.

Auto Loan Origination and Servicing - March 2026

Goodwin's March 2026 legal news update covers auto lending regulation trends, noting only 3 enforcement actions in 2025 recovering $13.1 million—a continued decline from prior years. The CFPB signaled reduced federal oversight while proposing to raise the larger participant threshold for auto financing, with state attorneys general expected to maintain enforcement activities as a counterbalance.

EU Financial Regulators Propose MAR Guidelines and Prospectus Regulation Amendments

ESMA published consultations on February 19, 2026 proposing amendments to MAR guidelines on delayed disclosure of inside information and a statement on Prospectus Regulation implementation under the Listing Act. ESMA proposes a non-exhaustive indicative list of legitimate interests justifying deferral. The European Commission launched a separate consultation on private equity exit mechanisms. Comment deadlines are April 29, 2026 (MAR) and April 27, 2026 (PE).

Restructuring Roundup

JD Supra published a restructuring roundup covering March 2026 bankruptcy filings. The Lycra Company filed Chapter 11 in Houston seeking to eliminate $1.2 billion of its $1.53 billion debt under a lender-supported restructuring. Sailormen Inc., a major Popeyes franchisee with 136 locations, filed Chapter 11 in January with approximately $130 million in debt, resulting in closures of 20 restaurants in Florida and Georgia.

Renters Rights Act 2025: Implications for Living-Sector Lenders

K&L Gates analyzes the UK Renters' Rights Act 2025, which received Royal Assent in October 2025, with core reforms effective 1 May 2026. The Act abolishes assured shorthold tenancies and section 21 no-fault evictions, introduces annual rent increase caps, and creates a mandatory PRS database with an ombudsman regime. Living-sector lenders face revised underwriting assumptions, longer possession timelines, and updated finance documentation requirements.

Tax considerations for preferred equity investments in private capital markets

Mayer Brown published Part 3 of a three-part series on preferred equity in private capital markets, analyzing key US federal income tax considerations. The article examines distinctions between corporate preferred stock and partnership/LLC interests, covering dividend taxation, passthrough treatment, and deductibility limitations under IRC Section 163(j). The analysis serves as an educational resource for issuers and investors structuring preferred equity transactions.

LFG Trademark Application - Investment Management Services

USPTO received trademark application TM98739026 for the mark 'LFG' covering investment management, financial analysis and consultation, portfolio management, litigation financing, and related legal and business consulting services in International Class 036. The application was filed under Intent to Use basis and is being tracked through ChangeBridge trademark monitoring services.

Bay-Valley Mortgage Group Consent Order - 5-Year License Bar

The Connecticut Department of Banking issued a consent order barring Bay-Valley Mortgage Group from engaging in the mortgage lending business in Connecticut for 5 years. The action stems from findings that control persons Ji Na Oh and Sae Hyun Park violated NMLS Rules of Conduct and failed to demonstrate the requisite character and general fitness required for licensure under Connecticut law.