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Six-part podcast series on debt sales legal analysis

Ballard Spahr LLP announced a new six-part podcast mini-series titled 'Debt Sales 101' on the Consumer Finance Monitor podcast. The series, co-hosted by Joseph Schuster and Chris Eastman, will cover the full lifecycle of consumer debt sales including eligible debt, deal structuring, regulatory landscape, contracting, and post-sale compliance oversight. Episodes will be released weekly starting Monday.

Prediction Markets vs State Gambling Regulators - CFTC Jurisdiction Dispute

The CFTC filed an amicus brief in North American Derivatives Exchange, Inc. v. Nevada (9th Cir. No. 25-7187) siding with prediction market platforms, arguing that sports event contracts qualify as "swaps" under the Commodity Exchange Act and that CEA preempts state gambling laws. The agency contends it has exclusive jurisdiction over these contracts when traded on CFTC-registered designated contract markets.

CFPB mortgage advertising comment deadline April 20

CFPB mortgage advertising comment deadline April 20

Treasury assumes federal student loan default collections under interagency agreement

The U.S. Department of Treasury and Department of Education announced an interagency agreement under the Economy Act transferring operational responsibility for federal student loan default collections to Treasury. Treasury will assume administration of ED's Default Resolution Group and Default Management and Collections System, leveraging private default resolution agencies to help borrowers return to good standing. The federal student loan portfolio totals nearly $1.7 trillion, with fewer than half of borrowers in current repayment and almost a quarter in default.

Updated CRR Legal Opinions on Master Participation Agreements

Sullivan & Worcester advised BAFT (Bankers Association for Finance & Trade) and ITFA (International Trade and Forfaiting Association) on updated Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) legal opinions covering English and New York law Master Participation Agreements. Separate EU and UK CRR opinions have been created reflecting post-Brexit regulatory divergence. The opinions analyze MPA enforceability and effectiveness as credit risk mitigants under CRR.

Bankruptcy court allows restaurant to challenge usurious MCA debt

Bankruptcy court allows restaurant to challenge usurious MCA debt

North Salem Bancorp to acquire Tri-County Bancorp, Indiana

The Federal Reserve published a notice that North Salem State Bancorporation, North Salem, Indiana, filed an application to acquire 13.08 percent of the voting shares of Tri-County Bancorp, and thereby indirectly acquire voting shares of Tri-County Bank & Trust Company, both of Roachdale, Indiana. The application is subject to public comment under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. Comments must be received by April 29, 2026.

Arkansas State Banking Board April Meeting Cancelled

The Arkansas State Banking Board cancelled its regular meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Little Rock. The notice was signed by Bank Commissioner Susannah T. Marshall on March 30, 2026.

Thailand Japan Bilateral Currency Swap Arrangement Renewal

The Bank of Thailand and Bank of Japan have renewed their Bilateral Local Currency Swap Arrangement for three years until March 30, 2029. The arrangement, first established in 2020, permits exchange of local currencies up to THB 240 billion or JPY 800 billion. This enables both central banks to provide Thai Baht or Japanese Yen liquidity to eligible financial institutions in their respective countries.

Seán O'Casey Commemorative Coin Launch

The Central Bank of Ireland launched a commemorative silver proof coin honouring playwright Seán O'Casey on what would have been his 146th birthday. The coin commemorates the 100th anniversary of The Plough and the Stars premiere at the Abbey Theatre, with 3,000 coins available at €90 each.

EBA streamlines supervisory approvals for IRB model changes

The EBA published amendments to Regulatory Technical Standards on material model changes, significantly reducing the number of changes classified as material by shifting to quantitative thresholds and limiting qualitative triggers to model redevelopments and definition of default changes. This streamlines the approval process for IRB model changes while maintaining supervisory oversight. The revised RTS align with CRR3 and are expected to accelerate IRB model approvals for EU banks.

EBA Chair Appointment - François-Louis Michaud

The European Banking Authority announced that François-Louis Michaud will take up his role as EBA Chair on 16 April 2026, following formal appointment by the Council of the European Union on 26 February 2026 and confirmation by the European Parliament on 10 March 2026. His term of office runs for five years and may be extended once. Michaud previously served as Executive Director of the EBA since September 2020.

Amendments to Treasury Buyback Operations Terms and Conditions

The Bureau of the Fiscal Service issued final amendments to Treasury buyback operations regulations, expanding direct offer submission eligibility to additional counterparties based on auction participation criteria. The rule updates certification statements for buyback participants and makes conforming changes to reflect current Treasury practices.

BLUMEPAY Trademark Application - Payment Processing Software

The USPTO published trademark application TM79441467 for BLUMEPAY on March 29, 2026, covering payment processing software, financial lending services, credit management platforms, and SaaS/PaaS solutions for fintech applications. The trademark is in International Class 36 (financial services) and is now in the opposition period, allowing third parties to challenge registration.

COVER YOUR ASSETS COMPLIANCE Trademark Renewal

USPTO renewed Trademark Registration TM86623656 for COVER YOUR ASSETS COMPLIANCE as of March 29, 2026. The mark covers advisory and consulting services in employee benefits and group healthcare plan compliance. Trademark holders in Class 036 should maintain renewal schedules to preserve their registrations.

LEVIN CAPITAL STRATEGIES Trademark Registration

USPTO trademark registration TM78705851 for LEVIN CAPITAL STRATEGIES, LP was granted on March 29, 2026. The registered mark covers financial services including investment advisory services, investment management services, and asset management services. The original application was filed on September 2, 2005.

FMA Cancels Saanvi 2022 Limited's Financial Advice Provider Licence

The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has cancelled the Financial Advice Provider licence of Saanvi 2022 Limited for failing to meet its licence obligations. The FMA found serious failures in trust, governance, and professional standards, including the submission of altered documents and undisclosed referral arrangements.

ASIC Instrument for Employee Entitlement Schemes Requires AFS Licence by Sep 2026

ASIC has issued a new legislative instrument, ASIC Corporations (Employee Entitlement Schemes) Instrument 2026/199, which replaces existing relief for employee entitlement schemes. Scheme operators must apply for an Australian financial services (AFS) licence by September 1, 2026, and will receive conditional relief from certain provisions of the Corporations Act until their licence is granted.

BaFin Circular on High-Risk Countries for AML/CFT

BaFin has published Circular 03/2026 (GW) on high-risk countries, identifying states with deficiencies in combating money laundering and terrorist financing. These deficiencies pose risks to the international financial system and its stability. The circular is part of BaFin's regular updates on this matter.

BaFin Circular on High-Risk Countries for AML/CFT

BaFin has issued Circular 03/2026, updating guidance on high-risk countries for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CFT). The circular details the EU and FATF lists of countries with strategic deficiencies, including the Russian Federation, North Korea, Iran, and Myanmar, and outlines BaFin's legal consequences and measures for supervised entities.

BaFin and Deutsche Bundesbank LSI Stress Test 2026

BaFin and Deutsche Bundesbank will conduct a stress test for approximately 1,100 less significant institutions (LSIs) starting in April 2026. The methodology has been revised to simplify the process and increase risk orientation, with new criteria for recommending additional capital requirements.

ECB Streamlines Internal Model Supervision for Credit Risk

The ECB is streamlining its supervision of banks' internal models for credit risk, shifting from an ex ante to an ex post assessment. This change, effective October 1, 2026, aims to speed up approval processes for material model changes, with a focus on higher-risk areas, while maintaining safeguards and building on new EBA standards.

FDIC Director Testimony on Fintech and AI Oversight

FDIC Director Ryan Billingsley testified before the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services regarding the agency's approach to financial technology and artificial intelligence. The testimony highlighted efforts to foster innovation while managing risks, including considerations for guidance on crypto-related activities and the use of AI in banking operations.

Universal Condo Insurance Trademark Application

The USPTO has published trademark application TM99731076 for 'Universal Condo Insurance'. The application, filed on March 28, 2026, is for insurance agencies in the field of condo insurance and was published for opposition on March 29, 2026.

Finzoom Trademark Published for Opposition

The USPTO has published the trademark application for 'Finzoom' for opposition. The application covers a wide range of financial services, including consultancy, advisory, insurance underwriting, and payment processing. The publication date was March 29, 2026.

WAYTIP trademark application for financial tipping features

The USPTO has received an intent-to-use trademark application for the mark 'WAYTIP'. The application, filed on March 28, 2026, covers financial administration of payment and tipping features. This is a standard trademark filing for a new service.

VITALBRIDGE Trademark Application Published for Opposition

The USPTO has published the VITALBRIDGE trademark application for financial services, including brokerage, capital investment, and insurance. The application was published for opposition on March 29, 2026, with a filing date of March 28, 2026.

Olympus Wealth Strategies Trademark Publication

The USPTO has published the trademark application for 'Olympus Wealth Strategies' for opposition. The application covers financial services including investment consultation, portfolio strategy, and mutual fund services. The filing date was March 28, 2026.

Tokenization Systems Trademark Published for Opposition

The USPTO has published the trademark application 'Tokenization Systems' for opposition. The application covers financial advisory, consulting, research, and analysis services related to digital assets and financial technology.

FAQs on Risk Based Capital Adequacy Requirements for Capital Markets Licensees

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has updated its FAQs regarding risk-based capital adequacy requirements for capital markets services licensees. The revisions, dated March 25, 2026, provide guidance on compliance with financial and margin requirements and the lodgement of financial returns.

MAS Consultation on Capital Market Infrastructure Recovery and Resolution Planning

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has issued a consultation paper proposing new guidelines and a notice for recovery and resolution planning for capital market infrastructures (CMFIs). The consultation also seeks feedback on enhancing statutory bail-in powers for CMFIs.

MAS Compliance Toolkit for Merchant Banks

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has updated its Compliance Toolkit for Merchant Banks, last revised on March 26, 2026. This toolkit provides guidance on various approval, notification, and reporting requirements for merchant banks operating in Singapore.

Compliance Toolkit for Bank Regulatory Submissions

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has updated its Compliance Toolkit for wholesale and full banks. This guidance facilitates understanding of MAS approval, notification, and reporting requirements. The toolkit covers various risk management, governance, and prudential topics relevant to bank operations.

PSN09 Notice on Specified Matters and Forms for Payment Service Providers

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has issued an amended PSN09 Notice, which takes effect on March 28, 2026. This notice outlines regulatory forms and administrative matters for payment service providers, operators of designated payment systems, and settlement institutions.

FAQs on Recognition for Recognised Market Operators in Singapore

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) updated its FAQs regarding the recognition of Recognised Market Operators (RMOs) incorporated in Singapore. The revisions, last updated on March 26, 2026, clarify admission standards for shareholders, directors, key persons, and internal governance arrangements.

Proposed Treasury Share Disclosure Rules Change

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) in Korea has proposed changes to capital market rules regarding treasury shares. The proposed rules aim to enhance transparency by requiring all listed companies to disclose their treasury stock retention status and disposal plans twice annually, aligning with recent amendments to the Commercial Act.

Prologue Capital Hedge Fund Trademark Registration

The USPTO has registered trademark TM78826418 for Prologue Capital, an investment advisory service for hedge funds. The trademark was registered on March 28, 2026, following a filing date of March 1, 2006.

Treasure State Bank - Registered Trademark

The USPTO has registered trademark TM78793830 for Treasure State Bank, a financial services entity. The trademark was filed on January 18, 2006, and officially registered on March 28, 2026.

Viking Insurance Trademark Registration

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has registered the trademark "Viking Insurance" for automobile insurance underwriting services. The trademark application was filed on April 8, 2005, and registered on March 28, 2026.

RPS Risk Placement wholesale insurance trademark registered

The USPTO has registered trademark TM78863496 for RPS Risk Placement Services, Inc., covering wholesale insurance agency and brokerage services. The trademark was registered on March 28, 2026, with a filing date of April 18, 2006.

DEBT MONKEY trademark registered

The USPTO has registered the trademark 'DEBT MONKEY' (TM78678608) for credit consultation and debt counseling services. The trademark was filed on July 26, 2005, and officially registered on March 28, 2026.

Reserve National Insurance Company Trademark Registration

The USPTO has registered trademark TM78717467 for Reserve National Insurance Company, covering life, health, and accident insurance underwriting services. The registration was effective on March 28, 2026, with a filing date of September 21, 2005.

Farm Cash Management trademark registered

The USPTO has registered the trademark 'Farm Cash Management' (TM78856361) for banking services, specifically providing an investment account for loan customers. The registration was finalized on March 28, 2026, based on a filing date of April 7, 2006.

Twinstar Credit Union Trademark Registration

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has registered trademark TM78861159 for Twinstar Credit Union. The registration covers credit union services and was filed on April 13, 2006, with an effective date of March 28, 2026.

Ameritas Pearl Plans Dental Insurance Trademark Registration

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has registered the trademark 'Ameritas Pearl Plans' for dental insurance services. The registration, filed in 2006, covers underwriting and administration in the field of dental insurance.

Healthcare Trademark Registration - Administration of Employee Benefit Plans

The USPTO has registered trademark TM78718632 for 'Administration of Employee Benefit Plans' under Class 036, related to healthcare. The trademark was registered on March 28, 2026, with a filing date of September 22, 2005.

Senior Life Insurance Company Trademark Registration

The USPTO has registered trademark TM78724688 for Senior Life Insurance Company, covering underwriting and issuance of life insurance policies. The trademark was registered on March 28, 2026, following a filing date of October 1, 2005.

Spectrum Capital Registered Trademark for Aviation Financial Services

The USPTO has registered the trademark TM78839783 for Spectrum Capital, covering financial services related to aviation. The registration was finalized on March 28, 2026, following a filing date of March 17, 2006.

INTELLIGENT LIFE trademark registered for underwriting services

The USPTO has registered the trademark 'INTELLIGENT LIFE' (TM78594582) for universal life insurance underwriting services. The trademark was registered on March 28, 2026, following a filing date of March 24, 2005.

Village Bank and Trust Trademark Registered

The USPTO has registered the trademark 'Village Bank and Trust' for banking services, as of March 28, 2026. The filing date for this trademark application was March 2, 2004.