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BaFin warns consumers about Gainorex Investment app

BaFin has issued a warning to consumers regarding the Gainorex Investment app, which is being promoted via a WhatsApp group. BaFin suspects the operators are conducting banking and/or financial services without the necessary authorization, making them unsupervised.

BaFin Warns Fides Ventures and Nexquant for Fraudulent Activities

BaFin has issued a warning regarding Fides Ventures and Nexquant for engaging in fraudulent activities targeting German investors. Fides Ventures uses WhatsApp groups to promote an "FIVS token" and directs investors to the Nexquant crypto exchange, which offers financial and cryptoasset services without authorization.

BaFin Warns Consumers About Unauthorized Financial Services

BaFin has issued a warning to consumers regarding the website obsidian-group(.)org, which is suspected of offering financial, investment, and cryptoasset services without the required authorization. The warning is based on information indicating the site is operating without BaFin's approval and may be linked to previously warned entities.

BaFin Warns Commercehelden GmbH Over Missing Sales Prospectus

Germany's BaFin has issued a warning against Commercehelden GmbH and Marketplace24-7 GmbH for allegedly offering investment products ('Amazon-Warenpakete') without a required sales prospectus. This action highlights BaFin's enforcement of prospectus publication requirements under the German Securities Prospectus Act.

BaFin flags Marketplace24-7 GmbH for missing sales prospectus

The German financial regulator BaFin has issued a notice flagging Marketplace24-7 GmbH for offering investment products in Germany without a required sales prospectus. The company, along with Commercehelden GmbH, is suspected of publicly offering "Amazon-Warenpaketen" without BaFin approval, violating German securities law.

BaFin Notice on Financial Fraud During Global Money Week

BaFin is issuing a notice to inform consumers about financial fraud during Global Money Week. The notice highlights common scams and provides guidance on how to protect oneself, coinciding with a webinar on March 17, 2026.

BaFin General Administrative Act on Countercyclical Capital Buffer

BaFin has increased the domestic countercyclical capital buffer rate to 0.75 percent, effective February 1, 2022. This new rate will be used for institution-specific calculations starting February 1, 2023. The act supersedes the previous administrative act from March 31, 2020.

BaFin Order on Insurance Undertaking Complaints Management

BaFin has issued an administrative act ordering primary insurers authorized to conduct cross-border business in Germany to establish a complaints management function. Insurers must also submit an annual report on complaints received, detailing complaint types, causes, and resolution status.

BaFin Administrative Act on Netting Agreements

BaFin issued a general administrative act to ensure legal certainty for netting agreements under German insolvency law. This act clarifies the settlement of contractual netting agreements for institutions and their counterparties, applying from June 10, 2016, until December 31, 2016.

BaFin Hearing on Prohibition of Credit-Linked Notes to Retail Clients

BaFin has issued a hearing regarding a proposed administrative act to prohibit the marketing, distribution, and sale of credit-linked notes to retail clients. The comment period for this proposed prohibition closes on September 2, 2016.

BaFin Administrative Act on CFD Marketing and Distribution

BaFin has issued a general administrative act prohibiting the marketing, distribution, and sale of Contracts for Difference (CFDs) to retail clients if they may result in an additional payment obligation. This measure aims to protect retail investors from potentially unlimited losses.

BaFin Prohibits Net Short Positions in Wirecard AG Shares

Germany's BaFin has issued an administrative act prohibiting the establishment and increase of net short positions in Wirecard AG shares. This measure is in response to adverse events threatening market confidence and is effective until April 18, 2019.

BaFin General Administrative Act on Contracts for Differences (CFDs)

BaFin has issued a general administrative act concerning contracts for differences (CFDs) for retail clients, referencing EU Regulation No 600/2014 (MiFIR). This act outlines restrictions on the marketing, distribution, and sale of CFDs to retail clients, building upon previous BaFin and ESMA measures.

BaFin General Administrative Act on Countercyclical Capital Buffer

BaFin has issued a general administrative act increasing the domestic countercyclical capital buffer rate to 0.25%. This change is effective July 1, 2019, and will be used for institution-specific calculations starting July 1, 2020. The act applies to various financial institutions.

BaFin Decreases Domestic Countercyclical Capital Buffer Rate

BaFin has issued a General Administrative Act reducing the domestic countercyclical capital buffer rate to 0% effective April 1, 2020. This measure aims to support credit institutions during the current economic situation.

BaFin Administrative Act on Cross-Border Insurance Activities

BaFin has issued a general administrative act to regulate the conduct and run-off of cross-border activities of insurance undertakings. This act provides specific criteria and outlines the discretionary powers and proportionality considerations for BaFin's orders.

BaFin Issues General Administrative Act on Binary Options

The German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) has issued a general administrative act prohibiting the marketing, distribution, or sale of binary options to retail clients. This action aligns with EU-wide measures and aims to enhance investor protection.

BaFin - Countercyclical Capital Buffer Rate Set to 0%

BaFin has issued a general administrative act setting the rate for the countercyclical capital buffer at 0% effective January 1, 2016. This decision is based on an analysis of the credit-to-GDP gap and other economic indicators, which indicated no need for an active buffer at this time.

HKMA Scam Alert Related to Banks

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued a scam alert regarding fraudulent websites and phishing attempts targeting bank customers. The alert specifically mentions OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) Limited and advises the public on how to protect themselves and report suspicious activity.

Public Finances: Borrowing Requirement and Debt - January 2026

The Bank of Italy has published its report on public finances, detailing the borrowing requirement and debt for January 2026. The report includes statistical data on government debt holders and changes in debt levels.

Banca d'Italia: January Bond Issues Total €4.4 Billion

The Banca d'Italia reported that net bond issues by resident sectors in January 2026 totaled €4.4 billion. General government net issues were positive at €3.0 billion, driven by BTPs and other central government securities, while BOTs contributed negatively. Other financial intermediaries, insurance corporations, and non-financial corporations also contributed positively to the remaining €1.3 billion in net issues.

BIS Appoints Hélène Rey as Economic Adviser and Department Head

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) announced the appointment of Hélène Rey as its new Economic Adviser and Head of the Monetary and Economic Department. Ms Rey will serve a five-year term starting September 2026, succeeding Hyun Song Shin.

CFTC Names Jessica Harris as Director of Data and Chief Data Officer

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced the appointment of Jessica Harris as Director of the Division of Data and Chief Data Officer. This appointment aims to enhance the CFTC's data strategy amidst evolving derivatives markets.

UK Financial Ombudsman and FCA Modernise Redress System

The UK Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) are implementing measures to modernise the financial redress system. These changes aim to ensure consumers receive fair and timely compensation while providing businesses with greater certainty. Key reforms include a new registration stage for complaints.

FRC Guidance on Flexible Governance Reporting

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has published new guidance to help investors and advisors better understand flexible governance reporting. The guidance aims to encourage recognition of the value in companies thoughtfully departing from the UK Corporate Governance Code with clear explanations.

Federal Reserve Sunshine Act Meeting Notice

The Federal Reserve Board announced an open meeting scheduled for March 19, 2026, to discuss proposed revisions to capital rules for large banking organizations and adjustments to the surcharge for global systemically important banking organizations. The meeting will be webcast.

ASIC Eases PDS Rules for Strata Insurance Providers

ASIC has introduced new relief measures for residential strata insurance providers. Under the changes, only the lead insurer will be required to prepare a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), with a supplementary PDS listing other participating insurers.

ASIC Refreshes Moneysmart Website for Young Australians

ASIC has refreshed its Moneysmart website to improve accessibility and relevance for young Australians seeking financial guidance. The update includes a new design, updated content, and fresh imagery to provide trusted, independent financial information.

ASIC Consults on Bolstering Transparency for Listed Entities

ASIC is consulting on proposals to enhance corporate transparency for entities listed on Australian financial markets. The reforms, stemming from the Treasury Laws Amendment Act 2025, aim to increase investor visibility of ownership and control, including through equity derivatives. Feedback is due by April 21, 2026.

ASIC Extends Short Selling Relief for Precious Metal ETP Market Makers

ASIC has extended conditional short selling relief for appointed market makers in precious metal-backed exchange-traded products. This amendment, effective February 3, 2026, aims to support market liquidity and reduce settlement failure risk for specified structured products.

ASIC Withdraws and Updates Regulatory Guides

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has withdrawn Regulatory Guide 64 (Failure to lodge documents) and Regulatory Guide 40 (Good transaction fee disclosure). ASIC also made minor updates to Regulatory Guide 104 (AFS licensing: Meeting the general obligations) and Regulatory Guide 205 (Credit licensing: General conduct obligations) to improve clarity and accuracy.

DNB Resilience Programme for Geopolitical Risks

De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) has launched a resilience programme to identify and strategize against geopolitical risks impacting the financial sector and its own operations. The programme assesses various scenarios, including cyber threats and operational disruptions, and aims to enhance organizational agility and efficiency.

DNB Payment Strategy 2026-2028: Broadening Options and Strengthening Resilience

De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) has released its Payment Strategy 2026-2028, aiming to enhance payment system resilience and autonomy by broadening options for consumers, retailers, and payment service providers. The strategy prioritizes reducing dependence on non-European entities and encouraging innovation, including the development of a digital euro and DLT solutions.

BondAuction Europe B.V. Fined €10,125 for Capital Shortfall

De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) imposed an administrative fine of €10,125 on BondAuction Europe B.V. for repeatedly failing to maintain sufficient own funds. The firm experienced capital shortfalls on two occasions within a 25-month period, falling below the minimum requirement of €75,000.

Austrian Pension and Corporate Provision Companies Growth Q4 2025

The Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) reported that pension companies and corporate provision companies experienced a 2.7% growth in assets under management in Q4 2025. Pension companies managed €30.4 billion, while corporate provision companies reached a record €23.6 billion.

FMA Warns of Fake Loans Impersonating Alpen Privatbank AG

The Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) has issued a warning regarding fraudulent loan offers impersonating Alpen Privatbank AG. These scams target private individuals in German-speaking countries, soliciting advance payments by falsely promising loans.

Austrian FMA: Speedy Reduction of Non-Performing Loans

The Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) has released a new publication in its 'Let's talk about supervision' series, focusing on the speedy reduction of non-performing loans (NPLs). This guidance highlights the importance of NPL reduction for banking sector resilience and economic functioning, particularly in commercial real estate financing.

FMA Guidance on Rapid Reduction of Problematic Lending for Banks

The Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) has issued guidance urging banks to rapidly reduce non-performing loans (NPLs), particularly in commercial real estate financing. The guidance outlines expectations for clear objectives, honest cost appraisals, and robust implementation plans to strengthen banks' financial resilience and lending capacity.

OCC Meeting Summary with WilmerHale

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has posted a meeting summary with the law firm WilmerHale. This notice provides a record of discussions held between the OCC and external legal counsel.

Comptroller of the Currency: GENIUS ECON FINAL NPR Regulations

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has published final regulations concerning GENIUS ECON NPR. These regulations introduce new requirements for financial institutions under the purview of the OCC.

Comptroller of the Currency BPI Research Summary

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has posted a research summary related to its Bank and Public Interest (BPI) initiative. This notice provides a summary of research findings relevant to the banking sector.

Comptroller of the Currency Meeting Summary with WilmerHale

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has published a meeting summary detailing discussions with the law firm WilmerHale. This notice provides a record of the topics covered during the meeting.

Comptroller of the Currency BPI Research Summary

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has published a research summary related to its Bank Supervision Operating Plan (BPI). This notice provides an overview of research activities undertaken by the OCC.

Regs.gov Service Unavailable Error

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) Regulations.gov portal is currently experiencing an error, rendering it unavailable. Users attempting to access the site are presented with an error message and advised to contact the Help Desk if the problem persists.

Correction to CFPB Proposed Rule on Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B)

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued a correction to a previously proposed rule concerning the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B). This correction clarifies specific regulatory text related to discouragement of credit applications and special purpose credit programs. The correction aims to align the published text with the version submitted by the Bureau.

CFPB Privacy of Consumer Financial Information (Regulation P) Reinstatement Request

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is requesting public comment on the reinstatement of an information collection titled 'Privacy of Consumer Financial Information (Regulation P)' under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The comment period closes on April 6, 2026.

Proposed Rule: ECOA (Regulation B)

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued a proposed rule to amend Regulation B (Equal Credit Opportunity Act). This proposal aims to update requirements related to credit availability and fair lending practices. The CFPB is seeking public comment on the proposed changes.

Treasury Notice on Information Collection Activities

The Department of the Treasury is issuing a notice regarding its information collection activities. The public is invited to provide comments on these activities, with the comment period closing on May 11.

Treasury Notice: SSA ID System Integration into Do Not Pay

The Department of the Treasury has issued a notice regarding the integration of the Social Security Administration's (SSA) Identity (ID) system into the Do Not Pay (DNP) system. This integration aims to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of the DNP program.

Department of the Treasury Privacy Act Notice

The Department of the Treasury has posted an updated Privacy Act notice. This notice provides information regarding the systems of records maintained by the Department. The comment period for this notice is open until March 19.