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Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisitions of Shares of a Bank or Bank Holding Company

The Federal Reserve published a notice inviting public comments on applications under the Change in Bank Control Act. The Dierberg Milne Foundation and Dierberg Family Foundation seek to join the Dierberg Family Control Group to acquire voting shares of FB Corporation, which would indirectly acquire voting shares of The San Francisco Company and First Bank in Missouri. Comments are due by May 6, 2026.

Lagarde Outlines Energy Shock Economic Impact at German Banks Association Reception

ECB President Christine Lagarde delivered a keynote speech in Berlin outlining the economic impact of the current energy shock. She described the conflict disrupting the Strait of Hormuz as the largest oil supply disruption in history, with an estimated net loss of around 13 million barrels per day. The speech discussed three scenarios—baseline, adverse, and severe—driven by progressively higher energy prices, noting markets currently bet on short-lived disruption. Lagarde emphasized that monetary policy calibration depends on two uncertain factors: the duration of the disruption and the pass-through of energy prices to broader inflation.

Mr M Y Medudhula v Lloyds Bank plc: Strike Out

The Employment Tribunal issued a strike-out judgment in case 1603692/2024, Mr M Y Medudhula v Lloyds Bank plc, decided on 6 January 2026 and published 21 April 2026. The claim, brought under public interest disclosure and unfair dismissal jurisdictions, was struck out by the tribunal. The full reasoning of the judgment is available in the linked PDF document.

BH BANK Independent Administrator Risk Committee Chairman Designation

CMF Tunisia published a designation notice for BH BANK appointing an independent administrator as Chairman of the Risk Committee. The notice, dated 17 April 2026, is accessible via PDF on the CMF website. This appointment represents a corporate governance disclosure under Tunisian banking regulations requiring independent oversight of risk management functions.

Scam Alert: Fraudulent Bank Websites

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority issued a scam alert on 20 April 2026 alerting the public to fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens impersonating Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited and Chong Hing Bank Limited. The HKMA clarified that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks to conduct transactions, nor will they request sensitive information such as login passwords or One-Time Passwords by phone, email, or SMS. Members of the public who may have provided personal information or conducted transactions through these scams are advised to contact the relevant bank and report the matter to the Hong Kong Police Force Crime Wing Information Centre.

USTP Obtains $196,527 Judgment Against National Consumer Bankruptcy Firm for Code Violations

The DOJ's U.S. Trustee Program obtained a stipulated judgment from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Oregon against Recovery Law Group APC, requiring the firm to refund $196,527 in legal fees to dozens of clients. The judgment also bars RLG, owner Nicholas Wajda, and partner Grover Peters III from advertising legal services or filing bankruptcy cases in the district for 18 months. This is the USTP's third enforcement action against RLG in approximately one year.

Konark Urban Co-operative Bank Directive Extended to July 23, 2026

The Reserve Bank of India has extended restrictions imposed on The Konark Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd., Ulhasnagar for a further three months. The directive, originally issued under Section 35A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, is now effective through close of business on July 23, 2026. All other terms and conditions of the original directive remain unchanged.

United Community Banks 8-K Filing

United Community Banks, a bank holding company headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, filed a Form 8-K with the SEC on April 21. Form 8-K is used by public companies to report material events or changes to shareholders. The filing is accessible via SEC EDGAR under CIK 0000857855.

Clarity Debt Resolution Consent Order - Debt Adjustment

The State of New Hampshire Banking Department issued a consent order against Clarity Debt Resolution, Inc. for charging New Hampshire consumers fees exceeding the statutory 15% maximum permitted under RSA 399-D:16. The Department ordered Clarity to remit $191,460.31 in total restitution to 133 affected consumers and to cease and desist from material violations of RSA Chapter 399-D. Failure to comply with the consent order may result in additional administrative action including license revocation and monetary penalties.

Pomelo Two US LLC Consent Order - Unlicensed Money Transmission

The New Hampshire Banking Department issued a Consent Order against Pomelo Two US LLC for conducting unlicensed money transmission activity in New Hampshire between July 2022 and February 2023. The company conducted a pilot test involving 8 transactions totaling $32,888 before obtaining its license, which was subsequently approved on February 10, 2025. Pomelo self-disclosed the activity and fully cooperated with the investigation.

Slovakia's Economic Transformation, Euro Adoption, Monetary Policy Lessons

National Bank of Slovakia Governor Peter Kažimír delivered a speech at the Central Bank of Uzbekistan sharing Slovakia's experience transitioning from central planning to euro adoption over three decades. The speech emphasizes macroeconomic stability as a precondition for growth, the importance of banking sector health, and lessons on inflation control, fiscal-monetary alignment, and macroprudential tools. The address concludes that central bank mandates require independence, analytical capacity, and public trust.

FinCEN Proposes AML Reform with Risk-Based Enforcement and Two-Pronged Effectiveness Test

FinCEN proposed significant AML/CFT reforms on April 7, 2026, replacing vague effectiveness standards with a two-pronged test distinguishing program establishment from ongoing execution. The proposal, developed with federal banking regulators, introduces risk-based enforcement thresholds, mandates dynamic risk assessments, requires board-level AML/CFT governance approval, and explicitly welcomes AI and advanced analytics as evidence of program strength. A 12-month implementation period is proposed, with public comments accepted through June 9, 2026.

KNF Consults on WIBOR Benchmark Replacement for Polish Banks

The National Working Group on Benchmark Reform, coordinated by KNF Poland, has published a draft Recommendation on determining interest rates for new agreements and replacing the WIBOR reference rate in existing Polish Zloty (PLN) agreements. The consultation invites public participation on the proposed framework. This marks a significant step in Poland's benchmark rate reform, aligning with global efforts to transition away from IBOR-style reference rates to risk-free rates.

RBI Announces Results of Fourth HaRBInger Global Hackathon, 496 Proposals

The Reserve Bank of India announced results of its Fourth Global Hackathon 'HaRBInger – Innovation for Transformation' on April 20, 2026. The hackathon received 496 proposals across three problem statements — Tokenised KYC, Offline CBDC (e₹), and Enhancing Trust — from teams in 15 countries. Twenty-one finalists presented solutions to an independent jury in Bengaluru during April 17–18, 2026, with winners and runners-up selected across all tracks.

UK PFMI Level 2 Assessment: Payment Systems and CSDs/SSSs

CPMI and IOSCO published a Level 2 assessment evaluating whether UK legal, regulatory and oversight frameworks for systemically important payment systems (PSs) and central securities depositories/securities settlement systems (CSDs/SSSs) are complete and consistent with the Principles for Financial Market Infrastructures (PFMI). The assessment covers frameworks in place as of 30 September 2023, with separate assessments for PSs (regulated by the Bank of England and Payment Systems Regulator) and CSDs/SSSs (regulated by the Bank of England).

Cumulus Media Inc. Chapter 11 Plan Confirmed by Bankruptcy Court

Cumulus Media Inc. filed an 8-K with the SEC disclosing that on April 15, 2026, the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas confirmed the company's Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan. The confirmation order addresses treatment of secured claims, ABL facility claims, 2029 secured claims, other funded debt claims, and general unsecured claims. The plan remains subject to conditions precedent including FCC approval.

In re: San Francisco Care Center, L.P. — Bankruptcy Appeal

San Francisco Care Center, L.P. filed a bankruptcy appeal in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (Case No. 3:26-cv-03262-WHO) on April 20, 2026. The appeal is assigned to Judge William H. Orrick and stems from Bankruptcy Court case number 25-30025-DM. A Notice of Appeal and Scheduling Order were entered on April 17, 2026.

Nuevos Formatos de Autorización Crediticia para el CIC Versión 3.0

SUGEF CR issued Circular SGF-2999-2020 mandating all supervised financial entities—commercial banks, private banks, non-bank financial companies, and cooperative credit organizations—to use new specific credit authorization forms (version 3.0) when processing CIC consultations related to economic interest groups. The circular modifies existing authorization formats and takes effect immediately upon communication, superseding prior procedures for credit concentration control under the Organic Law of the Central Bank.

HKMA Warns of HSBC Phishing Scam Targeting Hong Kong Customers

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority issued a scam alert warning the public about phishing instant messages impersonating The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited. The alert clarifies that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks directing customers to conduct transactions or request sensitive information such as login passwords or one-time passwords. Individuals who may have disclosed personal information should contact the relevant bank and report the matter to the Hong Kong Police Force Crime Wing Information Centre.

Multibank MHCs Draw Fresh Attention in Banking

The ABA Banking Journal reports that multibank mutual holding companies (MHCs) are gaining attention as mutual banks seek scale while preserving local identity. Fewer than a dozen exist nationwide per FDIC data, yet recent mergers suggest the model is quietly rising. First Mutual Holding Co. in Lakewood, Ohio, which formed in 2015, now has five mutual banks under its umbrella with $3.3 billion of total assets and has seen combined noninterest expense fall from 3% of assets pre-pandemic to 2.1% today.

Extends Bank Governance Consultation to June 10, 2026

The Financial Market Commission (CMF) of Chile has extended the public consultation period for its regulatory proposal on bank management assessments, covering corporate governance and recovery planning. The comment period, originally closing on April 17, 2026, is now open until June 10, 2026. The extension responds to an industry request citing the proposal's complexity and significant potential impact on the banking sector.

Kazakhstan Keeps Base Rate at 18%

The National Bank of Kazakhstan's Monetary Policy Committee maintained the base rate at 18.0% per annum with a ±1 percentage point corridor on 6 March 2026. The decision was informed by the forecast round results, updated assessments of key macroeconomic indicators, and the balance of inflation risks. Annual inflation declined to 11.7% in February 2026, down from 12.2% in January, with all components showing moderating price growth.

Kazakhstan 2025 Payment Market: 1.04 Billion Card Transactions

The National Bank of Kazakhstan published its annual review of the 2025 payment services market. In 2025, the interbank card payment system processed over 1.04 billion transactions, with 8 out of 10 transactions conducted via internet and mobile banking (including QR codes). Interbank clearing system volumes grew 21% year-over-year, and the interbank transfer system maintained 99%+ uptime.

VI Scientific-Practical Conference on Economic Policy Almaty

The National Bank of Kazakhstan announces its VI scientific-practical conference, 'Retrospective Analysis of Economic Policy: From Expectations to Decisions', to be held on 30 April 2026 in Almaty. The conference will present research findings across four sessions: inflationary expectations and felt inflation; public finance under macro shocks; credit cycles and financial stability; and Kazakhstani capital from macro and micro perspectives. Registration is required via conference@nationalbank.kz.

Financial Inclusion Benefits for All

The Financial Services Regulatory Commission of St. Kitts and Nevis published its February 2026 newsletter providing educational content on financial inclusion. The newsletter covers the definition and benefits of financial inclusion, common barriers such as limited financial literacy and high banking costs, the role of technology including mobile banking and FinTech innovations, and the connection between financial inclusion and economic growth.

Fed's Williams on Economic Outlook, Labor Market

Federal Reserve Bank of New York President John C. Williams delivered remarks at the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York 2026 Member Symposium on April 16, 2026, discussing the current economic outlook, labor market conditions, and monetary policy stance. The FOMC maintained the federal funds rate target range at 3-1/2 to 3-3/4 percent at its March meeting. The speech addressed mixed signals in labor market data, with the unemployment rate at 4.3 percent and various indicators showing stabilization, while acknowledging heightened uncertainty from the Middle East conflict and ongoing inflation pressures including tariff effects contributing between one-half and three-quarters of a percentage point to the 2.8 percent PCE inflation rate.

Global Shockwaves to Kiwi Shores - Iran Conflict Impact on New Zealand Economy

Reserve Bank of New Zealand Governor Dr Anna Breman delivered a keynote speech on March 24, 2026 examining how the ongoing Middle East conflict could affect the New Zealand economy. The speech projected higher headline inflation over the near term alongside somewhat weaker growth momentum. The Governor emphasized the RBNZ's readiness to manage challenges to its price stability and financial stability mandates, noting that banks have strong capital and liquidity buffers after recent stress testing.

Lawrence Lau Named Managing Director, Debt Market Development

HKEX announced the appointment of Mr Lawrence Lau as Managing Director and Head of Debt Market Development. Lau will lead a new team focused on Fixed Income and Currency business development, covering both primary market (bond issuance, issuer engagement) and secondary market (liquidity, market infrastructure). He brings over 25 years of capital markets experience, most recently from Bank of China International.

Smart Money Talks: 2026 Financial Literacy Week Launch Remarks

Dr. Denny H Kalyalya, Governor of the Bank of Zambia, delivered remarks at the launch of the 2026 Financial Literacy Week in Chipata on March 16, 2026. The campaign theme 'Smart Money Talks' emphasizes open, informed conversations about money, particularly among children and young people, aiming to build financial confidence and resilience. The Governor noted that Zambia's financial inclusion currently stands at 69.4 percent and encouraged stakeholders to support the development of Phase III of the National Strategy on Financial Education, expected to be completed by end of 2026.

World Bank Group Reforms and Development Priorities Statement

Fabio Panetta, Governor of the Bank of Italy, delivered a statement at the 113th Development Committee meeting emphasizing the World Bank Group's pivotal role in supporting vulnerable countries amid ongoing conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and economic uncertainty. The statement endorses sharper focus on outcomes, integrated sector strategies, stronger knowledge functions, private capital mobilization, and robust risk management as core reform priorities. Panetta highlighted payment infrastructure, the business-enabling environment, and strategic partnerships with IFC and MIGA as essential development enablers, and noted Italy's co-financing commitments under the Mattei Plan targeting African water investments.

Bank of Mongolia Signs MoU with National Bank of Kazakhstan

The Bank of Mongolia and the National Bank of Kazakhstan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation during a state visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan. The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration between the two central banks, covering exchange of information and experience related to monetary policy, financial stability, and development of banking and financial markets. The agreement also provides for high-level consultations, expert exchanges, capacity-building programs, and joint research.

Heimondo Estonia OÜ Debt Collection Licence

Finantsinspektsioon (Estonia FI) issued a debt collection agency licence to Heimondo Estonia OÜ on 8 September 2025. The licence authorises the company to call in debts arising from credit contracts of banks and creditors, collect overdue payments, and conduct negotiations over repayment conditions with borrowers. The licence also imposes obligations on the company to manage complaints and to inform borrowers of contractual requirements and any changes to interest rates, fees, or payments.

FinCEN Proposes Major Revisions to AML/CFT Program Requirements

FinCEN announced a proposed rule on April 7, 2026, that would significantly revise anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) program requirements for financial institutions under the Bank Secrecy Act. The proposal would require effective AML/CFT programs, emphasize risk-based resource allocation, mandate documented risk-assessment processes, and expand FinCEN's role in bank supervision. If adopted, the rule would supersede FinCEN's July 2024 AML/CFT program proposal and affect how banks, fintechs, money services businesses, broker-dealers, and other covered entities design AML/CFT programs.

ABA Supports CFPB's Deregulatory Plan to Reverse Regulatory Overreach

The American Bankers Association submitted a letter supporting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's draft strategic plan for FY 2026-2030, which focuses on reversing regulatory overreach and reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens. ABA expressed support for transparent rulemaking, acting within clear statutory authority, improving the consumer complaint database, and prioritizing consumer fraud education, while urging the bureau to maintain robust supervision of nondepository financial service providers.

FHLBs Propose Allowing Letters of Credit for Fed Discount Window Advances

The Council of Federal Home Loan Banks sent a letter to FHFA Director Bill Pulte on April 10, 2026, proposing that FHLB members be allowed to use short-term FHLB letters of credit to secure advances through the Federal Reserve's discount window. The proposal would allow institutions to borrow promptly at the discount window while underlying collateral transfer processes are being prepared. The council described this as a bridge mechanism designed for periods of stress, including weekends and off-hours, when timing and valuation challenges are most acute.

Metropolitan Capital Bank & Trust - FDIC Appointed Receiver

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has found Metropolitan Capital Bank & Trust to be operating in an unsafe and unsound manner. The agency has taken possession of the bank and appointed the FDIC as receiver, effective January 30, 2026.

Public Hearing on BAN 1450 Readoption Regarding Risk Classification and Acceptable Collateral for Public Funds Deposits

The New Hampshire Banking Department proposes to readopt with amendment BAN 1450, which classifies deposits by risk level and defines acceptable collateral for securing public funds deposits. A public hearing is scheduled for May 14, 2026 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the department's Concord office. The proposed rule changes are available on the department's Laws, Rules and Guidance webpage.

FedNow Intermediary Rule Permits Correspondent Banks for Cross-Border Payments

The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System proposes amendments to Regulation J (subpart C) to permit FedNow Service participants to use private-sector intermediaries, such as correspondent banks, for funds transfers. The change would enable FedNow participants to leverage intermediaries for the international portion of cross-border transactions while using FedNow for U.S. domestic settlement. Currently, FedNow transfers may include only two U.S. banks other than a Reserve Bank, limiting the service to domestic payments only.

Governor Sejko Attends IMF World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington

Governor Gent Sejko of the Bank of Albania attended the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington D.C. from April 16-18, 2026, as part of a joint delegation with the Ministry of Finance. Discussions covered Albania's macroeconomic conditions, banking sector stability, technical assistance for new central bank legislation aligned with EU acquis, and progress on SEPA and TIPS Clone payment integration. IMF and World Bank representatives praised Albania's economic resilience and the banking sector's soundness.

Kwok v. Despins - Alter Ego Doctrine in Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

The Second Circuit affirmed the District of Connecticut's judgment holding that Chapter 11 Trustee UC A. Despins had standing to assert an alter-ego claim on behalf of the bankruptcy estate's creditors, and that HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC was the debtor Ho Wan Kwok's alter ego. The court concluded that HK's assets belonged to the bankruptcy estate. The decision clarifies trustee standing to pursue alter-ego claims and the evidentiary standard for veil-piercing in bankruptcy proceedings.