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Tax Refund Tips for Filing Season 2026

The FDIC Consumer Resource Center published consumer guidance for the 2026 tax filing season advising on tax refund options, free tax preparation programs, and direct deposit enrollment. The article covers IRS VITA and TCE programs for low-to-moderate income filers, selecting reputable tax preparers, direct deposit as the primary refund method, and protecting refunds from scams. Key advice includes using the IRS Where's My Refund tool, understanding prepaid card fees for refunds, and FDIC deposit insurance coverage for bank accounts.

Final Rule Eliminates Reputation Risk from Bank Supervision Programs

The OCC and FDIC jointly adopted a final rule on April 7, 2026 that codifies the elimination of reputation risk as a basis for bank supervisory action. The rule addresses documented cases where lawful businesses and individuals were denied access to banking services based on subjective reputation-risk determinations. The Comptroller stated the action implements the President's fair banking Executive Order and moves supervisory oversight toward less subjective, more measurable standards grounded in safety and soundness and BSA/AML compliance.

Luna.Store Figurative Mark Trade Mark Opposition

The UKIPO Appointed Person issued decision BL Number O/0330/26 on 21 April 2026 regarding a trade mark opposition concerning the figurative mark 'luna.Store'. The decision addressed grounds under Sections 5(1), 5(2) and 5(3), examining distinctiveness, dominant components, descriptive/allusive elements, and goods versus retail services distinctions.

Realtek v. Mediatek - Antitrust Discovery Dispute

Realtek Semiconductor Corp. filed this antitrust lawsuit against Mediatek, Inc. in the Northern District of California on June 6, 2023. The case has expanded to include Future Link Systems LLC and IPValue Management Inc., with multiple discovery disputes generating recent filings in April 2026. Sealing motions and competing motions to compel deposition testimony have been filed by all parties, with Judge Susan van Keulen issuing discovery rulings on April 15 and April 21, 2026.

Updated Model Risk Management Guidance for OCC-Supervised Institutions

The OCC, in coordination with the Federal Reserve Board and FDIC, issued updated model risk management guidance for OCC-supervised institutions, rescinding prior guidance (OCC Bulletins 2011-12, 2021-19, 1997-24) and the Model Risk Management booklet of the Comptroller's Handbook. The updated guidance emphasizes risk-based, tailored practices commensurate with an institution's size, complexity, and model use, explicitly stating it does not set enforceable standards and non-compliance will not result in supervisory criticism. The guidance is expected to be most relevant to banking organizations with over $30 billion in total assets, with generative AI and agentic AI explicitly outside its scope.

Prime Minister Appoints Dr. Islam Azzam to Economic Ministerial Group

Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly issued Decree No. 1013 of 2026 defining the composition of the Economic Ministerial Group, which includes the FRA Chairman alongside the CBE Governor, Finance Minister, and other senior officials. The Decree mandates weekly meetings for the Group with flexibility to convene as circumstances require. Dr. Islam Azzam, appointed FRA Chairman in March 2026, joins the Group bringing expertise from his prior roles including FRA Vice Chairman and EGX Chairman.

US12605286B2 Infant Umbilical Cord Stump Protector

The USPTO granted Patent US12605286B2 to ASO LLC for an infant umbilical cord stump protector comprising a pad positionable proximal to the umbilical cord stump and a fluid-impermeable cover with adhesive, deformable, and peripheral regions that form a protective dome shape. The patent, filed on January 31, 2022 under Application No. 17588842, contains 51 claims and 18 CPC classifications in the A61F medical device category. Assignees and inventors seeking to commercialize similar neonatal care products should conduct freedom-to-operate analyses to avoid potential infringement of this issued patent.

FDIC and OCC Issue Final Rule Prohibiting Use of Reputation Risk by Regulators

On April 7, 2026, the FDIC and OCC jointly issued a final rule eliminating reputation risk as a basis for supervisory criticism or adverse action against insured depository institutions, effective June 9, 2026. The rule defines adverse action broadly to include negative examination feedback, enforcement actions, supervisory rating downgrades, filing denials, and capital requirement impositions, and explicitly addresses debanking by prohibiting examiners from pressuring banks to close customer accounts based on political, religious, or social views. Financial institutions serving or considering serving industries historically subjected to examiner pressure now have a regulatory backstop against that supervisory influence.

FinCEN Proposes AML/CFT Program Modernization Under BSA

FinCEN published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on April 7, 2026, to modernize AML/CFT program requirements under the Bank Secrecy Act, pursuant to the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020. The proposal would shift AML/CFT obligations from a process-driven approach to one prioritizing measurable effectiveness and risk-based resource allocation, covering banks, MSBs, broker-dealers, and residential mortgage lenders. FDIC, OCC, and NCUA issued a companion rule on the same date to align their respective requirements with FinCEN's framework, while the Federal Reserve Board did not join.

Positive Pressure Breathing Device Patent Granted April 21 2026

USPTO granted Patent US12605521B2 to inventor Hsin-Yung Lin on April 21, 2026 for a breathing equipment device that provides positive pressure gas. The device combines a hydrogen generating device (using water electrolysis), a pressurizing device, a mixing device, an atomizing device, and an output device, all coupled to a gas channel. The patent contains 18 claims and covers methods for generating and delivering hydrogen gas mixed with positive pressure gas for therapeutic applications.

US12605518B2 Gas Passage for PAP Device with Noise Reduction

USPTO granted Patent US12605518B2 to WALLENBERG UNION LLC on April 21, 2026, covering a gas passage for use in a PAP (positive airway pressure) device with integrated noise reduction components. The patent claims 25 items and was filed on July 19, 2024, under Application No. 18778376. The invention includes a passage casing with air intake and outlet, a chamber for gas flow and accumulation, a blower, and noise reduction elements including a ventilation component, intake pipe, and flexible component.

Federal Banking Agencies Issue Revised Model Risk Management Guidance for Large Banking Organizations

The OCC, Federal Reserve, and FDIC issued revised interagency guidance on model risk management on April 17, 2026, updating and consolidating supervisory expectations for how banks manage models across their businesses. The guidance applies to banking organizations with more than $30 billion in total assets and explicitly excludes generative AI and agentic AI models from scope. The agencies note that non-compliance with the guidance alone will not result in supervisory criticism, but weak model risk management may still constitute unsafe or unsound practices. The guidance rescinds prior model risk guidance issued by each agency and establishes a principles-based, risk-based approach emphasizing proportionality in validation rigor based on model materiality and complexity.

Risk Parameters Change for 5 Securities, 35% to 77%

MOEX is changing the downward IR risk parameter (SEC Δ_1 Y0/Y1) for five securities — ASTR, POSI, OZPH, YDEX, and HNFG — from 35% to 77%. The new parameter values take effect on staggered dates between April 23 and April 28, 2026, with effective windows ranging from one to four business days per security. This represents a significant increase in the risk weight applied to these securities.

FDIC Provides Supervisory Relief for Washington Banks After Severe Storms

The FDIC has announced a series of steps intended to provide regulatory relief to institutions and facilitate recovery in areas of Washington affected by Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides. The contents of the FIL apply to all FDIC-supervised financial institutions in Washington. Banks affected by these weather events should review the FDIC's Disaster Page for information on next steps.

FDIC Announces Four Senior Leadership Appointments

The FDIC announced four senior leadership appointments on April 13, 2026: Benjamin Olson as Director of the Division of Depositor and Consumer Protection (DCP), Shawn Khani as Director of the Division of Resolutions and Receiverships (DRR), Trey Maust as Chief Innovation Officer, and Sam Lupas as Deputy Chief of Staff. These appointments fill key executive positions within the agency responsible for deposit insurance, consumer protection, bank resolution, and FDIC modernization initiatives.

Notice to Mariners 027/2026: Ball-Shaped Metal Buoy Submerged at 8 Meters Near Israeli Coast

Israel's Ministry of Transport issued Notice to Mariners 027/2026 on April 15, 2026, advising that a ball-shaped metal buoy was temporarily installed at position 32°42'07.55″N 034°50'30.16″E at a depth of 8 meters below sea level. The notice requires all mariners operating in Israeli waters to exercise extra caution when navigating near the buoy's location. The temporary buoy is installed without a stated removal date, meaning the hazard remains in effect until further notice.

Financial Authorities Coordinate on Cross-Border Resolution Planning for G-SIBs

The heads of resolution and regulatory authorities, central banks, and finance ministries of the United States, the European Banking Union, and the United Kingdom will participate in a Trilateral Principal Level Exercise (TPLE) on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The FDIC will host the exercise, which is the latest in a series of regular coordination exercises aimed at enhancing understanding of each jurisdiction's resolution regime for global systemically important banks (G-SIBs), strengthening coordination on cross-border resolution, and promoting confidence in the orderly resolution of G-SIBs. The exercise coincides with the spring meetings sponsored by the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund.

Baxter Head Positioning Adapter Recall Type I

Baxter Corporation is recalling its Adapter For Head Positioning (Model 1739994) following identification that the device may become loose during patient positioning and unintentionally move when used with side rails of the upper back section H V U on Baxter operating tables. The recall affects three lot numbers—109943587, 109948552, and 109964961—and has been classified as Type I, the most serious recall category. Healthcare facilities using this device should contact Baxter for further information and follow any supplementary instructions issued by the firm.

Ethics Commission Accepting Applications Through April 30, Two Openings Available

The North Dakota Ethics Commission is accepting applications for two commission openings through April 30, 2026. Position 1 fills an unexpired term left by Dr. Cynthia Lindquist's resignation, running from June 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027. Position 2 serves a full four-year term beginning September 1, 2026. Appointments will be made by consensus agreement of the Governor, Senate Majority Leader, and Senate Minority Leader.

Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act 2026 Introduced in BC Legislature

The BC government introduced the Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2026, to the legislative assembly on April 1, 2026, proposing amendments across seven statutory areas including the Judicial Review Procedure Act (introducing a 60-day application deadline), Fuel Price Transparency Act (industry-funded cost recovery), Zero-Emission Vehicles Act (target adjustments), housing and infrastructure statutes, tenancy acts (correcting errors and aligning evidence rules), University Endowment Land Act (ticketing enforcement), and the Correction Act (mental health crisis response and expanded ISO authority). If passed, the amendments would affect corrections, judicial reviews, tenancy disputes, fuel pricing transparency, ZEV mandates, and local governance across British Columbia.

Belhaven BioPharma Intranasal Epinephrine Delivery Device Patent

Belhaven BioPharma Inc. received US Patent 12605517B1 on April 21, 2026, titled 'Compositions, devices, and methods for intranasal delivery of dry powder epinephrine.' The patent contains 15 claims and names Scott Lyman and Brian Taubenheim as inventors. The patented compositions include epinephrine with a stabilizing agent (citric acid or salt) and carrier for intranasal dry powder delivery. The patent is assigned under CPC classifications A61M 15/08, A61M 11/003, A61K 9/0043, and A61K 31/137. Belhaven BioPharma now holds enforceable intellectual property rights to this intranasal epinephrine formulation in the United States. Competitors developing similar intranasal epinephrine delivery systems for anaphylaxis or respiratory conditions should conduct Freedom to Operate analyses to assess potential infringement exposure.

Consumer Rights Amendment Transposes EU Directive 2023/2673 for Distance Financial Services

The MCCAA Office for Consumer Affairs has published user guidelines transposing EU Directive 2023/2673 into Maltese law, extending the scope of Directive 2011/83/EU to cover financial services contracts concluded at a distance between consumers and traders. The transposition requires traders to provide an accessible online withdrawal function enabling consumers to submit electronic withdrawal statements for distance contracts. These guidelines are published pursuant to Article 3 of the Small Business Act (Cap. 512).

NUTRA WOMEN'S HAIR GROWTH Opposition - TTAB

Nutraceutical Wellness, Inc. filed a trademark opposition against SUPERFOOD MD LLC at the USPTO Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, challenging the registration of the mark NUTRA WOMEN'S HAIR GROWTH. The opposition was filed on April 20, 2026 under TTAB case number TTAB91306734. The outcome of this proceeding will determine whether the subject mark can proceed to registration.

Lateral Decubitus vs Supine Position on Postoperative Hypoxemia (NCT07545642)

NIH registered clinical trial NCT07545642 on April 22, 2026, a prospective real-world study comparing lateral decubitus position (Group L) versus supine position (Group S) in patients undergoing painless gastroscopy/colonoscopy, to determine whether lateral positioning reduces the incidence of postoperative hypoxemia. The trial represents a simple, non-invasive, and low-cost optimization strategy under investigation for clinical practice. This is a study registration record only and does not constitute clinical guidance or regulatory approval.

Arrowstreet Capital Fined €297,000 for Incorrect Short Position Notifications

The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) imposed an administrative fine of €297,000 on Arrowstreet Capital, Limited Partnership on 20 April 2026 for systematically incorrect notifications of net short positions in Just Eat Takeaway.com and Galapagos listed on Euronext Amsterdam. The firm submitted 101 incorrect notifications between July 2020 and November 2024, understating positions by tens of millions of euros in many cases, with 85 of those also violating public disclosure obligations. Arrowstreet self-reported the error, corrected it promptly, and cooperated fully with the investigation, leading to a reduced fine through the simplified settlement procedure.

Parkinson's Dynamic Standing Desk Pilot Study, 12 Sessions

NIH registered a Phase 1 pilot study (NCT07543861) evaluating dynamic standing desk use in Parkinson's disease patients over 12 sessions, each lasting 4 hours. The study tests the primary hypothesis that dynamic standing improves gait function compared to static standing and control sitting, with Phase 1 as open-label and Phase 2 as an in-lab randomized controlled trial. This registry entry documents study parameters, condition (Parkinson Disease), and intervention (Dynamic Standing Desk) without imposing compliance obligations.

European Patent Application EP4115579A1: Managing Internet Site Access Request From Device

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4115579A1 on April 15, 2026, titled 'Method for Managing a Request to Access an Internet Site from an Access Device.' The application was filed by Orange with inventors BOUVET, Eric and FONTAINE, Fabrice. IPC classifications cover H04L 29/06 and H04L 29/12 relating to digital communications protocols. Designated states include all EU member states plus additional European countries. This publication makes the application publicly accessible for opposition and observation purposes.

Final Rule Prohibits Use of Reputation Risk by Bank Regulators

The FDIC and OCC jointly issued a final rule on April 7, 2026, codifying the prohibition of reputation risk from bank supervisory programs. The rule bars the agencies from criticizing or taking adverse action against supervised institutions based on reputation risk, and from instructing institutions to close accounts based on political, social, cultural, or religious views or constitutionally protected speech. The rule does not impose new obligations on supervised institutions but represents a significant shift in regulatory conduct standards. The rule takes effect 60 days after Federal Register publication, and references to reputation risk were removed from five FDIC examination manuals.

DA VINCI TTAB Opposition by Intuitive Surgical Operations

Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc filed a trademark opposition proceeding (TTAB91306738) against applicant John Brent Moetteli's DA VINCI mark on April 20, 2026. The opposition challenges the registration of the DA VINCI trademark before the USPTO Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.

BAD BOY ENERGY DRINK Opposition - Platypus Wear Inc v EMJ Tasty Foods

Platypus Wear, Inc. filed an opposition proceeding at the USPTO Trademark Trial and Appeal Board against EMJ Tasty Foods LLC's application for the BAD BOY ENERGY DRINK trademark (Serial No. 91306732). The opposition was filed on April 20, 2026. No substantive decision has been issued in this proceeding.

RBI Dividend Directions 2026, Commercial Banks

The Reserve Bank of India issued Master Directions effective Financial Year 2026-27 establishing new prudential norms for dividend declaration and profit remittance by commercial banks. Banks must meet eligibility criteria including positive adjusted PAT, regulatory capital compliance, and absence of RBI restrictions before paying dividends. Dividend quantum is capped at 75% of PAT in aggregate, with tiered percentages from 0% to 100% based on CET1 ratio buckets (from up to (8+z)% through above 20%), where 'z' is the applicable D-SIB buffer. The Directions apply to all banking companies, corresponding new banks, and State Bank of India, explicitly excluding Small Finance Banks, Local Area Banks, Payments Banks, and Regional Rural Banks.

Minister Asao's International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 Message

Japan's Ministry of the Environment issued a statement from Minister Asao Keiichiro on May 16, 2025, commemorating International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, 2025. The statement outlines Japan's implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, including a new law to achieve the 30by30 target through certification of Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Sites as OECMs, and over 900 organizations having made nature-positive commitments. The statement references Japan's 6th National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2023-2030, local biodiversity strategy support, and developing country assistance through the Japan Biodiversity Fund. The communication calls for cross-sector and cross-border cooperation but does not impose compliance obligations or deadlines.

Islamic Deposit Certificate Auction Results (ICD813, ICD165, ICD614)

The Central Bank of Iraq published auction results for Islamic Deposit Certificates under auction IDs ICD813, ICD165, and ICD614 covering tenors of 7, 14, and 182 days respectively. A PDF attachment provides detailed auction information for these Islamic deposit instruments. The announcement appears as a routine monetary policy communication from CBI Iraq.

RBI Extends Directions for Suri Friends' Union Co-operative Bank Through July 2026

The Reserve Bank of India has extended regulatory directions issued to The Suri Friends' Union Co-operative Bank Ltd., Suri, West Bengal for a further period of three months. The extension runs from close of business on April 22, 2026 to close of business on July 22, 2026. The original directions were issued under Section 35A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The RBI explicitly notes that the extension should not be construed as satisfaction with the bank's financial position.

Islamic Deposit Certificates and Central Bank Transfers Auction

The Central Bank of Iraq announces two separate auctions for execution on April 26, 2026: Islamic Deposit Certificates auction ICD166 (14-day term) for Islamic banks, and Central Bank Transfers auction B349 (14-day term) for traditional banks. Investment sizing for both auctions is based on 50% of private sector deposits as of April 9, 2026, submitted via the BSRS system during April 12–14, 2026. The CBI mandates exclusion of current account balances from the private deposit calculation base, with both auctions published through the Central Securities Depository (CSD) system.

CA CRD Opposes HUD Mixed-Status Housing Proposal

The California Civil Rights Department submitted a formal comment letter opposing HUD's proposed rule change that would deny federal housing assistance to families living with a family member ineligible due to immigration status. The proposal threatens approximately 7,190 mixed-eligibility households in California with termination from HUD programs, placing roughly 28,670 Californians at risk of eviction or family separation. CA CRD calls on HUD to withdraw the proposed change, citing intentional discrimination against recipients based on national origin and disparate impact on Latino families.

Basel III Endgame Reproposal: Securitization Framework Analysis

Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft LLP published an analysis on April 21, 2026 of the U.S. Basel III Endgame Reproposal, which the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation issued on March 19, 2026. The analysis focuses specifically on the proposed revisions to the securitization framework within the broader risk-based capital framework for U.S. banking organizations. The Reproposal comprises three concurrent notices of proposed rulemaking that would substantially revise capital requirements for covered institutions.

OCC, FDIC Ban Reputation Risk in Bank Supervision

The OCC and FDIC issued a final rule on April 7, 2026, prohibiting both agencies from using reputation risk as a basis for supervisory criticisms or adverse actions against banks. The rule, which takes effect June 9, 2026, formally eliminates reputation risk as a standalone supervisory risk category and includes an anti-evasion framework preventing supervisors from using traditional risk categories as pretexts to continue reputation-risk-based supervision. Banks serving customers in politically disfavored but lawful industries, as well as institutions with fintech or third-party relationships, are expected to benefit from reduced informal supervisory pressure.

Delaware SB 16 and SB 19: Banking Modernization and Payment Stablecoin Acts

Delaware Senate Bills 16 and 19, introduced March 23, 2026, propose to modernize Delaware's banking code for digital assets and create a dedicated licensing framework for payment stablecoin issuers. SB 16 adds statutory definitions for 'Digital Asset' and 'Virtual Currency' to Title 5 and explicitly authorizes Delaware-chartered banks to hold digital assets in fiduciary capacities, aligning state law with prior OCC and FDIC guidance. SB 19 establishes license categories, reserve requirements, capital standards, and anti-money laundering obligations for payment stablecoin issuers, drawing on concepts from the federal GENIUS Act. If enacted, both measures would take effect immediately, with implementation required within one year or upon issuance of final regulations by the State Bank Commissioner.

Bret Allan Dobbin Permanently Barred Following Settlement Agreement and Restitution Order

The Manitoba Securities Commission (MSC) has permanently barred Bret Allan Dobbin from Manitoba capital markets following a Settlement Agreement, after Mr. Dobbin was sentenced to 18 months in jail for violating The Securities Act and The Mortgage Brokers Act, having fraudulently obtained over $500,000 from an elderly, widowed victim. The Commission ordered permanent denial of exemptions under both Acts, immediate resignation from any director or officer positions held with any issuer, and prohibition against serving as a director or officer of any issuer in the future. The Provincial Court of Manitoba additionally ordered Mr. Dobbin to pay approximately $380,000 in restitution to his victim.