DOJ Indicts Owners for Bid Rigging Affecting Mississippi Schools

The DOJ Antitrust Division announced the indictment of three individuals for orchestrating bid rigging schemes affecting the sale of sports equipment to public schools in Mississippi. The defendants allegedly conspired to manipulate bids, impacting at least 44 schools and millions of dollars in taxpayer funds.

DOJ Sues OhioHealth for Anticompetitive Healthcare Contracts

The Department of Justice's Antitrust Division, along with the Attorney General of Ohio, has filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against OhioHealth Corporation. The suit challenges anticompetitive contract restrictions that allegedly increase healthcare costs for Ohio patients by limiting insurer options and preventing competition.

DOJ and FTC Seek Comment on Business Collaboration Guidance

The Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission are seeking public comment on potential new guidance for collaborations among competitors. This initiative aims to replace previous guidelines withdrawn in December 2024 and provide clarity on antitrust issues related to business collaborations, joint ventures, and alliances.

SEC v. Tai Mo Shan Limited - Cease-and-Desist Order and $123M Penalty

The SEC has extended the deadline for the Division of Enforcement to submit a Proposed Plan of Distribution for the Fair Fund established in the cease-and-desist order against Tai Mo Shan Limited. The order requires Tai Mo Shan to pay a total of $123,095,287.00 in disgorgement, interest, and penalties for unregistered securities offerings.

SEC Reinstates Accountant Joseph Jennings, CPA After Suspension

The SEC has issued an order reinstating Joseph Jennings, CPA, to practice before the Commission as an accountant. Jennings was suspended in 2018 for insider trading violations related to the H.J. Heinz Company and Kraft Foods Group, Inc. merger.

SEC v. Madison Capital Funding LLC - Investment Adviser Sanctions

The SEC instituted administrative and cease-and-desist proceedings against Madison Capital Funding LLC, an investment adviser. The firm allegedly failed to determine fair market value for trades with pooled investment vehicles it advised during a period of market disruption.

SEC Bars Ejiro Ode Okuma for Fraud and Misappropriation

The SEC has barred Ejiro Ode Okuma from associating with any regulated entity following findings of fraud and misappropriation of over $9 million from a client. A final judgment was entered against Okuma, permanently enjoining him from future violations of securities laws.

FCA and Independent Football Regulator Sign Memorandum of Understanding

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement outlines how the two organizations will collaborate to ensure effective regulation where football and financial services intersect.

FCA Launches New Regulatory Priorities Reports

The FCA has launched new Regulatory Priorities reports, starting with the insurance sector, to replace over 40 previous portfolio letters. These new reports aim to streamline communication and provide clearer, higher-level guidance for regulated firms.

FCA Proposes Action to Close Credit File Gaps for Borrowers

The FCA is consulting on proposals to require lenders to share credit information with all designated consumer credit reference agencies (CRAs). This aims to close gaps in consumers' credit files and ensure they more accurately reflect financial circumstances. The consultation closes on May 1, 2026.