Edgeworth Security Redefined Trademark Application

USPTO published trademark application TM99431502 for 'Edgeworth Security Redefined' covering security services including threat analysis, alarm monitoring, surveillance, and guard services. The application was filed October 7, 2025, and published March 29, 2026, initiating a 30-day opposition period during which third parties may challenge registration.

Solvency II Amendments Reducing Supervisory Reporting and Disclosure Burden

EIOPA submitted draft amendments to two Implementing Technical Standards under Solvency II to the European Commission. The amendments implement the Solvency II review outcomes while reducing supervisory reporting and public disclosure requirements by 26% for quarterly templates (36% for small and non-complex undertakings) and by 30% for annual templates (44% for small and non-complex undertakings). The new requirements will take effect 30 January 2027, with a transitional provision allowing early relief for annual 2026 reporting.

Ultimate Forward Rate 2027 Calculation Euro Unchanged

EIOPA published the annual Ultimate Forward Rate (UFR) calculation for 2027. The euro UFR remains unchanged at 3.30%. The Chinese renminbi UFR decreases by 15 basis points to 4.05%. This technical rate serves as a reference for insurance and pension liability calculations under Solvency II.

Third IDD Application Report - Insurance Distribution Trends

EIOPA published its third report on the application of the Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD), confirming a 12% increase in EU passport registrations for insurance intermediaries between 2020-2024. The report identifies growing use of Generative AI in distribution channels, persistent concerns around sustainability disclosures and inducement transparency, and gaps in sales process quality. Findings will inform EIOPA's supervisory convergence work and the European Commission's Retail Investment Strategy and IDD review.

ACCC Updates Franchise Disclosure Register Form Requirements

The ACCC published a new form and manner decision for franchise disclosure register submissions, effective 30 March 2026. The changes affect all franchisors creating new franchise profiles or updating existing ones on the register. The new form modifies how franchisors must provide information required under the Franchising Code of Conduct.

FCC Chief Information Officer Appointment

The Federal Communications Commission announced the appointment of Farhan Khan as the Commission's new Chief Information Officer. The appointment was made by the Office of the Managing Director. This is a routine internal personnel announcement with no regulatory implications for external parties.

Lowest Unit Charge Guidance for Political Candidates

The FCC Media Bureau released guidance (DA-26-300) clarifying broadcasters' obligations regarding lowest unit charge requirements for legally qualified federal candidates and authorized campaign committees. The guidance addresses the 45-day primary and 60-day general election windows during which broadcasters must offer candidates the lowest available rates. This public notice does not create new obligations but restates existing requirements under FCC rules.

Domestic Energy Customer Credit Balances

Ofgem published data on domestic energy customer credit balances for January to December 2025, showing approximately £3.17 billion in total credit balances held by 17 million households paying by fixed Direct Debit. The average household credit balance was £199, with individual accounts averaging £212 in credit at year-end, representing a modest year-on-year increase from £206.

Renewables Obligation Annual Report Scheme Year 23

Ofgem published its annual Renewables Obligation transparency report for Scheme Year 23 (April 2024-March 2025), documenting 101.4 million ROCs issued to 26,644 accredited generators with 35.0 GW capacity. The collective supplier obligation was 119.5 million ROCs, with 88.6% compliance through ROCs and buy-out payments totalling £613.7 million. Two suppliers (Tomato Energy and Rebel Energy) ceased trading with a combined shortfall of £23.6 million.

Biomass Sustainability Data - 16th Reporting Year

Ofgem published the Biomass Sustainability Dataset for Scheme Year 23 (2024-2025), the 16th reporting year under the Renewables Obligation Order. The dataset accompanies the RO Annual Report and provides sustainability criteria data for biomass generating stations required to report against these standards. The data is available as a downloadable spreadsheet (416KB XLSX).