FDIC Rescinds 2009 Failed Bank Acquisition Policy

The FDIC Board of Directors rescinded its 2009 Statement of Policy on Qualifications for Failed Bank Acquisitions and related 2010 guidance effective March 23, 2026. The rescission removes heightened capital standards, cross-guarantee requirements, restrictive affiliate transaction limits, and lengthy continuity of ownership requirements that applied to private capital investors acquiring failed bank assets. The FDIC stated the restrictions may have discouraged nonbank participation in failed bank resolutions and increased costs to the Deposit Insurance Fund.

Updated Guidance on Nonbank Financial Company Designations

FSOC released proposed interpretive guidance on nonbank financial company designations for public comment, replacing the 2023 analytic framework. The guidance prioritizes an activities-based approach over entity-specific designations, introduces a pre-designation off-ramp with 180 days to resolve risks, and raises the threshold for designation to 'severe damage on the broader U.S. economy.' The proposed guidance is open for a 45-day public comment period.

Fiecke-Stifter v. MidCountry Bank - TILA/FDCPA Claims in Foreclosure

The 8th Circuit affirmed dismissal of a TILA claim in Fiecke-Stifter v. MidCountry Bank, holding that 15 U.S.C. § 1639f(a) permits servicers to credit payments upon receipt and later return insufficient funds. The court vacated and remanded an FDCPA claim against foreclosure counsel, directing the district court to determine whether failing to provide a reinstatement amount within three days under Minnesota § 580.30 deprives counsel of the "present right to possession" required by § 1692f(6)(A). The case arose from a Minnesota nonjudicial foreclosure where the heir redeemed property for $77,159 versus a $58,722 loan balance.

Court vacates FinCEN real estate reporting rule

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas vacated FinCEN's residential real estate reporting rule in Flowers Title Companies v. Bessent, finding the agency exceeded its statutory authority under the Bank Secrecy Act. The rule, which required title insurance agents, escrow agents, and attorneys to report non-financed residential transfers to entities or trusts, was effective since December 1, 2025 but had no minimum dollar threshold. The court found FinCEN's reliance on prior geographic targeting order statistics unpersuasive.

Supreme Court denies CFPB mortgage case certiorari

The U.S. Supreme Court denied certiorari in a CFPB enforcement action involving alleged deceptive mortgage payment practices, leaving in place a 9th Circuit decision affirming liability on remand. The underlying case, filed by the CFPB in 2015, involved claims that a mortgage product overstated consumer savings and falsely implied lender affiliation. The denial concludes Supreme Court review while the $134M restitution award remains in effect.

Boeing 737 Airworthiness Directive - Thrust Reverser Actuator Inspection

The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive for all Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes addressing incorrect upper locking hydraulic actuator indications that could result in a thrust reverser indicating 'locked' when it is not. The proposed AD would require measurements, tests, operational checks, applicable on-condition actions, and revision of maintenance or inspection programs to incorporate certification maintenance requirements (CMR).

Airbus A350-941 Airworthiness Directive - MLG Brake Rod Inspection

The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive for Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes following discovery of a missing main landing gear brake rod center pin nut sub-assembly during routine inspection. The proposed AD would mandate inspections of the MLG brake rod center pin nut, lock ring, end plate, and corrective actions depending on airplane configuration. Comments are due May 14, 2026.

FAA Proposes Designating Air Mods NW STCs Abandoned

The FAA proposes to designate 12 Air Mods NW Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) as abandoned and make the related engineering data publicly available upon request. The STCs cover various aircraft modifications including engine mounts, propellers, fuel tanks, and cowlings. The FAA is accepting public comments through September 28, 2026 (Docket No. FAA-2026-2719).

Employee Assault Prevention and Response Plan Information Collection Renewal

The FAA is seeking public comments to renew OMB approval for information collection related to Employee Assault Prevention and Response Plans (EAPRP) under the FAA Reauthorization Acts of 2018 and 2024. Part 121 air carriers must submit these plans regarding assault prevention for customer service agents. The estimated annual burden is $3,868 across 9 respondents.

Petition for UAS Exemption for Agricultural Operations

A&N Fishback Acres has filed a petition with the FAA seeking exemption under 49 U.S.C. § 44807 and 14 C.F.R. Part 11 to conduct unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations for commercial agricultural services. The petition requests authorization to operate drones weighing 55 pounds or more, conduct daytime autonomous operations without an FAA-issued airman medical certificate, and increase operational speed to 50 mph.

Dr Drones LLC FAA exemption petition terminated

The FAA terminated Dr Drones LLC's exemption petition as of October 31, 2025. The exemption had authorized the company to operate drones for agricultural aircraft operations under 49 U.S.C. §§ 44701(f), 44807 and 14 C.F.R. Part 11. This is a routine administrative termination affecting one company's exemption status under FAA's unmanned aircraft regulations.

Rice Aerial Services UAS Exemption Petition - Agricultural Drones

The FAA granted Rice Aerial Services an exemption under 49 U.S.C. § 44807 and 14 C.F.R. Part 11 to conduct commercial agricultural UAS operations with drones weighing 55 pounds or more. The exemption authorizes daytime autonomous operations without an FAA-issued airman medical certificate and permits operations at speeds up to 50 mph. This expands commercial UAS capabilities for agricultural services under the special UAS authority framework.

CFPB mortgage advertising comment deadline April 20

CFPB mortgage advertising comment deadline April 20

Prediction Markets vs State Gambling Regulators - CFTC Jurisdiction Dispute

The CFTC filed an amicus brief in North American Derivatives Exchange, Inc. v. Nevada (9th Cir. No. 25-7187) siding with prediction market platforms, arguing that sports event contracts qualify as "swaps" under the Commodity Exchange Act and that CEA preempts state gambling laws. The agency contends it has exclusive jurisdiction over these contracts when traded on CFTC-registered designated contract markets.

Treasury assumes federal student loan default collections under interagency agreement

The U.S. Department of Treasury and Department of Education announced an interagency agreement under the Economy Act transferring operational responsibility for federal student loan default collections to Treasury. Treasury will assume administration of ED's Default Resolution Group and Default Management and Collections System, leveraging private default resolution agencies to help borrowers return to good standing. The federal student loan portfolio totals nearly $1.7 trillion, with fewer than half of borrowers in current repayment and almost a quarter in default.

Six-part podcast series on debt sales legal analysis

Ballard Spahr LLP announced a new six-part podcast mini-series titled 'Debt Sales 101' on the Consumer Finance Monitor podcast. The series, co-hosted by Joseph Schuster and Chris Eastman, will cover the full lifecycle of consumer debt sales including eligible debt, deal structuring, regulatory landscape, contracting, and post-sale compliance oversight. Episodes will be released weekly starting Monday.

Joint SEC-CFTC Interpretation on Crypto Asset Securities Classification

The SEC and CFTC jointly issued interpretive guidance establishing that investment contracts underlying crypto tokens may terminate, allowing tokens to cease being securities. The guidance repudiates the prior SEC position that securities classification was permanent once established. A comment period is open until April 27, 2026.

Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957 - March 2026 Amendment

SEBI issued the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2026 on March 13, 2026, updating the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957. The amendment supersedes the previous version from May 19, 2025, and introduces changes to India's securities contract regulatory framework governing stock exchanges, brokers, and securities trading.

Advance Pricing Agreement Annual Report

The IRS APMA Program published its 27th annual report covering calendar year 2025. The program received 178 new APA applications and executed agreements covering 2,676 APAs. APMA maintains 108 staff across Washington DC, California, Florida, Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York City, and Seattle offices.

Federal Circuit Upholds ITC Apple Watch Import Ban, Section 337 Violation

The Federal Circuit affirmed the ITC's determination that Apple violated Section 337 of the Tariff Act by importing Apple Watch models that infringe Masimo's patents covering wearable blood oxygen measurement technology. The court upheld the limited exclusion order barring Apple's importation of infringing Apple Watches into the US. Apple had challenged the ITC's domestic industry, claim construction, and validity findings, along with its prosecution laches defense, all of which were rejected.

CIT Expands IEEPA Tariff Refunds to Final Liquidated Entries

The Court of International Trade (CIT) issued an amended order on March 27, 2026, expanding IEEPA tariff refund eligibility to include entries that have reached final liquidation (liquidation date plus 180 days). The order authorizes CBP to reliquidate and refund IEEPA tariffs even for entries no longer subject to protest, removing a significant administrative hurdle for importers seeking duty refunds following the Supreme Court's February 2026 finding that IEEPA duties were unconstitutional.

OFSI Penalty Apple Distribution International Russia Sanctions Breach

OFSI imposed a £390,000 monetary penalty on Apple Distribution International Limited (ADI) for breaches of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. ADI instructed a UK bank to make two payments totaling £635,618.75 to Okko LLC, a company wholly owned by designated person JSC New Opportunities (UKSL ref RUS1489). ADI failed to cancel the payment instructions after Okko came under designated person ownership, constituting the breach. This is the first penalty under OFSI's new 2026 enforcement framework enabling settlement.

Bankruptcy court allows restaurant to challenge usurious MCA debt

Bankruptcy court allows restaurant to challenge usurious MCA debt

Updated CRR Legal Opinions on Master Participation Agreements

Sullivan & Worcester advised BAFT (Bankers Association for Finance & Trade) and ITFA (International Trade and Forfaiting Association) on updated Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) legal opinions covering English and New York law Master Participation Agreements. Separate EU and UK CRR opinions have been created reflecting post-Brexit regulatory divergence. The opinions analyze MPA enforceability and effectiveness as credit risk mitigants under CRR.

Medicare Home Health Agency Provider Compliance Audit: VNS Health

HHS OIG completed a compliance audit of VNS Health's Medicare home health claims for the period July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2022. Of 100 sampled claims, 16 contained errors resulting in $2,965,484 in overpayments. OIG recommends VNS Health refund the overpayments and conduct internal audits to identify similar billing errors.

Statutory Redundancy Claim - Ann Marie Murray v. Rockys Takeaway

The Workplace Relations Commission adjudicated a statutory redundancy claim by Ann Marie Murray against Kieran Walsh trading as Rockys Takeaway Ballylinan. Following a hearing on 4 March 2026, Adjudication Officer Seamus Clinton found in favor of the complainant, determining she was entitled to statutory redundancy payment. The respondent did not attend the hearing.

Hugh Myles v. Mk Tyres - Employment Dispute

The Workplace Relations Commission adjudicated employment complaints brought by Hugh Myles against Mk Tyres (Mark Keenan). The Adjudication Officer Niamh O'Carroll heard complaints under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977, Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994, Minimum Notice & Terms of Employment Act 1973, and Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. Multiple complaints were withdrawn by the complainant prior to the hearing. The binding decision resolves the dispute between the parties.

COMEBACK CORNER Trademark Application for Fitness Goods and Services

The USPTO received a trademark application for COMEBACK CORNER (Serial No. TM97849628) under Intent-to-Use basis filed on March 21, 2023. The application covers fitness and health-related services including a website with fitness information and blogs, as well as clothing items such as sweatshirts, athletic wear, and headwear. No compliance actions are required from trademark applicants or the public at this stage.

LASERIE Trademark Application for Medspa Services

The USPTO received an Intent-to-Use trademark application (TM98515921) for 'LASERIE' covering medspa services for health and beauty of the body. The application was filed on April 23, 2024, by a party seeking to register the mark under Class 44 for medical spa services.

FACECO Trademark - Medical and Cosmetic Services

USPTO received trademark application TM98548680 for FACECO filed on May 13, 2024, under Intent-to-Use basis. The application covers medical and cosmetic skin care services, massage therapy services, and cosmetics. The services span training, consultation, and direct service delivery in massage and skin care procedures.

Texarkana Revenue Office Closure Due to Water Damage

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration announced the temporary closure of the Texarkana Revenue Office starting March 30, 2026, due to water damage from a broken pipe. The agency advises affected taxpayers to use other area offices operating under normal hours. This is an operational notice with no regulatory changes.

Oregon DEQ Environmental Enforcement Penalties - February 2026

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued 10 civil penalties totaling $145,903 in February 2026 for environmental violations including asbestos abatement, stormwater discharge, and hazardous waste mismanagement. Fines ranged from $1,600 to $27,785 across 10 organizations including contractors, wood products companies, paint manufacturers, and a university.

UL LLC NRTL Recognition Scope Expansion

OSHA has issued a final notice expanding UL LLC's Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) scope to include one additional test site at 4322 New Energy Way, Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326. The expansion becomes effective March 30, 2026. UL submitted its expansion application on October 6, 2023, and OSHA staff completed facility assessments on February 24-25, 2025.

Extension of OMB Paperwork Approval Comment Period for Whistleblower Retaliation Complaint Procedures

OSHA has extended the public comment period until May 29, 2026, for its request to extend OMB approval of information collection requirements under the Regulations Containing Procedures for the Handling of Retaliation Complaints (whistleblower provisions). The agency is seeking comments on paperwork burden estimates for investigating retaliation complaints under seven environmental statutes and the Energy Reorganization Act.

Tilefish fisheries 2026 proposed rule

Tilefish fisheries 2026 proposed rule, comment deadline Apr 14

Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Framework Adjustment 40 Specifications

NMFS published an interim final rule implementing Atlantic Sea Scallop Framework Adjustment 40, establishing fishing year 2026 and 2027 specifications including days-at-sea limits, limited access general category allocations, and modified area designations to prevent overfishing and optimize yield-per-recruit.

North Salem Bancorp to acquire Tri-County Bancorp, Indiana

The Federal Reserve published a notice that North Salem State Bancorporation, North Salem, Indiana, filed an application to acquire 13.08 percent of the voting shares of Tri-County Bancorp, and thereby indirectly acquire voting shares of Tri-County Bank & Trust Company, both of Roachdale, Indiana. The application is subject to public comment under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. Comments must be received by April 29, 2026.

ICE Arrests Criminal Illegal Alien and Latin Kings Gang Member

ICE announced the arrest of Bryan David Tasiguano Leon, a criminal illegal alien from Ecuador and documented Latin Kings gang member. Despite an ICE detainer being lodged, NYC authorities released him back into the community. Tasiguano Leon first entered the country illegally in 2022 and was previously released by federal authorities.

ICE Requests Charlotte Hold Alien in Double Murder Case

ICE has lodged a detainer requesting Charlotte officials not release Angelvis Jesus Quintero Fernandez, a 22-year-old Venezuelan illegal alien, who faces felony charges including first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder for allegedly carrying out two fatal shootings. The detainer was issued following Fernandez's arrest in Charlotte, North Carolina.

SureForm 30 8mm Surgical Stapler Recall

ANSM issued safety alert R2607062 regarding Intuitive Surgical's voluntary recall of SureForm 30 8mm Gray Reload surgical stapler devices. The recall affects hospital pharmacies and surgical departments using computer-assisted surgery systems. Healthcare facilities must identify and remove affected devices from use.

TruPulse Ablation Generator Safety with Thermocool Catheter

ANSM issued safety notification R2608394 regarding a field safety corrective action by Biosense Webster Inc. for the TruPulse cardiac ablation generator (software version 2.7.0) when used with the Thermocool SmartTouch SF dual-energy catheter. Healthcare facilities using this equipment must review the manufacturer's safety communication dated March 30, 2026.

Sphere-9 Dual-Energy Mapping and Ablation Catheter Safety Recall

ANSM has recorded a field safety corrective action by Medtronic for the Sphere-9 dual-energy mapping and ablation catheter system (combining electroporation and radiofrequency) under reference R2608484. Healthcare establishments must review the Medtronic safety letter and take appropriate action regarding affected devices.

Lifecath PICC Easy Central Venous Catheter Lot Recall

ANSM issued safety alert R2608397 regarding a product recall by Vygon Germany GmbH for Lifecath PICC Easy central venous catheters. The recall affects specific lots distributed to French pharmacies and health establishments. Healthcare facilities must identify and return affected products immediately.

Philips Respironics Trilogy Evo Ventilator Safety Alert - Nebulizer Use and Software Update

ANSM issued a safety alert (Ref. R2604745) requiring Philips Respironics Trilogy Evo, Trilogy Evo O2, and Trilogy EV300 ventilators to receive mandatory software updates and discontinue use of non-pneumatic nebulizers. The alert addresses incorrect tidal volume delivery when non-pneumatic nebulizers are used due to faulty leak estimation, and corrects alarm delay delays and flow sensor anomalies caused by aerosol accumulation. Healthcare providers and home health service providers (PSAD) must act immediately.

Safety alert Orbis Medication 3.x prescription software

Safety alert Orbis Medication 3.x prescription software

Roundcube Vulnerability Allows Security Policy Bypass

CERT-FR issued an advisory warning of a security policy bypass vulnerability in Roundcube Webmail affecting versions 1.5.x prior to 1.5.15, 1.6.x prior to 1.6.15, and 1.7.x prior to 1.7-rc6. The vulnerability, disclosed by Roundcube on March 29, 2026, allows attackers to bypass security policies. Organizations running affected versions should update immediately.

Multiple Microsoft Edge vulnerabilities, 5 CVEs, security advisory

Multiple Microsoft Edge vulnerabilities, 5 CVEs, security advisory

Docker Desktop SSRF vulnerability, versions before 4.67.0

Docker Desktop SSRF vulnerability, versions before 4.67.0

Multiple Microsoft Product Vulnerabilities Advisory

CERT-FR issued an advisory aggregating 44+ Microsoft security vulnerabilities (CVEs) disclosed between March 19-26, 2026. The vulnerabilities affect various Microsoft products, with severity ranging from important to critical. French organizations using Microsoft software are advised to review and apply the referenced security patches.

Intesa Sanpaolo fined €31.8M for unauthorized access to 3,500+ clients' banking data

The Italian Data Protection Authority (Garante Privacy) imposed a €31.8 million fine on Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A. for serious data security deficiencies. The bank failed to implement adequate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data, resulting in unauthorized access to banking information of over 3,500 clients for more than two years.