Basel Committee Report on Synthetic Risk Transfer Markets

The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has published a report analyzing the growth of synthetic risk transfer (SRT) markets, which provide capital relief for banks managing corporate credit risk. The report identifies trends and supervisory concerns, estimating protected assets at approximately EUR 750 billion.

Court Orders Tariff Refunds for Importers

The U.S. Court of International Trade has ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection to refund duties collected under the now-unlawful IEEPA tariffs. This decision follows a Supreme Court ruling and impacts importers nationwide, with specific actions required for refund eligibility.

EU Industrial Accelerator Act: Focus on Green and Procurement

The EU has published a proposal for its Industrial Accelerator Act, shifting focus from high-tech sectors to decarbonizing heavy industry and introducing 'Buy European' rules for public procurement. The Act aims to bolster EU industrial capacity and competitiveness, with significant implications for supply chains and international trade relations.

UK Employment Rights Act 2025 Reforms

The UK's Employment Rights Act 2025, passed on December 18, 2025, introduces significant reforms to employment law. These changes, phased in from 2026 to 2027, affect industrial action, family leave, statutory sick pay, and dismissal rights, with the establishment of a new Fair Work Agency.

SEC Grants Conditional Reporting Relief for Foreign Private Issuers

The SEC has issued an exemptive order providing conditional relief from Section 16(a) insider reporting requirements for certain foreign private issuers. This relief applies when insiders are subject to substantially similar reporting obligations in their home jurisdiction, aiming to avoid duplicative filings.

Court of International Trade Orders Refunds for IEEPA Tariffs

The Court of International Trade (CIT) has ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to issue refunds for tariffs collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This decision follows a Supreme Court ruling invalidating these tariffs and applies to importers whose liquidations are not final.

UK Cryptoasset Prudential Regime Proposals

The UK FCA has proposed a new prudential regime for cryptoasset firms, introducing capital, liquidity, risk management, and governance requirements. This consultation aims to ensure firms have sufficient financial resources and operational continuity. The regime is expected to come into force in October 2027.

Regulation of AI in Drug Development: US, EU, and UK Approaches

Regulators in the US, EU, and UK are developing approaches to govern the use of AI in drug development, focusing on patient safety and research integrity. Key initiatives include common principles agreed upon by the EMA and FDA, and international harmonization efforts for AI/ML-enabled medical devices.

UK PSR Seeks Merchant Survey Views on Interchange Fees

The UK Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) is seeking comments on a draft merchant survey questionnaire as part of its review of cross-border interchange fees. The survey aims to gather data on merchants' processing costs for online payments from the EEA to inform fee levels. The deadline for comments is March 5, 2026.

US and Hong Kong Stablecoin and Crypto-Asset Regulation Analysis

This analysis compares the regulatory approaches to stablecoins and crypto-assets in the US and Hong Kong as of March 2026. It highlights the US's evolving fragmented approach, including the GENIUS Act, and Hong Kong's unified, purpose-built licensing framework. The document aims to guide market participants through these distinct regulatory landscapes.