OSC, AMF, CIRO Approve Financial Services Platform Test

The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), and Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) have approved Project Samara, a financial services platform test in Canada. This experimental project evaluates a distributed ledger technology platform for bond transactions, involving major financial institutions and the Bank of Canada.

FINTRAC Policy Interpretations for Proceeds of Crime Act

FINTRAC has updated its policy interpretations database concerning the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act. Notably, certain policy positions regarding payment processing and merchant servicing activities have been retracted as of April 27, 2022, with affected entities now subject to money services business requirements.

FINTRAC Interpretation Notices on Proceeds of Crime Law

The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) has issued interpretation notices to clarify provisions of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act. These notices provide technical interpretations and plain language explanations for regulated entities, including accountants.

FINTRAC Guidance on Proceeds of Crime Act Obligations

FINTRAC has published updated guidance for reporting entities on their obligations under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act. The guidance covers various sectors and key compliance areas such as client identification and transaction reporting.

FINTRAC Supervisory Framework Guidance

The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) has released its supervisory framework. This guidance outlines the principles, risk framework, and pillars of supervision FINTRAC uses to ensure businesses comply with the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act.

FINTRAC Notices and Advisories for Reporting Entities

The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) has issued numerous notices and advisories to reporting entities. These updates cover a range of obligations, including guidance on bribery and corruption, politically exposed persons, ministerial directives, and beneficial ownership reporting.

Shimadzu FDR Visionary Suite Health Product Recall

Health Canada has issued a Type II recall for Shimadzu Corporation's FDR Visionary Suite medical device due to a potential safety issue with the X-ray high voltage generator. The issue could lead to overheating and smoke. Healthcare providers are advised to contact the manufacturer for more information.

Health product recall: APO-BRIMONIDINE-TIMOP weight out of specification

Health Canada has issued a recall for APO-BRIMONIDINE-TIMOP due to a weight specification issue in lot VK2312. The recall is classified as Type II, indicating a low probability of adverse health consequences. Retailers are instructed to remove the affected product from shelves.

Olympus MAJ-1443 and MAJ-1444 Valves Recall

Health Canada has issued a Type II recall for Olympus MAJ-1443 and MAJ-1444 valves. These valves are no longer compatible with OER-Pro and OER-Elite automated endoscope reprocessors and require reprocessing via updated instructions. Healthcare providers should contact the manufacturer for further information.

Lifeworks Technology Massage Guns Recalled as Unauthorised Device

Health Canada has recalled Lifeworks Technology Vibra-Heal and Restore Massage Guns because they were distributed without a valid medical device licence. Sales have ceased, and the company plans to apply for the necessary licence.

ECB Fines J.P. Morgan for Misreporting Capital Requirements

The European Central Bank (ECB) has imposed two penalties totaling €12.18 million on J.P. Morgan SE for misreporting capital requirements between 2019 and 2024. The bank incorrectly calculated risk-weighted assets due to misclassifications and exclusions in credit risk and credit valuation adjustment risk reporting.

ECB welcomes Frank Elderson's Vice-Chair term extension

The European Central Bank (ECB) announced the extension of Frank Elderson's term as Vice-Chair of the Supervisory Board until December 2028. This decision follows a proposal by the ECB Governing Council and approval from the European Parliament.

ECB Fines Crédit Agricole €7.5M for Climate Risk Identification Failures

The European Central Bank (ECB) has imposed periodic penalty payments of €7,551,050 on Crédit Agricole for failing to sufficiently assess its climate-related and environmental risks by the deadline of 31 May 2024. This enforcement action highlights the ECB's commitment to ensuring banks adequately identify and manage climate risks.

ECB Appoints Thomas Broeng Jorgensen Director General Specialised Institutions

The European Central Bank (ECB) has appointed Thomas Broeng Jorgensen as Director General for Specialised Institutions and Less Significant Institutions, effective March 1, 2026. He will oversee the direct supervision of specialised banks and the oversight of less significant banks by national supervisors.

ECB Advances Climate and Nature Work

The European Central Bank (ECB) has concluded its 2024-2025 plan for integrating climate and nature-related risks into its core work. The ECB has refined its risk assessments, informed policy decisions, and improved supervision of banks, while also managing its own portfolios and operations.

Dutch DPA Cookie Policy Campaign

The Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) has launched a public campaign urging organizations to review and improve their cookie policies. The campaign provides guidelines and aims to raise awareness about data collection practices and privacy risks associated with website cookies.

AP Warns Users: TikTok Continues to Send Personal Data to China

The Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) has warned users that TikTok continues to transfer personal data to China, despite a ruling by European privacy regulators deeming such transfers unlawful. The AP advises users and organizations to reconsider their use of TikTok and similar services.

Dutch Data Protection Authority Warns of AI Agent Security Risks

The Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) has issued a warning regarding the significant security risks associated with AI agents like OpenClaw. The AP advises users and organizations against using these experimental systems, particularly with sensitive data, due to potential data breaches and account takeovers.

Reddit v. Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens - Data Protection Proceedings

The District Court in The Hague rejected Reddit's legal claims against the Dutch data protection authority (AP) regarding an investigation into unlawful personal data processing. The AP is continuing its investigation into whether Reddit unlawfully shared user data with algorithm developers.

Dutch DPA warns generative AI risks becoming wild west

Dutch DPA warns generative AI risks becoming wild west

AMF Revises Salmon Derivative Contract Position Limits

The AMF has revised the position limits for the salmon derivative contract listed on Euronext Paris Matif. These changes, confirmed by ESMA, lower the limit for the spot contract and increase the limit for other maturities, effective February 12, 2026.

AMF Invites Participation in AMLA Consultations on AML/CFT Standards

The French AMF is inviting financial market participants to engage in AMLA's public consultations on three draft implementing standards for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing. The consultations are open for one to three months, seeking stakeholder input on key clarifications for the new EU AML/CFT regulatory package.

AMF Appoints Sophia Bennani Director of Inspections

The Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) has appointed Sophia Bennani as the new Director of Inspections, effective February 16, 2026. This is an internal leadership change within the regulatory body.

AMF Reminds Digital Asset Providers of MiCA Deadline

The Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) is reminding Digital Asset Service Providers (DASPs) that the transitional period allowing them to operate without MiCA authorization ends on July 1, 2026. DASPs wishing to continue providing crypto-asset services must submit an authorization application as soon as possible.

AMF Withdraws APICAP Portfolio Management Authorisation

The Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) has announced the effective withdrawal of the authorisation for portfolio management company APICAP. This action follows a decision on July 4, 2025, and is now effective as of January 9, 2026, after APICAP's funds were transferred to other authorised entities.

European Commission Competition Case Search Portal

The European Commission has launched a new competition case search portal, providing public access to information on competition cases. This portal aims to increase transparency regarding the Commission's enforcement activities in antitrust and merger control.

ECHA Updates Annual Evaluation Statistics

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has updated its statistics on chemical evaluation progress, reporting on compliance checks conducted between 2009 and 2025. The agency checked the compliance of over 30% of substances registered before 2019 at volumes of at least 100 tonnes per year, aiming to ensure reliable hazard data and chemical safety.

ECHA Biocidal Products Committee Opinions on Active Substances and Authorisations

The European Chemicals Agency's Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) adopted six opinions on active substances and two on Union authorisations in its February 2026 meeting. These opinions concern substances like ethanol, DMDMH, hydrochloric acid, C(M)IT/MIT, and peracetic acid, impacting various product types. The European Commission will make the final decisions.

ECHA Risk Assessment Committee Adopts PFAS Restriction Opinion

The European Chemicals Agency's Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) has adopted its opinion on a proposal to restrict all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across the EU/EEA. This opinion is a key step in the regulatory process, with the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) expected to release its draft opinion soon.

Biocides Committee supports ethanol approval for disinfectants

ECHA's Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) has supported the approval of ethanol for use in human hygiene, general, and food/feed area disinfectants. The committee did not conclude on ethanol's carcinogenic or reprotoxic properties due to data limitations and the nature of existing evidence.

EBA Opinion on Commission Amendments to RTS on Equivalent Legal Mechanism

The European Banking Authority (EBA) published an Opinion responding to the European Commission's proposed amendments to draft technical standards on equivalent legal mechanisms for residential property under construction. The EBA disagrees with two key amendments concerning risk weight caps and the mandate for completion guarantees.

EBA Concludes Legacy Instruments Monitoring Work

The European Banking Authority (EBA) has concluded its dedicated monitoring of legacy instruments, which are financial instruments benefiting from grandfathering provisions under CRR1 and CRR2. The EBA will no longer prioritize this specific monitoring, trusting competent authorities to handle remaining cases based on existing guidance.

EBA Final Guidelines on Capital Endowment for Third-Country Branches

The European Banking Authority (EBA) has published final Guidelines specifying eligible instruments for the capital endowment requirement for third-country branches. These guidelines clarify which financial instruments can be used and the operational conditions required to protect local depositors and creditors.

EBA Final Report on Reporting Standards for Third-Country Branches

The European Banking Authority (EBA) has published its final report on harmonised reporting standards for third-country branches under CRD VI. The new framework aims to enhance supervisory oversight by introducing uniform reporting formats and definitions, with the first reporting reference date set for March 31, 2027.

EBA Central Validation of ISDA SIMM Begins March 1, 2026

The European Banking Authority (EBA) announced the commencement of its central validation function for the ISDA SIMM on March 1, 2026. This new function, established under EMIR, aims to ensure consistent oversight of initial margin models for non-centrally cleared derivatives across the EU.

BaFin Warns Consumers About exomarkets(.)pro Website and Identity Theft

Germany's BaFin has issued a warning to consumers regarding the website exomarkets(.)pro, which is offering financial, investment, and cryptoasset services without authorization. The warning highlights potential identity theft and unauthorized business operations.

BaFin Warns About Unauthorized Forex Platforms

Germany's financial regulator, BaFin, has issued a warning regarding several forex trading platforms operating under the slogan 'Trade Without Limits' that are offering cryptoasset services without the required authorization. Consumers are advised to exercise extreme caution as these platforms are not supervised by BaFin.

BaFin Warns of Unauthorized Richmond365 Finance Limited Website

Germany's BaFin has issued a warning regarding the website richmond365(.)com, which is offering financial and crypto asset services without authorization. The purported entity, Richmond365 Finance Limited, does not exist in the UK's company register, indicating a potential scam targeting German consumers.

BaFin Warns of Unauthorized Financial Services Platform Series

Germany's BaFin has issued a warning regarding a series of websites operating under the name 'Investieren & Handeln Sie 300+'. These platforms are offering financial, securities, and crypto-asset services without the required authorization from BaFin, potentially engaging in identity theft against legitimate investment funds.

BaFin Capital Markets Conference 2026 Details

The German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) has announced details for its Capital Markets Conference 2026, scheduled for June 23, 2026, in Frankfurt. Registration is now open for issuers and capital market representatives interested in topics such as the EU's Listing Act and private retirement provisions.

Financial Reporting Council Chair Sir Jan du Plessis to retire

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) announced that its Chair, Sir Jan du Plessis, will retire at the end of September 2026. His tenure has been marked by significant reforms in audit, corporate governance, and reporting standards.

FRC Consultation on Temporary Amendment to Third Country Auditor Policy

The UK's Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is consulting on a temporary amendment to its Third Country Auditor (TCA) policy. The proposed change would allow auditors of Chinese-registered entities listing Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) in London to use Chinese Standards on Auditing (CSAs) temporarily, aiming to boost capital flow and London's market competitiveness.

FRC Closes Investigation into Ernst & Young LLP Audit

The UK's Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has closed its investigation into audits conducted by Ernst & Young LLP for a Public Interest Entity for the years 2021 and 2022. The FRC's Executive Counsel decided not to bring enforcement action against the firm.

FRC Feedback on UK XBRL Taxonomy Proposals

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has published a feedback statement on proposed technical changes to the UK and Irish Digital Reporting Taxonomy Suite. The statement summarises stakeholder responses to a discussion paper and will inform the FRC's ongoing development of the Taxonomy project.

FRC Amends FRS 102 for Balance Sheet and Profit/Loss Accounts

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has issued amendments to FRS 102, effective for accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2027. These changes update the framework for companies adapting their balance sheet and profit and loss account formats, maintaining alignment with IFRS. Entities not adapting their formats will not be affected.

The Pensions Regulator Appoints Executive Director

The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has appointed Richard Knox as its Executive Director, Strategy, Policy and Analysis. This appointment is part of TPR's ongoing transformation to address the evolving pensions landscape and strengthen its senior leadership team.

Pension Value, Costs, and Service Quality Publication Proposals

The FCA, DWP, and The Pensions Regulator have proposed new measures requiring pension schemes to publish data on performance, costs, and service quality. These proposals aim to ensure savers receive good value and are open for comment until March 8, 2026.

TPR Data: Shift from Savings to Pensions System, Warns Smaller Schemes

New data from The Pensions Regulator (TPR) shows a significant shift towards in-scheme retirement options, with 13.4 million members now having access to drawdown. TPR urges smaller pension schemes to improve their offerings or consider consolidation.

Ben Gunnee appointed Interim Executive Director, Market Oversight

Ben Gunnee appointed Interim Executive Director, Market Oversight

SFO v. AOG Technics Director - Fraudulent Trading

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has concluded its substantive case against Jose Alejandro Zamora Yrala, director of AOG Technics Ltd, with his sentencing to 4 years 8 months in prison for fraudulent trading. The company was investigated for supplying suspected unapproved aircraft parts.