UK FCA Annual Work Programme 2026/27

The UK FCA published its annual work programme for 2026/27, outlining four strategic priorities: becoming a smarter regulator through AI, supporting growth, helping consumers, and tackling financial crime. Key planned activities include regulating deferred payment credit (BNPL) from July 2026 and developing AI-enabled authorisation tools. The programme covers capital requirements reform for investment firms, a bonds consolidated tape, and T+1 settlement cycle adoption.

DOL Fiduciary Rule Reshapes 401(k) Investment Evaluation

The US Department of Labor published a proposed rule to implement an executive order on alternative assets in 401(k) plans. The rule would establish a new process-based safe harbor for fiduciary decision-making and expand permissible investment options to include private equity, real estate, digital assets, commodities, infrastructure, and longevity risk-sharing pools.

California DFAL License Requirements and July 2026 Deadline

The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) has begun accepting Digital Financial Assets Law (DFAL) license applications through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS). Any person engaging in digital financial asset business activity with California residents must submit a complete application by July 1, 2026, or cease operations. The DFAL establishes a "BitLicensesque" regime covering digital asset custody, exchange, issuance, and digital asset kiosks.

Flowers Title Companies v. Bessent - Real Estate Reporting Rule Vacated

A federal judge in 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 collection and reporting of information for non-financed residential real estate transfers to entities and certain trusts, is now void. FinCEN has updated its website to confirm reporting persons are not currently required to file real estate reports while the court order remains in force.

CFTC Enforcement Priorities: Fraud, Manipulation, Insider Trading

CFTC Division of Enforcement Director David Miller outlined five enforcement priorities including insider trading, fraud, and manipulation, signaling a significant ramp-up in enforcement activity. The Director emphasized CFTC jurisdiction over prediction markets and announced a new cooperation policy offering incentives for self-reporting and full cooperation.

Mindfulness practices improve awareness and clarity

The ABA GPSolo newsletter published an educational article on mindfulness practices for legal professionals. The article uses the metaphor of a dimly lit room to illustrate how awareness functions, explaining how attention (a flashlight) and awareness (a lightbulb) work together to improve clarity in internal mental landscapes.

PARLOUR PIZZA PINTS Trademark Opposition

The USPTO Trademark Trial and Appeal Board issued a procedural update in Opposition No. TTAB91292412. Washington Square Management LLC opposes trademark registration by Parlour Franchising, LLC for 'PARLOUR PIZZA PINTS'. The Board confirmed trial dates remain as scheduled. The opposition was filed on July 1, 2024.

IJOY Opposition - NJOY v. Shenzhen IJOY Trademark Dispute

NJOY, LLC filed a Motion to Strike Notice of Reliance against Shenzhen IJOY Technology Co., Ltd in TTAB Opposition No. 91294559. The opposition concerns the IJOY trademark, with proceedings dated April 6, 2026. This is a procedural motion within an ongoing trademark opposition proceeding.

Babel Trademark Opposition Dismissed

The USPTO Trademark Trial and Appeal Board dismissed Opposition No. 91294643 filed by Babbel GmbH against Babel Sistemas De Información, S.L. regarding the BABEL trademark. The opposition was dismissed without prejudice. Babbel filed the opposition on October 6, 2024.

SCREAM GREATS Opposition - Trademark Dispute Dismissed

The USPTO Trademark Trial and Appeal Board dismissed Opposition No. 91297009 filed by Fangoria Holdings, LLC against TTS IP Holdings, LLC regarding the SCREAM GREATS trademark. The opposition was dismissed with prejudice on April 6, 2026. This decision terminates the administrative challenge to the trademark application, with no penalties imposed on either party.