NRC Exceptions From FOCD Under ADVANCE Act for Nuclear Facilities

The NRC has issued a direct final rule amending 10 CFR Parts 50 and 54 to create statutory exceptions from the foreign ownership, control, or domination (FOCD) provision of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. The exceptions are mandated by section 301 of the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act of 2024 (ADVANCE Act). The rule is effective July 7, 2026, unless the NRC receives significant adverse comments by May 26, 2026. Applicants and licensees of nuclear utilization facilities with foreign ownership structures should monitor this rulemaking closely as it may expand permissible ownership pathways.

Baby Doe v. Mast, Fourth Circuit Affirms Protective Order

The Fourth Circuit affirmed the district court's protective order in Baby Doe v. Mast (No. 24-1900), ruling that the order prohibiting Defendants from disclosing the Does' identities passes strict scrutiny as a permissible content-based prior restraint. The court held the order is narrowly tailored to the compelling government interest in protecting foreign nationals who ally with U.S. military and diplomatic efforts abroad and that it is the least restrictive means to safeguard that interest. Judge Richardson wrote the majority opinion; Chief Judge Diaz joined; Judge King dissented.

Nichols v. Bumgarner - Fourth Amendment Excessive Force Claim Vacated and Remanded

The Fourth Circuit vacated the District of Maryland's dismissal of Patrick Nichols's 42 U.S.C. § 1983 excessive force claim against Officers Bumgarner and Schmidt. The appellate court held that the district court erroneously applied too stringent a pleading standard to Nichols's pro se complaint and erred by treating only Officer Bumgarner as a defendant, when the amended complaint adequately put Officer Schmidt on notice as a party. The case was remanded for further proceedings, with the Fourth Circuit directing the district court to consider appointing pro bono counsel on remand.

White v. Warden of Federal Correctional Institution - Cumberland, Rehearing Denied

The Fourth Circuit denied petitioner William A. White's petition for panel rehearing and rehearing en banc by a 2-1 vote. Judges Niemeyer and Wilkinson voted to deny; Judge King dissented and would have granted rehearing. The Court upheld its prior ruling that White was not entitled to First Step Act time credits for a three-day period at the Federal Transfer Center Oklahoma City because he did not 'participate' in recidivism reduction programming, as required under 18 U.S.C. § 3632(d)(4). White had submitted new evidence, including a declaration and BOP record, claiming he met with a psychologist who provided programming materials.

US v. Largent Affirmed - Supervised Release Revocation

The Fourth Circuit affirmed Gregory Largent's supervised release revocation, upholding an 18-month imprisonment sentence followed by lifetime supervised release. The court rejected Largent's argument that modifying his supervised release conditions—requiring court permission rather than probation office approval for contact with minors—required a separate hearing under Fed. R. Crim. P. 32.1(c). The appellate court found no plain error and concluded the revocation sentence was procedurally and substantively reasonable, emphasizing the district court's focus on breach of trust, dishonesty to the probation officer, and repeated violations. Defense counsel handling supervised release revocation matters should note that condition modifications made during revocation hearings, where the defendant is represented by counsel and has opportunity to present mitigating evidence, do not violate Rule 32.1(c) requirements.

Benson v. Warden FCI Edgefield, No. 24-6713 (Vacated, Remanded)

The Fourth Circuit vacated and remanded a district court decision dismissing Rahshjeem Benson's 28 U.S.C. § 2241 habeas petition seeking approximately 150 First Step Act time credits he allegedly earned at Wyatt Detention Center before arriving at FCI Edgefield in March 2022. The appellate court found the district court improperly dismissed the petition without requiring the Government to respond and without conducting discovery. Benson had accumulated 220 BOP-approved FSA credits at FCI Edgefield by the time of filing, with an anticipated release date of November 22, 2027. The case was remanded for additional proceedings consistent with the opinion.

EPSF 20th Anniversary Railway Safety Conference, 450+ Professionals

Over 450 railway professionals and institutional stakeholders attended EPSF's 20th anniversary conference on railway safety and interoperability, held on 12 March 2026 in France. Morning sessions addressed the cost of railway safety and regulatory simplification, with afternoon discussions covering AI applications in railway safety alongside a dedicated retrospective on the EPSF's two decades of operation. Speakers included representatives from FENVAC, Getlink, Siemens, Groupe SNCF, the European Commission, and CER, with a replay available on YouTube.

French State and EPSF Sign 2026-2030 Performance Contract

Philippe TABAROT, Minister of Transport, and Laurent CÉBULSKI, Director General of EPSF (Établissement public de sécurité ferrovaire), signed the 2026-2030 Objectives and Performance Contract (COP) on March 27, 2026. The five-year contract establishes the strategic roadmap for railway safety in France, organized around four axes: ensuring a safe railway system guaranteed by all sector actors, an interoperable network open to territories and international traffic, an innovative and developing sector, and an evolutive, responsible, and human organization. The contract aims to guarantee a very high level of safety on the national railway network in the context of evolving railway landscape.

RATP DEV CAEN NORMANDIE Safety Certificate Valid Until 30 March 2031

EPSF issued a safety certificate to RATP DEV CAEN NORMANDIE on 31 March 2026, authorising the operator to provide passenger transport services, excluding high-speed services, on a defined portion of the railway system. The certificate is valid until 30 March 2031. This certification is issued pursuant to Article 1 of Decree No. 2019-525 of 27 May 2019 relating to railway safety and interoperability.

Phase 1 CAR-T Safety Study, Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases

This ClinicalTrials.gov registry entry documents a Phase I open-label, monocenter interventional study conducted at Gustave Roussy evaluating the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of a single dose of autologous anti-CD19 CAR-T cells as an advanced therapy medicinal product. The study enrolls adult patients with severe and refractory systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases, specifically rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's disease, systemic sclerosis, and idiopathic inflammatory myositis. No compliance obligations or deadlines are created by this registry entry.

BL-M07D1 ADC Versus Chemotherapy for HER2+ Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer

This trial is a registrational Phase III, randomized, open-label, multicenter study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BL-M07D1 in patients with HER2-expressing platinum-resistant recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, and primary peritoneal cancer. The study will compare BL-M07D1 against physician's choice of chemotherapy (Liposomal Doxorubicin, Paclitaxel, or Topotecan).

Transdiagnostic Dimensional Profiling of Neurodevelopmental Disorders - NCT07544199

A new observational study (NCT07544199) was registered April 22, 2026, investigating cognitive function profiles in children ages 3-11 with neurodevelopmental disorders. The study employs the CRAB (Computerized Reading-related Assessment Battery) digital platform developed by SUPSI and the Université de Genève to assess both domain-general cognitive functions (attention, working memory, executive control) and domain-specific functions (phonological awareness, rapid naming, vocabulary, reading). Participating families receive a coded email link to access the platform, with game-like tasks administered remotely under the supervision of IRCCS Medea in Italy.

HeartLogic Remote Monitoring Trial Heart Failure Apr 22

A randomized, multicenter clinical trial has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under NCT07544771 to evaluate whether HeartLogic™ algorithm-guided remote management improves outcomes versus traditional face-to-face follow-up in adult heart failure patients recently implanted with a HeartLogic™-enabled ICD or CRT-D device. The primary endpoint at 12 months is a composite of death, unscheduled hospitalization for heart failure, or quality-of-life deterioration. Secondary endpoints include hospitalization, mortality, quality of life, safety, and cost-effectiveness. This is an interventional study with alert-guided remote follow-up as the active intervention and traditional follow-up as the comparator.

Investigating Barriers and Possibilities for Improving Healthcare Service of Female Survivors of Gender-based Violence in Upper Egypt

NCT07544316 is an observational study registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NIH) on April 22, 2026, investigating barriers and possibilities for improving healthcare services for female survivors of gender-based violence in Upper Egypt. The study addresses the condition of Gender-Based Violence and aims to shape effective recommendations for a better healthcare system targeting survivors. This is a study registration entry providing the abstract and study parameters without imposing compliance obligations.

RPH-030 vs Vectibix Phase 1 mCRC Trial Pharmacokinetics Study

NIH registered a Phase 1 clinical trial (NCT07543744) comparing the pharmacokinetics, safety, and immunogenicity of RPH-030 versus Vectibix® in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer harboring wild-type RAS genes, administered as first-line therapy alongside FOLFIRI. The single-center trial targets a population with an unmet therapeutic need given the established efficacy of anti-EGFR agents in RAS wild-type mCRC. Trial details are publicly accessible via ClinicalTrials.gov.

PEEP Titration Effects on VExUS and Renal Outcomes in ARDS Patients

A prospective observational cohort study has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07545252) to evaluate the effect of different levels of PEEP titration on VExUS score and renal outcomes in 40 patients diagnosed with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. The study uses VExUS score as the intervention and observational endpoint, with an anticipated enrollment of 40 participants. This registry entry documents the study design, condition, and interventions without imposing any compliance obligation.

RANKL Inhibition Study for Female Infertility Treatment

This ClinicalTrials.gov registry entry (NCT07546552) documents a translational research study investigating receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) inhibition as a novel treatment target for female infertility during assisted reproductive techniques. The study will examine whether denosumab, an antibody already used clinically for osteoporosis, can reduce the impact of aging on ovarian function by promoting follicle maturation and oocyte development in mice, monkeys, and human subjects undergoing in vitro fertilization.

Phase 4 Trial Compares Upadacitinib to Corticosteroids for Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis

A Phase 4 clinical trial (NCT07546097) comparing upadacitinib extended-release tablets against methylprednisolone/prednisone as first-line therapy for acute severe ulcerative colitis has been registered with an anticipated start date of April 22, 2026. The open-label, non-masked trial aims to determine whether upadacitinib at 45 mg daily for 8 weeks, then 30 mg daily, achieves non-inferior efficacy to corticosteroids in inducing clinical remission. Participants in both arms will attend clinic visits every 2 weeks for 3 months with colonoscopy, ultrasound, and blood testing at specified intervals.

Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage Amendment [MS No.5/2026]

The United Kingdom has ratified and published an amendment to the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (MS No.5/2026), presented to Parliament by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. The amendment was published on 22 April 2026 (ISBN 978-1-5286-6419-6) and updates the international framework governing cross-border nuclear incident compensation. Copies of the treaty instrument and explanatory memorandum are available from the UK Government Publications website.

UK Portugal Sign Double Taxation Treaty Eliminating Tax on Income Capital Gains

The United Kingdom and Portugal have concluded a bilateral convention for the elimination of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and capital gains. The treaty, designated as Treaty Series No. 19/2026, was presented to Parliament and formally published on 22 April 2026. The convention also addresses the prevention of tax evasion and avoidance between the two jurisdictions, replacing or supplementing prior arrangements.

UK Urges International Community to Support Syria's Economic Recovery: UN Security Council Statement

UK Chargé d'Affaires James Kariuki delivered a statement at the UN Security Council urging sustained international focus on Syria's economic recovery and long-term stability. The statement followed Syrian President al-Sharaa's visit to London on 31 March 2026, during which the UK announced over $9.5 million in additional funding for Syrian-led chemical weapons destruction through the Breath of Freedom Taskforce. The UK also welcomed progress in integrating North-East Syria into the Syrian state, including the appointment of Sipan Hamo as Deputy Minister of Defence and recent prisoner exchanges.

UK Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Political Process Safeguarding Libya's Unity and Stability

The UK, through Deputy Permanent Representative Archie Young, delivered a statement at the UN Security Council reaffirming commitment to an inclusive political process for Libya. The statement welcomed the 11 April milestone agreement on a unified budget as a confidence-building measure, praised renewed Libya sanctions measures to prevent oil smuggling and protect frozen assets, and expressed deep concern over the situation of migrants and refugees including reports of trafficking and informal detention. The UK urged all Libyan stakeholders to engage constructively with the SRSG's roadmap and prioritise citizens' interests.

Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay (Employment and Earnings) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026

The Department for the Economy (Northern Ireland) has made the Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay (Employment and Earnings) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 (S.R. 2026 No. 74), which come into operation on 6th April 2026. The regulations amend the Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay (General) (No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 by omitting regulations 12 to 15 and regulation 17, and revising the calculation methodology for normal weekly earnings and expected normal weekly earnings under sections 167ZZ9 and 167ZZ17 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992. A new regulation 19A is inserted establishing how expected normal weekly earnings are calculated for the 7-week bereavement period.

Military Rehabilitation and Compensation (Non-warlike Service) Determination 2019

The Military Rehabilitation and Compensation (Non-warlike Service) Determination 2019, latest version F2026C00322, is a legislative instrument in force administered by the Department of Veterans' Affairs. The determination is authorised by the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 and defines the scope of non-warlike service for the purposes of rehabilitation and compensation eligibility. Schedule 1 of the instrument contains the specific list of activities constituting non-warlike service under Australian Defence Force service classifications.

ASIC Corporations Serviced Apartment and Like Schemes Instrument 2016/869

ASIC Corporations Instrument 2016/869 provides exemptions from financial services licensing, scheme registration, and share hawking prohibitions for operators of serviced apartment schemes and like schemes under the Corporations Act 2001. The instrument applies conditional relief including breach reporting obligations for operators, exemptions for real estate selling agents, and specific valuation requirements for strata schemes where strata units are acquired for at least $500,000. Transitional provisions cover schemes previously regulated under ASIC Class Orders CO 02/245, CO 02/303, CO 02/304, CO 07/189, and ASIC Pro Forma 186.

Therapeutic Goods Serious Scarcity Clonidine Amendment Instrument 2026

The Therapeutic Goods (Serious Scarcity and Substitutable Medicine) (Clonidine) Amendment Instrument 2026 (F2026L00447) amends the 2025 clonidine scarcity instrument. The amendment, registered on 23 April 2026 and currently in force, is administered by the Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. The instrument likely modifies provisions governing substitutable medicines during periods of serious scarcity of clonidine, a prescription medication used for hypertension and ADHD.

Telecommunications Outages Customer Communications Standard 2024

The Australian Department of Infrastructure issued the Telecommunications Outages Customer Communications Standard 2024 under authorisation of the Telecommunications Act 1997. This industry standard establishes mandatory customer communication requirements for telecommunications providers during service outages. The standard applies to all carriage service providers and requires specific notification procedures, timing, and content standards when outages occur.

ASIC Corporations Mortgage Investment Schemes Instrument 2017/857

The ASIC Corporations (Mortgage Investment Schemes) Instrument 2017/857 is a legislative instrument in force under the Corporations Act 2001, administered by the Department of the Treasury. The instrument provides exemptions from scheme registration requirements for certain categories of mortgage investment schemes, including those with no more than 20 investors and small industry-supervised schemes. Part 3 addresses withdrawal rights for registered mortgage investment schemes.

ASIC Corporations (School Enrolment Deposits) Instrument 2016/812

ASIC has issued a consolidated version of the Corporations (School Enrolment Deposits) Instrument 2016/812, numbered F2026C00340, effective 27 March 2026. The instrument, which exempts school enrolment deposits from certain Corporations Act 2001 requirements, is administered by the Department of the Treasury and represents the latest authoritative version of the exemption framework. Schools and education providers collecting enrolment deposits should consult this version to confirm current compliance obligations, as prior versions have been superseded by the consolidated update.

Duke Energy Kentucky Smart Meter $25 Monthly Fee Complaint Case

The Kentucky Public Service Commission granted a joint motion by Stephanie Monette Smith and Duke Energy Kentucky, Inc. to amend the procedural schedule in Case No. 2025-00118. The complainant alleged that Duke Energy charged a $25 monthly manual meter reading fee after replacing her smart meter on September 18, 2022, and later claimed the meter had been broken since October 2022, resulting in $3,000 in alleged underbilling. The order extends the deadline for requesting a public hearing or submitting the matter on the written record to June 2, 2026.

South Kentucky RECC Information Request Due May 6 2026

The Kentucky Public Service Commission Staff has issued its First Request for Information to South Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation in Case No. 2026-00087. The cooperative must respond by May 6, 2026, providing estimated costs for barn demolition and warehouse construction, along with current net plant in service figures. Responses must be filed electronically in searchable PDF format under oath or with a signed certification of accuracy.

SBA Requests Comments on SBIR and STTR Tech-Net Database Information Collection

The U.S. Small Business Administration has published a 60-day notice and request for public comments on the SBIR and STTR Tech-Net Database information collection (OMB Control No. 3245-0356), which tracks Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer awards made by participating federal agencies. The collection covers small businesses planning to apply for or currently holding SBIR or STTR awards, with an estimated 17,050 annual responses and 6,800 annual burden hours. Comments must be submitted on or before June 22, 2026, to Genevieve Lind at SBA's Office of Investment and Innovation.

Presidential Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance Only, Hawaii

The President declared a major disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Hawaii on April 7, 2026, following Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudlides that occurred from March 10 through March 24, 2026. The SBA has opened disaster loan assistance for Private Non-Profit organizations in City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Maui counties. Physical loan applications are due June 15, 2026, and Economic Injury (EIDL) loan applications are due January 7, 2027, both at 3.625% interest rate.

Hawaii Disaster Declaration Amendment Extends Physical Loan Deadline to June 15, 2026

The SBA has issued Amendment 1 to Presidential Disaster Declaration FEMA-4909-DR for the State of Hawaii, extending the Physical Loan Application Deadline Date from the original date to June 15, 2026. The Economic Injury (EIDL) Loan Application Deadline Date remains January 7, 2027. All other terms of the original declaration dated April 7, 2026, remain unchanged. The amendment responds to Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides that occurred during the incident period of March 10 through March 24, 2026.

U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Public Business Meeting, April 24, 2026

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights will hold a public business meeting on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. EST at 1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 1150, Washington, DC 20425. The meeting, held pursuant to the Government in the Sunshine Act, will include presentations from State Advisory Committees, a vote on State Advisory Committee appointments, and a Staff Director's Report. CART (Computer Assisted Real Time Transcription) will be provided, and the meeting will be livestreamed on the Commission's YouTube page.

Maryland Advisory Committee to Hold Public Meetings on Artificial Intelligence and Voting Administration

The Maryland Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights will hold three public virtual meetings via Zoom on May 27, July 1, and July 29, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET. The committee will conduct briefing planning on the topic of artificial intelligence and its application in voting administration. Members of the public may register to attend, provide oral comments during open comment periods, and submit written comments within 30 days of each meeting.

Export Import Bank Sunshine Act Meeting, April 27, 2026

The Export Import Bank of the United States has scheduled a Sunshine Act public meeting for Monday, April 27, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. at Ex-Im Bank headquarters in Washington, DC. The sole agenda item is a U.S. Content Change for the Working Capital Guarantee Program. Members of the public wishing to attend must register by close of business Friday, April 24, 2026, by contacting Deidre Hodge at the Office of the General Counsel.

ILT-IOD Searches Locations in Pleasure Craft Manufacturer Fraud Investigation

The ILT-IOD (Intelligence and Investigation Service of the Netherlands Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate) conducted searches at multiple Dutch locations, including a residence, as part of a criminal investigation into suspected fraud with CE markings on pleasure craft. The manufacturer is suspected of document forgery by improperly applying CE markings to vessels that do not comply with European ISO standards, potentially endangering users. Inspectors seized 10 pleasure craft and related administration during the searches. The case file will be transferred to the Functional Public Prosecution Office for prosecution. Suspicion also exists that non-compliant vessels are still being produced in the Netherlands and elsewhere in Europe.

Court Rules Province Insufficiently Justified Dow NOx Emissions Limits

The Rechtbank Oost-Brabant partially annulled a decision by Provincie Zeeland regarding the environmental permit of Dow Benelux B.V. in Terneuzen, finding the province inadequately justified the specific NOx emission concentration limits permitted for the facility. The court ordered the province to issue a new decision within 6 months; in the meantime, stricter statutory NOx emission limits apply directly, which not all of Dow's installations can immediately meet. The ILT had initiated the appeal on the grounds that the permit allowed excessive NOx emissions harmful to air quality and nature.

Dwangsom voor Tata Steel: LD-Staalslak moet als gevaarlijk worden ingedeeld

The ILT has imposed a last onder dwangsom (conditional administrative fine) on Tata Steel for incorrectly classifying Linz-Donawitz (LD) steel slag as non-hazardous. The enforcement action follows a RIVM REACH Bureau investigation that found Tata Steel failed to account for low acidity, buffer capacity, and free lime content in the slag, which can cause serious eye injury and respiratory irritation. Tata Steel has 1 month to reclassify LD-staalslak as dangerous; failure to comply triggers €15 per ton (up to €10 million maximum) in penalties. The company produces approximately 650,000 tons of LD-staalslak annually.

Digital Waste Tracking (Wales) Regulations 2026

The Welsh Ministers have established a mandatory digital waste tracking system for Wales under the Digital Waste Tracking (Wales) Regulations 2026, effective 1 October 2026. Operators of permitted facilities receiving controlled waste must use approved software to create digital waste records, pay an annual digital waste tracking system fee, and submit specified waste information quarterly. The regulations include exemptions for digitally excluded persons and household waste deposited at authority-provided facilities.

Capacity Insurance Company Tenth Consent Order Extending Supervision

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has issued its Tenth Consent Order extending the period of public administrative supervision for Capacity Insurance Company by 120 days from the date of execution. This marks the tenth extension since the original 120-day supervision order was entered on March 3, 2023. The extension was consented to by Capacity Insurance Company, which acknowledged that conditions necessitating continued administrative supervision exist. All prior consent order terms remain in full force and effect. Capacity Insurance Company is a domestic property and casualty insurer authorized to transact insurance business in Florida under Certificate of Authority issued pursuant to Chapter 624, Part III, Florida Statutes.

Slide Insurance Company Approved to Assume 50 Citizens Policies

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation issued Consent Order OIR 2026-30 on April 14, 2026, approving Slide Insurance Company's proposal to assume up to 50 selected commercial lines policies from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation. The approved assumption includes 20 commercial residential multiperil and 30 commercial residential wind-only policies, expected to transfer on or about July 21, 2026. The order imposes conditions including comparable coverage requirements, a 40% cap on take-out premium offers relative to Citizens renewal premiums, and advance written approval from the OFFICE for any additional policy assumptions.

State v Williams Postconviction Relief Motion Dismissed

Delaware Superior Court Commissioner Diana Dunn recommended dismissal of Ronnie C. Williams' Motion for Postconviction Relief on April 22, 2026. Williams was convicted in February 2022 of multiple sexual offenses against minors, receiving an aggregate sentence of 71 years at Level V suspended after 22 years followed by probation. The Commissioner considered trial and appellate counsel affidavits, the State's response, and the defendant's reply before recommending dismissal.

Philip Morris USA Inc. Must Pay $56M in Wrongful Death Case

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court affirmed a $56 million award against Philip Morris USA Inc. in a wrongful death case where Barbara Fontaine died of lung cancer after smoking Marlboro and Parliament cigarettes for over 40 years. The jury originally awarded $8.014 million in compensatory damages and $1 billion in punitive damages, which the trial judge remitted to slightly more than $56 million. The SJC rejected Philip Morris's challenges to the punitive damages award on constitutional and procedural grounds.

Bank of Russia April 2026 Deposit Rate Monitoring: 13.43%, 13.39%

The Bank of Russia's April 2026 monitoring of maximum ruble deposit interest rates across the top 10 credit institutions by household deposits found 13.43% for the first 10 days of April and 13.39% for the second 10 days. Reference data on average maximum interest rates by maturity shows 13.04% for deposits up to 90 days, 13.24% for 91–180 days, 12.68% for 181 days to one year, and 11.61% for over one year. The monitoring covers Sberbank, VTB Bank, Bank GPB, ALFA-BANK, Rosselkhozbank, DOM.RF, Credit Bank of Moscow, TBank, Promsvyazbank, and Sovcombank.

Updated Collateral Requirements for Bank of Russia Loans

The Bank of Russia has raised the minimum outstanding principal balance for loans that credit institutions may transfer as collateral for Bank of Russia loans from ₽2 million to ₽5 million, effective 4 May 2026. The Bank will now permit transfers of non-marketable assets between credit institutions' collateral pools according to an established procedure, initially limited to reorganisations. Credit institutions may also withdraw requests to increase the value of non-marketable assets using unified electronic bank message formats.

Credit Reports Up 4% in 2025, MFO Scoring Rises 1.6x

In 2025, individuals requested 4% more credit reports compared to the prior year, indicating growing financial literacy. Microfinance organisations (MFOs) increased their use of credit history bureau services dramatically, with credit scorings provided to MFOs rising by a factor of 1.6 year-on-year. Banks and MFOs were the largest users of credit reporting services, while other entities including consumer credit cooperatives, lessors, mortgage agents, insurers, and collection agencies primarily requested credit scorings. According to Bank of Russia calculations, each ruble spent on a credit report in H2 2025 may reduce overdue loan amounts by more than RUB 337.

New Business Regulations Ease Company Registration via mObywatel App

The Ministry of Development and Technology announced new Polish business regulations published in the Journal of Laws on April 13, 2026, enabling company registration through the mObywatel app and introducing a one-stop-shop system for civil partnerships. The law phases in electronic-only CEIDG submissions starting November 1, 2026, with full implementation of one-stop-shop procedures by November 1, 2028.

Poland Extends Municipal General Plan Deadlines Under Spatial Planning Reform

The Council of Ministers adopted amendments to Poland's Spatial Planning and Development Act, granting municipalities additional time to implement the spatial planning reform. Key deadlines extended include studies of conditions and spatial development directions until August 31, 2026, public access to spatial planning documents until October 1, 2026, and spatial data requirements for local plans until July 1, 2029. The amendments also introduce restrictions on building permit decisions to persons with rights to use property for construction purposes.