ESMA Final Draft RTS on Margin Transparency and Clearing Costs

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published final draft Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) on margin transparency requirements and clearing costs under EMIR 3. These drafts aim to improve transparency for clearing participants regarding margin calls and clearing fees.

Treasury Roadmap for Countering Illicit Finance in Digital Assets

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has released a report to Congress outlining innovative technologies to counter illicit finance involving digital assets, as required by the GENIUS Act. The report assesses risks and proposes a technology and policy roadmap, while recommending Congress enact legislation to clarify rules for digital asset service providers and traditional financial institutions.

FATF Report on Stablecoin and Unhosted Wallet Risks

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has released a report detailing risks associated with stablecoins and unhosted wallets for money laundering and terrorist financing. It provides recommendations and good practices for jurisdictions and the private sector to mitigate these risks.

UK Sanctions Update: Russia and Belarus

The UK government has amended its sanctions list under the Russia regime, with one entity remaining subject to an asset freeze and another being removed. Additionally, new guidance on licences for Belarus trade sanctions has been published, and an overview of 2025 Russia sanctions highlights potential future legislation targeting sanctions evasion.

Dennis M. Cloherty v. Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Civil Appeal

The Massachusetts Appeals Court affirmed the dismissal of Dennis M. Cloherty's pro se complaint against the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and others. The court found that the complaint, as twice amended, failed to articulate cognizable causes of action and that the plaintiff waived arguments by not addressing deficiencies in his brief.

John Doe v. Sex Offender Registry Board - Sex Offender Classification Appeal

The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a memorandum and order affirming a Superior Court judgment that upheld a Sex Offender Registry Board decision classifying John Doe as a level two sex offender. The court addressed several claims of error regarding the hearing examiner's findings and reliance on evidence.

U.S. Bank Trustee v. Kevin Lashua - Foreclosure Appeal

The Massachusetts Appeals Court affirmed a grant of summary judgment in favor of U.S. Bank, N.A., as trustee, in a foreclosure appeal filed by Kevin Lashua. The court found no material facts in dispute regarding the foreclosure proceedings.

Commonwealth v. Benji B. Guerrier - Criminal Appeal

The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a non-precedential summary opinion affirming a conviction for receiving a firearm with a defaced serial number. The defendant appealed the denial of his motion to suppress evidence.

Commonwealth v. Atweri - Criminal Appeal

The Massachusetts Appeals Court affirmed a lower court's denial of a motion to suppress evidence in the case of Commonwealth v. Atweri. The court found that the exit order and subsequent search of the vehicle were justified, upholding the defendant's convictions for firearms and drug offenses.

John Doe v. Sex Offender Registry Board - Classification Appeal

The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a memorandum and order affirming a Superior Court judgment that upheld the Sex Offender Registry Board's (SORB) classification of John Doe as a level three sex offender. The court found substantial evidence supported the hearing examiner's findings regarding penetration and the application of risk factors.