SEC Obtains Final Judgment Against Nicholas Bowerman in Accounting Fraud Case

The SEC announced it has obtained a final judgment against Nicholas Bowerman, a former finance director at CIRCOR International, for alleged accounting fraud. The judgment includes permanent injunctions, a prohibition from serving in financial roles at public companies, and orders Bowerman to pay disgorgement, interest, and a $75,000 civil penalty.

FINRA Guidance Documents, Interpretive Letters, FAQs, and Best Practices

FINRA has published a collection of its guidance documents, interpretive letters, FAQs, and best practices related to specific topics. This resource aims to provide clarity and support for regulated entities in understanding and adhering to FINRA rules.

Michael Herlihy v. DBMP, LLC - Asbestos Claims in Bankruptcy

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a bankruptcy court's decision to deny a motion to lift an automatic stay for asbestos claims against DBMP, LLC. The court found that lifting the stay would prejudice the debtor's estate and interfere with a potential Chapter 11 reorganization plan for asbestos claimants.

Lowy v. Daniel Defense, LLC - Product Liability Opinion

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed in part and vacated in part a district court's decision in Karen Lowy v. Daniel Defense, LLC. The opinion, decided on February 11, 2026, addresses product liability claims against firearms manufacturers and related entities. The case has been remanded for further proceedings.

Gibbons v. Gibbs - Affirmation of District Court Decision

The Fourth Circuit affirmed a district court's decision in Gibbons v. Gibbs, upholding the dismissal of claims related to the appointment of an election registrar. The court found that the appellant forfeited appellate review by failing to properly proffer evidence and found no abuse of discretion in the district court's evidentiary rulings or jury selection.

Operation 13 Tiers: 25 Defendants Charged in Drug Trafficking Scheme

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the conviction of Franklin Guillen Lara and the charging of 24 other defendants in Operation 13 Tiers. The operation targeted a drug trafficking organization run by the SUR-13 gang from within Florida prisons, resulting in the seizure of significant quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Environment Agency Increases Water Enforcement Workforce and Budget

The UK Environment Agency has significantly expanded its water enforcement team, increasing its workforce almost fivefold since 2023 to 195 by March 2026, backed by a record £153 million budget. This initiative aims to enhance regulatory action against water pollution, with over 8,000 inspections completed and £6.9 million in enforcement undertakings secured in the past year.

FTC Sends $103,420 in Refunds to Consumers for Deceptive Marketing

The FTC is sending over $40,700 in refunds to 578 consumers who purchased deceptively marketed products from Golden Sunrise Nutraceutical between July 2017 and July 2020. The refunds stem from a court order against the company and its director for making false health claims.

Fifth Circuit Certifies Texas LLC Exemption Question to State Supreme Court

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has certified a question to the Supreme Court of Texas regarding whether a Texas LLC membership interest is an exempt asset in federal bankruptcy proceedings. The court is seeking clarification on Texas state law to resolve a dispute between a debtor and the bankruptcy trustee.

Fifth Circuit Court Opinion on Mississippi Vapor Law

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals denied a motion for an injunction pending appeal in a case challenging Mississippi House Bill 916. The court found that the plaintiffs, including vapor retailers and trade associations, failed to establish Article III standing to challenge the law, which restricts the sale of electronic nicotine devices to those approved by the FDA.

Scott Reardon v. American Airlines - Retaliatory Termination Claim

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal of a retaliatory termination claim filed by Scott Reardon against American Airlines under the Railway Labor Act. The court found that Reardon's termination was based on violations of a Last Chance Agreement, not retaliation.

Geo Group v. Inslee - Ninth Circuit Denies Rehearing

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals denied a petition for rehearing in the case of The GEO Group, Inc. v. Jay Inslee. The court's prior decision vacated a preliminary injunction against a Washington state law concerning civil detainees and remanded the case. The denial of rehearing means the prior ruling stands.

Cox v. Gritman Medical Center - Personal Jurisdiction Ruling

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a district court's dismissal in Cox v. Gritman Medical Center, finding personal jurisdiction over Idaho-based defendants in a wrongful death action brought by Washington residents. The court held that defendants cultivated treatment relationships with Washington residents and transmitted prescriptions to Washington pharmacies, satisfying the long-arm statute and Due Process Clause.

EDPB-EDPS Joint Opinion on Digital Omnibus Legislative Proposal

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) and the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) have issued a joint opinion on the Digital Omnibus legislative proposal. This opinion provides their assessment and recommendations on the proposed legislation, which impacts data protection and privacy within the EU.

Indictments for Medicaid Fraud and Money Laundering by Transport Provider

The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office announced indictments against a non-emergency medical transportation provider and its former owner for Medicaid fraud and money laundering. The company allegedly billed MassHealth over $770,000 for unprovided services and laundered the proceeds.

CT Dept of Banking Administrative Orders Index Update

The Connecticut Department of Banking has removed several company entries from its administrative orders index. This update affects the visibility of past enforcement actions related to Castle Credit Co Holdings, LLC, Great American Finance Holdings, LLC, and others.

Texas AG Secures 50-Year Sentence Against Human Trafficker

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a 50-year prison sentence for Robert Franklin for trafficking and sexually exploiting a child. The sentence includes a $50,000 fine and is connected to a multi-state prostitution scheme. This action highlights the state's commitment to prosecuting human trafficking offenses.

Texas AG Sues Snapchat for Deception and Child Endangerment

The Texas Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against Snap, Inc. (Snapchat) for allegedly deceiving parents and consumers about the app's safety and for exposing children to inappropriate content and addictive features. The lawsuit seeks to hold Snapchat accountable for these alleged harms.

USITC Affirmative Determinations on Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations for MAMMOs from Taiwan

The USITC has made affirmative determinations that a U.S. industry is materially injured by imports of multifunctional acrylate and methacrylate monomers and oligomers (MAMMOs) from Taiwan sold at less than fair value and subsidized by the government. As a result, the Department of Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders.

Environment Agency Arrests Duo for Illegal Waste Dumping and Fraud

The Environment Agency, in collaboration with the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, has arrested two men in connection with illegal waste dumping and fraud across England. This action is part of an ongoing investigation into waste crime, fraud, and money laundering within the waste sector.

Environment Agency Arrests in Waste Crime Probe

The Environment Agency and Essex Police have arrested two men in connection with illegal waste dumping near Romford. This action is part of a broader investigation into large-scale waste crime, fraud, and money laundering across England.

KW Bell Group Environmental Permit Application Advertisement

The Environment Agency has published an advertisement for an environmental permit application submitted by KW Bell Group Limited for their site in Gloucester. This notice informs the public about the application and the process for submitting comments.

Environmental Permit Application Advertisement

The Environment Agency has published an advertisement for an environmental permit application submitted by the Parochial Church Council of Church of St Peter and St Paul for a site located at NN6 9NX. This notice informs the public about the application and the consultation process.

Environmental Permit Application Advertisement

The Environment Agency has published an advertisement for an environmental permit application submitted by Ann Alder and Rosalind Oates for a site at The Old Granary, Lupton, LA6 2PP. This notice informs the public about the application and the process for submitting comments.

Canada Merger Review Process and Guidelines

The Competition Bureau of Canada has updated its guidance and information related to the merger review process. The page provides details on the Bureau's authority to review mergers, links to key documents such as the Merger Enforcement Guidelines, and information on concluded merger reviews.

Canada Competition Bureau Guidance on Agreements Between Competitors

The Canada Competition Bureau has published guidance on bid-rigging, price-fixing, and other agreements between competitors. The guidance aims to help businesses understand common types of illegal agreements and how to report suspected wrongdoing.

Competition Bureau Report on Algorithmic Pricing Feedback

The Competition Bureau of Canada has published a report summarizing public feedback on algorithmic pricing and competition. The report highlights key themes from over 100 submissions regarding market efficiencies, anticompetitive behavior, data transparency, and the need for balanced regulation.

Competition Bureau Statement on Cineplex Drip Pricing Ruling

The Competition Bureau Canada issued a statement following the Federal Court of Appeal's decision to uphold a ruling against Cineplex for deceptive marketing practices related to drip pricing. The court dismissed Cineplex's appeal, reinforcing the Bureau's stance against hidden fees and affirming transparency for consumers.

Competition Bureau Merger Reviews Update

The Competition Bureau has updated its report of concluded merger reviews, changing the update frequency to weekly and including ongoing reviews. The report now details transactions commenced and completed in the previous week, covering pre-merger notifications, advance ruling certificate requests, and non-notifiable transaction reviews.

Belgian DPA Orders Diocese to Delete Baptized Person's Data

The Belgian Data Protection Authority (DPA) has ordered the diocese of Ghent to delete a baptized person's data from the baptismal register. The DPA ruled that the church's legitimate interest in retaining the data does not override the individual's right to erasure under GDPR when they expressly wish to leave the church.

CJEU Rules on IAB EUROPE Case, Belgian DPA Fine

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled that a structured character string capturing user preferences is personal data and that IAB EUROPE can be considered a joint controller. This decision impacts the Belgian DPA's prior €250,000 fine against IAB EUROPE.

Market Court confirms €250,000 DPA fine in IAB Europe case

The Market Court has confirmed a €250,000 fine imposed by the Belgian Data Protection Authority on IAB Europe. While the original decision was annulled on procedural grounds, the court upheld the reasoning that IAB Europe acts as a joint data controller for user preferences within its Transparency and Consent Framework.

Market Court refers FATCA data transfer questions to CJEU

The Belgian Market Court has referred 13 preliminary questions to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) regarding the FATCA agreement and data transfers to the US. This action seeks clarification on the compatibility of the agreement with EU data protection laws, including GDPR and Directive 95/46/EC.

Canadian Chicken Marketing Levies Order Amendment

The Canadian government has amended the Canadian Chicken Marketing Levies Order under the Farm Products Agencies Act. This amendment, registered as SOR/2025-289, modifies existing levies applicable to chicken marketing.

Canada Gazette Part II Regulations Index

The Canada Gazette Part II published regulations on January 28, 2026, including amendments to the Domestic Substances List under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. These updates, registered as SOR/2026-1 and SOR/2026-2, modify existing substance listings.

Canada Gazette Part 2: Statutory Instruments Index

The Canada Gazette Part 2, Volume 160, Number 3, published on February 11, 2026, indexes 14 statutory instruments. These include amendments to regulations under the Canada Labour Code, Farm Products Agencies Act, Customs Tariff, and Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, among others.

CSA and CIRO Guidance for Finfluencers and Firms

The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) and Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) have released new guidance for financial content creators ('finfluencers') and the firms they work with. The guidance aims to ensure compliance with securities laws, promote transparency, and protect investors from risks associated with online financial information.

Canadian Securities Regulators Disarm Fraudulent Investment Websites

The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) and the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) announced the initial results of a new initiative to combat fraudulent investment websites. Between June 5 and November 23, 2025, regulators deactivated over 3,900 fraudulent websites and 6,900 URLs.

CSA Eases Investment Fund Reporting Requirements

The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) has finalized amendments to modernize the continuous disclosure regime for investment funds, effective April 22, 2026. These changes aim to reduce regulatory burden by providing exemptions from certain reporting requirements and eliminating unnecessary disclosures, while maintaining investor protection.

CSA Warns Registrants About Malicious Impersonation Scam Emails

The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) has issued a warning to registrants about a malicious spear phishing scam. The emails impersonate the CSA and aim to obtain personal or confidential business information. Registrants are urged to be vigilant, verify sender addresses, and report suspicious emails.

OSFI Speech: Credit Risk, Accountability, and Liquidity Updates

The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) announced a six-month consultation on credit risk management and a nine-month consultation on senior leader accountability. Additionally, the final Liquidity Adequacy Requirements Guideline for 2026 was released, effective May 1, 2026.

OSFI Quarterly Release: Guidance and Risk Management Updates

The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) has released its first quarterly update of 2026, finalizing new liquidity guidance and launching consultations on credit risk management and board accountability. The release also confirms the continuation of loan-to-income limits for uninsured mortgages.

OSFI Finalizes Liquidity Adequacy Requirements Guideline

The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) has published the final Liquidity Adequacy Requirements (LAR) Guideline for 2026. This guideline, effective May 1, 2026, clarifies definitions and treatments for deposits and structured notes to enhance the financial resilience of federally regulated deposit-taking institutions.

OSFI Discusses Canadian Banking Risks and Regulations

Superintendent Peter Routledge of OSFI discussed key risks facing Canadian financial institutions, including credit, liquidity, and governance. OSFI has launched consultations on credit risk management guidance and senior leader accountability, and issued final liquidity adequacy requirements.

OSFI Superintendent Discusses Climate Risk at CatIQ Conference

OSFI Superintendent Peter Routledge discussed the findings of the first Climate Risk Returns from 10 large Canadian institutions at the 2026 CatIQ conference. The returns provide detailed insights into physical and transition climate risks across various asset classes and sectors, highlighting areas of vulnerability and the need for improved data discipline.

EIOPA Consults on Revised Solvency II Group Solvency Guidelines

The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) has launched consultations on revised Guidelines for group solvency calculations and supervisory reporting under Solvency II. The revisions aim to align with the amended Solvency II framework and simplify existing guidelines, proposing significant reductions in the number of individual guidelines.

EIOPA Updates Solvency II Volatility Adjustment Reference Portfolios

The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) has published updated reference portfolios for calculating the volatility adjustment to risk-free interest rates under Solvency II. These updated portfolios will be used for the VA calculation from the end of March 2026.

EIOPA Consults on EU Insurance Recovery and Resolution Framework

EIOPA has launched seven consultations on draft guidelines and technical standards for the implementation of the EU's Insurance Recovery and Resolution Directive (IRRD). These consultations cover pre-emptive recovery plans, simplified obligations, and the independence of valuers, with the IRRD set to become operational in January 2027.

EIOPA Consultation on Private Equity Firm Supervision Statement

EIOPA has launched a public consultation on a draft supervisory statement concerning the authorisation and ongoing supervision of insurance and reinsurance undertakings owned by private equity firms. The consultation seeks feedback on proposed supervisory expectations to address risks associated with these acquisitions and ensure consistent supervision across the EU.

EIOPA Seeks Input on Solvency II NatCat Insurance Adaptation Measures

The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) has launched a public consultation on the prudential treatment of adaptation measures for natural catastrophe insurance under Solvency II. The consultation seeks feedback on potential adjustments to the standard formula to better reflect these measures and aims to reduce the insurance protection gap.