Consumer Leasing Regulation M Final Rule - Threshold Update

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has finalized amendments to Regulation M, increasing the dollar threshold for exempt consumer leases from $71,900 to $73,400, effective January 1, 2026. This adjustment is mandated annually based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).

Truth in Lending Regulation Z Threshold Increase

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has finalized an amendment to Regulation Z, increasing the dollar threshold for exempt consumer credit transactions. Effective January 1, 2026, the threshold will rise from $71,900 to $73,400, adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index.

HPML Appraisal Exemption Threshold Increased to $34,200

The CFPB, OCC, and Federal Reserve have finalized amendments to the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) regulations, increasing the exemption threshold for higher-priced mortgage loan (HPML) appraisals. Effective January 1, 2026, the threshold will rise from $33,500 to $34,200, adjusted annually based on the CPI-W.

CFPB Rescinds Adjudication Rule Amendments

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has rescinded amendments made in 2022 and 2023 to its Rules of Practice for Adjudication Proceedings. This action reverses changes related to depositions, timing, bifurcation, dispositive motions, and issue exhaustion, with some narrow exceptions for clarificatory changes.

CFPB Guidance on Commenting on Bureau Notices and Regulations

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has updated its guidance on how the public can submit comments on Bureau notices and regulations. The document clarifies procedures for submitting comments, what types of comments are generally posted publicly, and what information should be excluded.

CFPB Archive of Closed Notices

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has archived a list of past notices that are no longer open for public comment. This archive includes various types of rulemaking notices, such as advance notices of proposed rulemaking, and provides links to the full text of these documents.

CFPB Draft Strategic Plan FY 2026-2030 Public Comment

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is seeking public feedback on its draft Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2026-2030. This notice invites comments on the Bureau's mission, strategic goals, and objectives for the upcoming four-year period.

CFTC Staff Letters and Guidance

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) provides access to its staff letters and guidance documents issued from 2008 onwards. This resource is intended to offer clarity and interpretation on various regulations under the CFTC's purview.

CFTC Staff Letters Offer Guidance on Regulatory Matters

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) provides access to staff letters offering guidance on various regulatory matters. These letters, available from 2008 onwards, cover a wide range of topics and regulations relevant to market participants.

CFTC Exempts Senior Employees from QEP Requirements

The CFTC has issued guidance exempting certain senior employees from the definition of 'Qualified Eligible Person' (QEP) under CFTC regulations. This exemption applies to individuals who meet specific compensation and experience criteria, aiming to reduce regulatory burdens for market participants.

CFTC Staff Letters on Digital Assets

The CFTC has published staff letters providing regulatory guidance on digital assets. These letters offer interpretations and no-action relief related to various regulations under the Commodity Exchange Act. They are intended to assist market participants in navigating compliance requirements.

CFTC Staff Letters on No-Action Positions

The CFTC has published staff letters providing no-action positions on various regulations. These letters offer guidance and relief to market participants regarding specific regulatory requirements. The CFTC staff letters are available on their website for review.

SEC Order Directs Disgorgement of Fair Fund for Boeing and Muilenburg

The SEC has ordered the disbursement of a $218,239,227.18 Fair Fund to harmed investors in the Boeing and Muilenburg case. This follows the approval of a distribution plan and the processing of investor claims.

SEC Order Directs Fair Fund Disbursement for Valeant

The SEC has issued an order directing the disbursement of $43,333,356.49 from a Fair Fund to harmed investors in the matter of Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (n/k/a Bausch Health Companies, Inc.). The order follows the approval of a distribution plan after no comments were received during the public comment period.

Governor Waller Discusses Operationalizing AI at the Federal Reserve

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher J. Waller delivered a speech on February 24, 2026, discussing the Federal Reserve System's efforts to operationalize artificial intelligence (AI) within its internal systems and applications. The speech highlighted the potential of AI to drive operational efficiencies across various functions.

Governor Cook Discusses AI and Productivity at NABE Conference

Federal Reserve Governor Lisa D. Cook delivered remarks on artificial intelligence and its potential impact on productivity at the NABE Economic Policy Conference. She expressed optimism about AI's long-term contributions to innovation and economic growth, while acknowledging the Federal Reserve's cautious approach to its adoption.

Federal Reserve Supervision and Regulation Testimony

Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle W. Bowman testified before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs regarding the Federal Reserve's supervisory and regulatory activities. The testimony covered the current state of the banking sector, highlighting its soundness and resilience, and outlined priorities for enhancing supervision and regulation.

Bowman Speech on Liquidity, Financial Stability, and Fed Role

Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle W. Bowman delivered a speech on March 3, 2026, discussing the effectiveness of the current bank liquidity framework, including the LCR and NSFR. The speech calls for a critical review of whether existing regulations translate into actual resilience during times of stress.

Federal Reserve Speech on Basel III and Bank Capital Rules

Federal Reserve Vice Chair Bowman discussed upcoming proposed rules to implement the final phase of Basel III in the United States. The speech outlined the rationale for modernizing capital requirements, aiming for more efficient regulation and better support for economic growth while preserving safety and soundness.

SEC Commissioner Atkins on SEC-CFTC Regulatory Harmony

SEC Commissioner Paul S. Atkins delivered a speech on March 10, 2026, discussing the importance of regulatory harmony between the SEC and CFTC. The speech highlighted how regulatory friction increases costs and reduces liquidity, advocating for a more coherent approach to benefit American investors and businesses.

SEC Commissioner Uyeda Remarks on Treasury Clearing Rule

SEC Commissioner Mark T. Uyeda discussed the Treasury Clearing Rule and its implementation timeline. The rule, originally mandated in December 2023, has compliance deadlines of December 2025 for cash transactions and June 2026 for repo transactions, with ongoing efforts to provide clarity and guidance to market participants.

SEC Commissioner Uyeda Remarks on Disclosure, Proxy Voting, and Tokenization

SEC Commissioner Mark T. Uyeda delivered remarks on March 12, 2026, discussing ongoing reviews of Regulation S-K disclosure requirements and challenges in fund proxy voting. The speech also touched upon the potential impact of tokenization on equity securities and the need for regulatory evolution.

SEC Commissioner Peirce Discusses Disclosure, Proxy Voting, and Tokenization

SEC Commissioner Hester M. Peirce delivered remarks at the Investor Advisory Committee meeting on March 12, 2026. She discussed public company disclosure reform, the challenges funds face in obtaining quorum for proxy votes, and the implications of tokenization.

SEC Chairman Remarks on Disclosure, Tokenization, and Innovation

SEC Chairman Paul Atkins discussed potential regulatory approaches to disclosure burdens, corporate governance, and the tokenization of securities. He indicated the Commission may consider an innovation exemption for trading certain tokenized securities.

FDIC Proposed Rule for Payment Stablecoin Issuance by Subsidiaries

The FDIC has proposed a rule to establish procedures for FDIC-supervised insured depository institutions (IDIs) seeking to issue payment stablecoins through subsidiaries, as mandated by the GENIUS Act. This proposed rule outlines a tailored application process to evaluate safety and soundness while minimizing regulatory burden.

FDIC Statement on Establishing Office of Supervisory Appeals

FDIC Chairman Travis Hill announced final guidelines for the new Office of Supervisory Appeals. The office will provide an independent review of supervisory determinations, with modifications to panel composition and expanded appellate rights for institutions facing proposed enforcement actions.

FDIC Reports Strong Earnings for Insured Institutions

The FDIC released its Quarterly Banking Profile for Q4 2025, reporting strong full-year earnings for FDIC-insured institutions. The industry finished 2025 with a return on assets of 1.20 percent, driven by increased net interest income and loan growth.

FDIC Chairman Testimony on Rightsizing Regulation

FDIC Chairman Travis Hill testified before the Senate Banking Committee on the agency's efforts to reform its regulatory and supervisory approach. Key initiatives include defining "unsafe or unsound practices" through a proposed interagency rule and establishing an Office of Supervisory Appeals.

FDIC Chairman Discusses Reforms to Regulatory Toolkit

FDIC Chairman Travis Hill announced updates on reforms to the agency's regulatory and supervisory toolkit. Key initiatives include proposals on defining "unsafe or unsound practices," refocusing examinations on material risks, and overhauling the CAMELS rating system. Changes to consumer compliance supervision aim to focus on actual harm and violations rather than process.

Energy Department Announces $1.5B Loan for Indiana Fertilizer Facility

The Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office has closed a $1.5 billion loan to Wabash Valley Resources, LLC, for a coal and ammonia fertilizer facility in Indiana. This initiative aims to boost domestic fertilizer production and strengthen national food security.

Energy Department Closes $1 Billion Loan for Nuclear Plant Restart

The Department of Energy has closed a $1 billion loan to Constellation Energy Generation, LLC, to finance the restart of the Crane Clean Energy Center nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania. This initiative supports the administration's goals of lowering energy costs and strengthening the domestic nuclear industrial base.

Energy Department Restructures $83 Billion in Loans and Commitments

The U.S. Department of Energy announced the restructuring, revision, or elimination of over $83 billion in loans and conditional commitments from the Biden-era portfolio. This action involves reallocating funds from wind and solar projects to natural gas and nuclear initiatives.

Energy Department Announces $26.5B Loan for Electricity Cost Savings

The Department of Energy announced a $26.5 billion loan package, the largest in its history, to Southern Company subsidiaries. This initiative is projected to save customers in Georgia and Alabama over $7 billion in electricity costs and enhance grid reliability.

State Department Terrorist Designation of Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood

The Department of State has announced the designation of the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). This action imposes sanctions and restrictions on the designated entity.

Delegation of Authority for Executive Order 14163 and Presidential Proclamations

The Department of State has issued a notice delegating authority related to Executive Order 14163 and Presidential Proclamation 10998, which restricts the entry of foreign nationals. This notice clarifies internal agency responsibilities for implementing these executive actions.

State Department Updates HAVANA Act Implementation Rules

The Department of State has updated the implementation rules for the HAVANA Act of 2021. These amendments, published in the Federal Register, are effective immediately upon publication. The changes are related to the implementation of the Act as updated by the NDAA 2026.

US to Release 172 Million Barrels of Oil From Strategic Petroleum Reserve

The U.S. Department of Energy announced the release of 172 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, beginning next week, as part of a coordinated international effort to lower energy prices. The release is expected to take approximately 120 days, with plans to replenish the reserve within the next year.

Energy Secretary Directs Sable Offshore to Restore Pipeline

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright has directed Sable Offshore Corp. to restore operations of the Santa Ynez Unit and Santa Ynez Pipeline System. This action aims to address supply disruption risks and reduce reliance on foreign oil, particularly for U.S. military forces.

Energy Dept Approves LNG Export Increase at Plaquemines Terminal

The U.S. Department of Energy has authorized an immediate 13% increase in liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports from Venture Global's Plaquemines LNG Terminal in Louisiana. This approval allows for an additional 0.45 billion cubic feet per day of exports to non-free trade agreement countries.

DOJ Charges Defendant with Damaging Chabad Headquarters

The Department of Justice announced that Dan Sohail has been charged with intentionally damaging the global headquarters of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement in Brooklyn. The complaint alleges Sohail rammed his vehicle into the building's entrance multiple times. If convicted, Sohail faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison.

DOJ: FCI Aliceville Officer Indicted for Sexual Assault of Inmates

A correctional officer at FCI Aliceville has been indicted on eight counts of deprivation of rights for the sexual assault of seven female inmates. The officer faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted.

DOJ Settles Sexual Harassment Lawsuit for $50,000

The Department of Justice announced a settlement with Green Bay landlord David Jones and D Jones Properties LLC for $50,000 to resolve a sexual harassment lawsuit. The settlement addresses violations of the Fair Housing Act and includes a two-year monitoring period.

DOJ: Springfield Man Sentenced for Federal Hate Crime

The Department of Justice announced that Daniel Andrew McGee was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for a hate crime violation. The sentence stems from an assault motivated by the victim's sexual orientation, involving a violation of federal hate crime statutes.

Former Missouri Officer Convicted of Civil Rights Violation and Witness Tampering

A former Northwoods, Missouri police officer, Samuel Davis, has been convicted of deprivation of rights under color of law, witness tampering, and falsifying records. The conviction stems from an assault on a handcuffed individual in July 2023. Davis faces up to 30 years in prison.

USDA Completes Sterile Fly Dispersal Facility in Texas

The USDA announced the completion of a sterile fly dispersal facility in Edinburg, Texas. This new facility will enhance the agency's capacity to combat the New World Screwworm by increasing the range of sterile fly releases along the U.S. border and within the country if needed.

Federal Agencies Crack Down on Chronic Dog Welfare Violators

The USDA, DOJ, DHS, and HHS have launched a coordinated effort to crack down on chronic dog welfare violators and prosecute those involved in dog fighting. This initiative aims to increase compliance with existing laws and protect companion animals.

FDA Authorizes Drugs for New World Screwworm in Dogs and Cats

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued two Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for drugs to treat New World screwworm infestations in dogs and cats. These EUAs apply to NexGard chewable tablets and NexGard COMBO topical solution.

USDA and Army Corps Contract for Texas Sterile Fly Facility

The USDA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have awarded a construction contract for a new sterile fly production facility in Edinburg, Texas. This facility is part of a strategy to combat the New World Screwworm and protect U.S. livestock and public health.

FDA Authorizes Topical Spray for New World Screwworm Prevention

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for F10 Antiseptic Wound Spray with Insecticide. This authorization allows for the prevention and treatment of New World screwworm infestations in multiple animal species, including cattle, sheep, goats, and horses.

Ajinomoto Foods Recalls Fried Rice, Ramen, and Shu Mai

Ajinomoto Foods North America Inc. is recalling approximately 3,900 pounds of fried rice, ramen, and shu mai products due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall affects products distributed nationwide. Consumers are advised not to consume these products.