Connecticut Consumer Credit Division Administrative Orders

The Connecticut Department of Banking has published administrative orders for January 2026, including actions against Banta, Meera, First Bank Mortgage, Inc., Omnipoint Management Solutions LLC, and Set Forth, LLC. These orders detail enforcement actions related to consumer credit.

Coinme Inc. Consent Order for Uniform Money Services Act Violations

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) issued a Consent Order against Coinme Inc. for violations of the Uniform Money Services Act. The order requires Coinme to cease violations, remediate matters from a multistate examination, and segregate customer virtual currency and cash assets.

Stratus Financial LLC Consent Order for Consumer Loan Act Violations

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions issued a consent order against Stratus Financial LLC for violations of the Consumer Loan Act. Stratus Financial must pay an investigation fee, waive all interest and fees on student loans to Washington residents, and comply with record retention requirements.

DFI v. La Comercial Food Store LLC - Check Casher License Revocation

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) has issued a Statement of Charges against La Comercial Food Store LLC, proposing to revoke its check casher license. The allegations include failure to comply with DFI directives, provide financial statements, maintain proper records, and issue customer receipts.

New Venture Escrow, Inc. - Cease and Desist Order and Fine

The Washington Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) has issued a Statement of Charges and Notice of Intent to Enter an Order to Cease and Desist against New Venture Escrow, Inc. The company faces a $38,000 fine for alleged unlicensed activity and failure to maintain records in Washington State.

Bay-Valley Mortgage Group Ordered to Cease and Desist Business

The Washington Department of Financial Institutions has issued a Final Order requiring Bay-Valley Mortgage Group, Inc. to permanently cease and desist from conducting business in the state. The order also mandates the company to cease all new business and foreclosure actions in Washington and provide requested records.

Metropolitan Capital Bank & Trust - FDIC Appointed Receiver

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has found Metropolitan Capital Bank & Trust to be operating in an unsafe and unsound manner. The agency has taken possession of the bank and appointed the FDIC as receiver, effective January 30, 2026.

Cybersecurity Alert: Cisco Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

The New York State Department of Financial Services issued a cybersecurity alert regarding active exploitation of Cisco zero-day vulnerabilities. Regulated entities are required to immediately identify affected Cisco devices and follow remediation steps outlined by CISA, including potential disconnection of end-of-support hardware.

NY DFS Guidance on Virtual Currency Custody and Customer Protection

The New York State Department of Financial Services has issued updated guidance on virtual currency custody and customer protection, replacing its 2023 guidance. The updated guidance provides further direction on sub-custody arrangements and emphasizes sound custody and disclosure practices to protect customers in the event of insolvency.

Guidance on Managing Third-Party Cybersecurity Risks

The New York State Department of Financial Services issued guidance on managing cybersecurity risks associated with third-party service providers. The guidance clarifies existing requirements and recommends best practices for covered entities to strengthen their oversight of these providers.

DFS Alert: Phishing Scam Targeting Regulated Entities

The New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) issued an alert regarding a phishing scam targeting regulated entities. The notice advises entities to exercise caution with unexpected communications and verify legitimacy before taking action.

Cybersecurity Advisory on Targeted Vishing Attacks

The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) issued a cybersecurity advisory highlighting an increase in targeted vishing attacks. Regulated entities are urged to review their cybersecurity programs and implement enhanced measures to protect against credential theft and unauthorized access.

DFPI Enforcement Actions - November 2025

The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) issued several enforcement actions in November 2025, including consent orders, settlement agreements, and license revocations. These actions address violations of California's Financial Code and Corporations Code related to lending, financing, and securities activities.

California DFPI Enforcement Actions - September 2025

The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) issued 14 enforcement actions in September 2025. These actions targeted individuals and firms for violations including unlawful broker-dealer activity, investment adviser misconduct, and illegal digital financial asset activities.

DFPI Enforcement Actions and Orders - December 2025

The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) issued a summary of enforcement actions and orders for December 2025. These actions include desist and refrain orders, accusations, and license revocations against individuals and entities for violations of securities, debt collection, escrow, and financing laws.

California DFPI Enforcement Actions Summary - October 2025

The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) issued 7 enforcement actions against 7 entities and 4 actions against individuals in October 2025. These actions address violations of various financial laws, including the California Consumer Financial Protection Law, California Commodity Law, and California Financing Law.

California DFPI Enforcement Actions - August 2025

The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation issued enforcement actions against 14 entities in August 2025 for violations including unlawful debt collection, investment adviser activity, and franchise investment law. Actions range from settlement agreements to desist and refrain orders.

FERC Order on Energy Resources in Capacity Auctions Affirmed

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit affirmed a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) order concerning energy resources in capacity auctions. This decision upholds FERC's authority and previous rulings on the matter, impacting how energy resources are evaluated and procured in organized markets.

SEC v. Gessin, Equifunds, Ice Fleet - Securities Fraud Enforcement

The SEC announced final judgments by default against Equifunds, Inc., John David Gessin, and Ice Fleet LLC for a fraudulent scheme that raised over $1.6 million from retail investors. The judgments include disgorgement, prejudgment interest, and a civil penalty against Gessin.

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.