Final Rule Prohibits Use of Reputation Risk by Bank Regulators

The FDIC and OCC jointly issued a final rule on April 7, 2026, prohibiting banking regulators from using reputation risk as a basis for criticizing or taking adverse action against supervised institutions. The rule defines reputation risk and removes all such references from FDIC examination manuals including the Risk Management, Application Procedures, Trust, and Consumer Compliance Examination Manuals. The agencies clarified this rule does not impose obligations on supervised institutions.

FDIC Board Approves Proposal to Implement GENIUS Act Stablecoin Requirements

The FDIC Board approved a notice of proposed rulemaking implementing the GENIUS Act for payment stablecoin issuers supervised by the FDIC. The proposal establishes prudential standards including reserve asset requirements, redemption obligations, capital standards, and risk management requirements for permitted payment stablecoin issuers and IDIs providing custodial services. It also clarifies that reserves backing payment stablecoins qualify for pass-through FDIC deposit insurance and that tokenized deposits meeting the statutory definition are treated like any other deposits under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. Comments will be accepted for 60 days after Federal Register publication.

AML/CFT Program Requirements Proposed Rule

FDIC, OCC, and NCUA jointly published a proposed rule on April 7, 2026 to amend AML/CFT program requirements for supervised banks and credit unions. The amendments would align agency rules with FinCEN's concurrent proposals and the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, including risk-based program requirements, U.S.-based compliance officer mandates, and enhanced FinCEN consultation procedures. Comments are due 60 days after Federal Register publication.

Final Rule Prohibiting Use of Reputation Risk by Regulators in Bank Supervision

The OCC and FDIC jointly issued a final rule codifying the prohibition of reputation risk from their supervisory programs. The rule defines reputation risk and explicitly bars the agencies from criticizing, taking adverse action, or instructing banks to close accounts based on political, religious, or cultural views; constitutionally protected speech; or lawful business activities perceived as reputation risks. The rule implements Executive Order 14331 aimed at ensuring fair banking access.

ICE Arrests Illegal Alien Wanted for Murder in Virginia

ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers arrested Marco Tulio Lopez-Romero, 44, in Reston, Virginia on March 31, 2026. Lopez-Romero is an illegal alien from El Salvador wanted for aggravated homicide in his home country. He illegally entered the United States in July 2016 and remained at large until his arrest, which was part of ICE's ongoing efforts to remove criminal alien fugitives from U.S. communities.

Illegal Alien Causes Multi-Vehicle Pileup During ICE Arrest Evasion in Baltimore

ICE officers in Baltimore attempted to arrest Ever Omar Alvarenga-Rios, an illegal alien from Honduras with a final removal order, on April 2, 2026. Alvarenga-Rios fled recklessly, causing a multi-car pileup and sending himself and two ICE officers to the hospital with injuries including a concussion. He remains hospitalized in ICE custody.

CMA SAU accepted DESNZ referral, £64m grant for Port Talbot

CMA SAU accepted DESNZ referral, £64m grant for Port Talbot

Audit of OJP Victim Assistance Funds Subawarded to One Place Family Justice Center

The DOJ Office of the Inspector General completed Audit 26-046 examining Office of Justice Programs victim assistance funds subawarded by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to One Place Family Justice Center in Montgomery, Alabama. The audit, posted April 7, 2026, resulted in one recommendation for corrective action regarding financial management or compliance matters. Federal grant recipients should review audit findings to ensure compliance with DOJ subaward requirements.

OFTO Projects and Cap and Floor Interconnectors: IDC Rates 2026-2027

Ofgem published updated Interest During Construction (IDC) rates for 2026-2027 affecting offshore electricity transmission (OFTO) projects and Window 3 cap and floor electricity interconnectors. The IDC rate for OFTO projects is set at 9.55% (pre-tax, nominal), reduced from 9.74% in 2025-2026. The IDC rate for Window 3 interconnectors is set at 5.49% (vanilla, real-CPIH), increased from 5.37% in 2025-2026. These rates apply to projects reaching Final Investment Decision (FID) during the 2026-2027 period.

Warm Home Discount Guidance 2026: Draft for Comment

Ofgem has published draft Warm Home Discount guidance for 2026, seeking stakeholder feedback before finalising documents for England & Wales and Scotland. The guidance reflects amendments to WHD regulations following the government decision to expand the scheme from 2026 to 2031. Responses are requested by 8 May 2026.