FTC warns VISA and other processors that company policies may lead to debanking
Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and Stripe have received letters from the Federal Trade Commission, warning the companies to end any policies or terms of service that may result in the “debanking” of customers.
Ex-Capula CCO refiles whistleblower retaliation lawsuit
The former U.S. chief compliance officer of London-based hedge fund Capula Investment Management, who alleged he was fired for escalating “significant regulatory compliance issues” to senior management, refiled his lawsuit in state court after his original complaint was dismissed in federal court on jurisdictional grounds.
Bank of England tightens liquidity requirements for U.K. banks
U.K. banks must reassess how quickly they could monetize their assets in the event of a crisis under new rules proposed by the Bank of England’s regulatory body, the Prudential Regulation Authority. The proposals are the first changes to the liquidity rules since these were updated in the aftermath of ...
Europe’s groundbreaking crypto rules put at risk by delays in implementation
Europe may have taken the lead in attempting to regulate cryptoasset firms before any other major jurisdiction, but a year after the ground-breaking rules came into force, it does not necessarily follow that they are robust or that the industry they are meant to hold accountable is embracing them.
The dos and don’ts of responding to a World Bank integrity audit
The World Bank Group has updated its “Integrity Compliance Guidelines” for the first time in 15 years, and at a time when sanctions cases are on the rise. These developments combined should prompt companies to reassess their anti-corruption compliance practices.
BoA settles class-action related to its dealings with Jeffrey Epstein
Bank of America has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging know-your-customer and other failings in its dealings with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The next era of compliance: How banks will stay ahead of financial crime in 2026
Financial crime is becoming faster, smarter, and more difficult to trace. By 2026, banks and regulators will approach compliance with a new mindset. The shift is away from reaction and toward prevention, partnership, and people.
SEC’s Uyeda: ‘Enforcement is the wrong way’ to handle off-channel communications
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Mark Uyeda told an audience of investment advisers that the SEC will no longer prioritize stand-alone enforcement actions for violations of the SEC’s rules on off-channel communications.
SEC enforcement priorities revert back to basics
Recent pronouncements made by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission leadership, alongside the recent overhaul of the SEC Enforcement Manual, collectively signal a back-to-basics enforcement approach that appears beneficial for companies in their dealings with the agency.
FCA drive to reduce its investigation costs likely to add to compliance burden for smaller firms, warn experts
The U.K. financial regulator’s move towards “impactful deterrence” could see smaller and mid-size firms come increasingly under the spotlight as the watchdog aims to tackle market-wide concerns instead of primarily focusing on large players capable of doing the most harm.
Broker-dealer Canaccord pays $80M to FinCEN, admits to willful BSA violations
Financial services company Canaccord has been hit with an $80 million penalty by the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FInCEN)–the largest FinCEN penalty against a broker-dealer in its history.
Compliance main complaint raised by whistleblowers to U.K. financial regulator
More complaints about compliance are reported to the U.K.’s financial services watchdog than any other kind of potential misconduct, and even if few of them result in investigation or censure, experts believe such reports help inform future supervision and enforcement.
If financial services firms don’t want more AI rules, comply with existing regs, experts warn
The U.K.’s financial regulators have long maintained that AI use by banks, insurers, and other financial services firms is already regulated under existing rules, but such assurances are increasingly being questioned.
U.K. listed companies must adapt to new sustainability reporting regime by 2027
Sustainability reporting rules for U.K. listed companies are set to change. The U.K. financial regulator has launched a consultation laying out its proposals, which aim to align the reporting regime with the international ISSB standards.
U.K. ‘buy now pay later’ regulation signals end of ‘Wild West’ fintech loans system
Firms offering “buy now, pay later” financing will become part of the regulated financial services sector in the U.K. from July 15. Compliance teams must act now to ensure they are ready to introduce rules and establish creditworthiness assessment processes, adapt systems, and change data processes before the deadline.
U.K. financial regulator cuts cases to focus on investigations that achieve results
The U.K. financial regulator has dropped 100 investigations without action over the past three years, but compliance should expect a refocus of resources rather than a retreat from enforcement.
U.K. lawmakers push for guidance, rules around AI in financial services
British lawmakers have warned that neither the U.K. government nor key financial regulators are doing enough to manage the risks presented by AI to consumers.
Decision time for compliance as U.K. CCI regime ditches formulaic reporting to engage investors
A new U.K. Consumer Composite Investments regime comes into force on April 6 and will apply to all firms that manufacture or distribute CCI products to retail investors in the U.K. This includes some firms that are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
U.K. insider trading case highlights benefits to self-reporting suspicious activity
The U.K. has recently initiated a series of comprehensive crackdowns on financial fraud, particularly in the financial services sector. A recent enforcement action highlighted the effectiveness of one of the Financial Conduct Authority’s lesser-known weapons in its fight to combat insider trading—the Suspicious Transaction and Order Report (STOR).
Q&A with Norm Ashkenas, CCO at Robinhood, on compliance challenges, opportunities and being a strategic adviser
Chief among Norm Ashkenas’ priorities is positioning compliance as a strategic adviser, supporting those leading this global expansion in a complex financial services world. He stresses that compliance puts a huge effort into ensuring that it is not seen as a back-office function.
‘Significant’ rule changes for EU alternative investment funds set for April 16
Significant changes to rules for EU alternative investment fund managers come into force on April 16, but most still have work to do to be compliant, experts warn.
French investigators target anticompetitive practices in largest accounting firms
Major accountancy firms in France are under investigation for anti-competitive practices. The French competition watchdog embarked on a series of “unannounced inspections” and removed documents relating to audit and reporting on Jan. 13.
SEC closes FCPA probe into Calavo Growers
The Securities and Exchange Commission has closed its Foreign Corrupt Practices Act investigation into Calavo Growers, three months after the Department of Justice closed its FCPA investigation into the produce and agriculture company.
SFO head to step down as speculation grows over future of agency
Nick Ephgrave, director of the U.K.’s main anti-corruption enforcement agency, the Serious Fraud Office, will retire at the end of March—about halfway through his appointed five-year term. Experts say he leaves the agency in a lot better position than he joined it in September 2023.
U.K. government scraps long-awaited audit reforms to prioritize growth
Long-awaited reforms to the U.K. audit regime have been “scrapped” from the government’s legislative plans. The decision has led to an outburst of disappointment and frustration from audit bodies and pension funds that argued the reforms would increase trust in companies and support growth.
FTC files contempt against credit card processor Cliq for alleged ongoing compliance failures
The Federal Trade Commission asked a court to hold the payment processor Cliq in contempt for allegedly “flagrantly” violating a 2015 order that the company monitor transactions for illegal charges and activity.
CFPB, DOJ withdraw guidance to lenders considering borrowers’ immigration status
Two months after the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed a rule change to narrow anti-discrimination requirements for lenders, it has reversed previous guidance on noncitizen customers looking to borrow.
EU vows to reform financial single market rules to unlock growth and boost investment
Financial markets thrive on consistent rules across the widest markets. This is the thinking behind the European Commission’s package of measures intended to simplify and streamline the zone’s single market for financial services.
Q&A with FINRA’s Greg Ruppert on the organization’s use of Artificial Intelligence
Greg Ruppert, Chief Regulatory Operations Officer at the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), recently shared insights with Compliance Week regarding the self-regulatory organization’s use of Artificial Intelligence in monitoring trends in the market, spotting threats, and keeping its members informed.
EU financial firms must prepare now for new rules on critical third-party arrangements
European banks and financial institutions must prepare now for stringent new rules on third-party suppliers.
FINRA annual regulatory report offers AI guidance, points to significant risks
Financial firms seeking guidance on AI, the threat of cyberattacks, market manipulation, or fraud targeting senior clients can turn to annual guidance issued by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
Former Credit Suisse compliance officer charged with money laundering
A compliance officer is facing charges for laundering $7 million in a complex legal case in Switzerland. Swiss prosecutors have charged Credit Suisse, and one of its former employees, with failing to maintain adequate controls.
CFPB humility pledge reshapes exam process, as agency faces uncertain future
The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Supervision Division introduced a new “humility pledge” last month that examiners will read aloud at the start of each oversight engagement. It’s another shift in how the organization handles itself under the Trump administration.
SEC exam priorities for 2026 signal heightened focus on firmwide compliance
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Division of Examinations released its 2026 examination priorities, which give companies a roadmap of areas of heightened risk and regulatory focus for next year.
San Francisco firm pays $11.4M for alleged Russia-related sanctions violations
A San Francisco-based private equity firm has agreed to pay $11.4 million to settle allegations it violated U.S. sanctions rules by handling investments for a sanctioned Russian oligarch.
U.K. asset managers to focus on investor engagement outcomes under new reporting guidance
Asset managers reporting under the U.K.’s updated Stewardship Code starting Jan 1 should focus on engagement outcomes and evidence of impact. New guidance from the U.K. financial regulator offers case studies and checklists to support compliance.
FDIC eases leverage rules for banks, citing lower risk burdens
The U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation issued a final rule to change the leverage capital requirements for both large and community banks. The agency said the modification will ”reduce disincentives a banking organization may have to engage in lower-risk activities.”
CFPB shutdown appears imminent, enforcement transferred to DOJ
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is reportedly transferring its enforcement caseload to the DOJ, one of multiple indicators telegraphing its eminent shutdown.
Rapid regulatory change requires investment in compliance processes in financial services firms
Geopolitical instability and a general focus on increasing growth and productivity by governments worldwide are causing a slew of regulatory changes in the financial services sector. But most firms are failing to identify potential compliance changes early enough to make meaningful decisions.
U.S. Treasury faces new pressure over unreleased Epstein bank records
The release of thousands of emails written by Jeffrey Epstein has sparked a political storm. One Democratic Senator is ramping up pressure for the U.S. Treasury to also disclose the deceased financier’s bank records.
CFPB proposes changes to equal credit opportunity act rules
The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) proposed a rule change that would narrow anti-discrimination requirements for the financial industry. This comes as the Trump administration attempts to shutter the agency may finally come to pass.
DOJ dismisses indictment against Cassava advisor amid legal flaws
The DOJ dropped a June 2024 indictment against a Cassava Sciences advisor, closing a case tied to an alleged short-selling scheme and related government probes. The case was criticized for fundamental flaws in evidence and legal procedures.
U.K. proposed changes to AML supervision
The U.K.’s financial services regulator will take a more central role as part of the government’s plans to simplify—and improve—efforts to clamp down on money laundering and terrorist financing.
Who is leading the fight against confidence scams, and who should?
Internet-enabled scams are drawing national attention, with authorities treating them as organized transnational crimes. The FBI says confidence schemes now make up a significant share of online fraud, prompting questions about how the private sector is responding.
Former Capula CCO alleges misconduct and retaliation at the hedge fund firm
The former U.S. chief compliance officer of hedge fund firm Capula Investment Management has blown the whistle against his former employer, alleging he was terminated for raising concerns about improper expensing practices.
FinCEN flags $9 billion in Iranian shadow-banking activity, citing SARs filings from U.S. banks
Approximately $9 billion of potential shadow-banking flows tied to Iranian networks in 2024, according to a new analysis from FinCEN. The report highlights how illicit funds are making their way through financial institutions as they meet the requirements of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA).
CFPB ends probe into Meta’s financial advertising practices
Meta says it is no longer under investigation by the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the latest instance of the agency scaling back enforcement under President Donald Trump.
Navigate SEC cautiously during shutdown, experts advise
The U.S. government shutdown has brought most operations at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to a screeching halt, but that doesn’t mean compliance teams should be taking a breather, experts advised.
Role for compliance as FCA urges U.K. asset managers to take up tokenization tech
The U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has opened a consultation on its plans to support “tokenization” – the digital representation of assets on distributed ledger technology (DLT). It is calling for firms to respond to the consultation before November 21.
CFPB scraps bad-actor registry, citing cost-benefit issues
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau shut down a registry of non-bank financial firms that broke consumer laws. The agency cites the costs being ”not justified by the speculative and unquantified benefits to consumers.”