Politics, Legal & Regulation

May 26, 2024 @ 5:27 pm By Tony Zerucha  |  

This week, Marqeta welcomed the recent Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) rule on BNPL providers. In a statement, Marqeta said it appreciates the agency’s efforts to promote consistent consumer protection standards, including for BNPL. “As BNPL providers reach greater levels of mainstream adoption, industry standardization… Read More

May 24, 2024 @ 10:15 am By JD Alois  |  

Stand with Crypto, an advocacy group that supports appropriate regulation of the digital asset sector, has set up shop in the UK. While the UK is moving forward with bespoke regulation, it has been more challenging in the US. The US House of Representatives recently… Read More

May 24, 2024 @ 8:57 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The European Central Bank (ECB) is focused on carrying out DLT or distributed ledger technology trials, which are currently underway. The Eurosystem is currently testing distributed ledger technology (DLT) for wholesale transactions in central bank money. During these trials, 16 private firms as well as… Read More

May 23, 2024 @ 2:26 pm By JD Alois  |  

The US House of Representatives has approved legislation aimed at deterring the use of a central bank digital currency, or CBDC. The CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act (HR 5403) vote was 216 for and 192 against.  22 members did not vote. While all of the Republicans… Read More

May 23, 2024 @ 10:44 am By JD Alois  |  

Yesterday, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued an interpretive rule impacting buy now pay later (BNPL) providers. BNPL providers have emerged as a popular alternative to credit cards, as their interest rates are typically lower than credit cards. At the same time, many platforms… Read More

May 23, 2024 @ 8:48 am By JD Alois  |  

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has fined HSBC £6,280,100 for the poor treatment of its customers. According to the FCA, HSBC failed to properly consider people’s circumstances when they had missed payments. This transgression took place between June 2017 and October 2018. The FCA… Read More

May 22, 2024 @ 7:09 pm By JD Alois  |  

After an impassioned debate by multiple Democrats criticizing the legislation, the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (FIT21), HR 4763, has been approved by the US House of Representatives. The final vote showed solid support as 208 Republicans were joined by 71… Read More

May 22, 2024 @ 4:32 pm By JD Alois  |  

The Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (FIT21) incorporates a Digital Asset Exemption that enables issuers to raise up to $75 million. The current language allows participation by both Accredited and Non-Accreditd Investors. For individuals who are not Accredited, there are limitations,… Read More

May 22, 2024 @ 3:35 pm By JD Alois  |  

House Financial Services Committee Chairman Patrick McHenry, along with Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Inclusion Subcommittee Chairman French Hill, and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Bill Huizenga, have joined to ask the Securities and Exchange Commission to provide information on Prometheum’s move to provide custody… Read More

May 22, 2024 @ 12:48 pm By JD Alois  |  

SEC Chairman Gary Gensler has posted commentary on the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century (FIT21) Act. First introduced in 2023, the legislation has recently re-emerged, moving forward in the House and a looming floor vote. The legislation aims to clarify the digital… Read More

May 22, 2024 @ 12:28 pm By JD Alois  |  

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has penalized the Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE:ICE), the operator of the New York Stock Exchange, for failing to notify the SEC promptly of a cyber intrusion. ICE has agreed to pay a $10 million penalty to settle the allegations without… Read More

May 22, 2024 @ 10:45 am By JD Alois  |  

This past week, the California state legislature approved an Artificial Intelligence (AI) bill, SB 1047 that is being described as undermining innovation and hampering the development of the new technology. Joe Lonsdale, founder of Palantir (NYSE:PLTR) – a firm engaged in AI development, slammed the… Read More

May 22, 2024 @ 9:24 am By JD Alois  |  

Today, the UK Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) has decided that cards do not face effective competition. The PSR states that it has “provisionally” determined there is not enough competition in the supply of scheme and processing services to acquirers. Additionally, pricing is complicated, having risen… Read More

May 22, 2024 @ 8:35 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The European Council has now approved a law aiming to harmonise rules on artificial intelligence, the so-called artificial intelligence act. The flagship legislation follows a ‘risk-based’ approach, which means “the higher the risk to cause harm to society, the stricter the rules.” It is the… Read More

May 21, 2024 @ 9:35 am By JD Alois  |  

The British Business Bank has posted new data for the third iteration of its Recovery Loan Scheme, which allows smaller firms to raise up to £2 million. Businesses can use the loans for any purpose, including cashflow management, investment, and growth. The terms of the… Read More

May 21, 2024 @ 8:53 am By Omar Faridi  |  

KPMG has commented on the important step on the road to ISSB adoption in the United Kingdom. KPMG recently shared key insights on the announcement that the UK Government has established the UK Sustainability Disclosure Technical Advisory Committee. Providing their perspective on the announcement that… Read More

May 21, 2024 @ 8:37 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Digital Identity Regulation has reportedly entered into force. This means that the solution will become available by 2026. A digital ID and personal digital wallet for EU citizens, residents and businesses should help with enabling more frictionless experiences in an online environment. As noted… Read More

May 20, 2024 @ 5:18 pm By JD Alois  |  

Following a highly critical independent review and calls for his registration, FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg has decided to resign from the agency. Rumblings about poor management at the regulatory agency have been rife for some time now. Gruenberg issued the following statement: “It has been my… Read More

May 20, 2024 @ 3:54 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has sued the online lending platform SoLo Funds for claims the Fintech deceived borrowers about the total cost of loans. The CFPB notes that SoLo markets itself “as a consumer-friendly alternative to high-cost, short-term loans.” Solo is a Fintech… Read More

May 20, 2024 @ 3:12 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released its Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report outlining the agency’s work to protect consumers and promote competition. FTC Chair Lina M. Khan said: “The FTC is focused on ensuring that American consumers, workers, and entrepreneurs can enjoy honest markets and… Read More