Politics, Legal & Regulation

October 22, 2024 @ 11:45 am By JD Alois  |  

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has completed its rulemaking process for certain segments of Open Banking. Open Banking, or Open Finance, addresses the massive amounts of data generated by financial services firms and their customers. In the past, these firms have largely leveraged this… Read More

October 22, 2024 @ 11:15 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has recently shared a comprehensive update on crypto-asset registrations processes, which are said to be focused on building strong foundations. The FCA noted in its extensive update that quite often, they are asked about the number of companies they… Read More

October 22, 2024 @ 8:02 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved proposals from two different exchanges in order to list and trade options on several bitcoin ETFs, thus helping with further expanding the range of crypto-focused investment products for US based investors. As mentioned in the SEC… Read More

October 20, 2024 @ 7:00 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The Banco Central do Brasil (BCB) recently released a list of the thirteen themes selected for the second phase of the Drex Pilot, the Brazilian Digital Real. The Executive Management Committee (CEG) reportedly selecte the subjects from 42 different proposals that had been submitted. A… Read More

October 19, 2024 @ 4:15 pm By Tony Zerucha  |  

The Financial Technology Association (FTA) this week spoke out against the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) final interpretive rule on BNPL products. FTA president and CEO Penny Lee said the two organizations share the goal of consumer health. However, the CFPB’s results are inadequate. “Millions… Read More

October 18, 2024 @ 11:54 am By JD Alois  |  

Crypto money is pouring into the state of Ohio to defeat Democrat Senator Sherrod Brown. Seen as a winnable seat by Republicans, Senator Brown is currently the Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee and widely known as someone who is anti-crypto and against Fintech in… Read More

October 17, 2024 @ 2:02 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Paul Grewal, the Chief Legal Officer at US-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN),  has pointed out that at first, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had reportedly stated that it could potentially avoid Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) since documents they’re owed are considered to be… Read More

October 17, 2024 @ 11:07 am By JD Alois  |  

Last week, the European Payments Commission (EPC) posted the Verification of Payee (VOP) scheme rulebook following a public consultation. The rulebook is for payment service providers (PSPs) in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). This applies to the EU Instant Payments Regulation (IPR) and the… Read More

October 17, 2024 @ 8:44 am By JD Alois  |  

The European Central Bank (ECB) has lowered benchmark rates by 25 basis points. The move was widely anticipated as the central bank adjusts to the changing economic environment. The consensus was driven by recent inflation data that drove a shift in opinion from market watchers…. Read More

October 16, 2024 @ 11:36 am By JD Alois  |  

The SEC Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee Meeting (SBCFAC) has scheduled its next meeting for November 13th. While no agenda has been made available, one probable topic is the recent publication of the SEC’s Small Business Forum Report. The recommendations provided to the Commission… Read More

October 16, 2024 @ 11:07 am By JD Alois  |  

At the end of this month (October 30), the Labour government will reveal its economic plan during the Autumn Budget presented to Parliament. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, who has been in charge since this past July, will share how Labour will address… Read More

October 16, 2024 @ 7:27 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) noted that the DLT Pilot Regime has started applying in the European Union (EU) as of 23 March 2023. ESMA explained in an update that it provides the legal framework for trading and settlement of transactions in crypto-assets… Read More

October 15, 2024 @ 6:03 pm By JD Alois  |  

The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) recently shared an update on smaller firms and their concerns regarding policies that impact these businesses. The SBE Council reports that smaller firms are worried about the looming expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA)… Read More

October 15, 2024 @ 11:34 am By JD Alois  |  

Yesterday during the UK International Investment Summit, the government announced multiple new investments as well as new initiatives. The British Business Bank, a public-private vehicle designed to support UK firms, commented on some of the announcements. Louis Taylor, CEO of the British Business Bank, said… Read More

October 15, 2024 @ 10:18 am By JD Alois  |  

Late last month, Senator Tim Scott, the ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee, introduced new legislation that aims to support smaller businesses and entrepreneurs while providing smaller investors with access to more opportunities. The Empowering Main Street in America Act of 2024 seeks to improve access… Read More

October 15, 2024 @ 9:11 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has fined TSB Bank plc (TSB) £10.9 million over the “treatment” of customers in financial difficulty. The FCA leveled the penalty on the bank for allegedly failing to ensure customers in arrears were “treated fairly.” The FCA further noted that… Read More

October 14, 2024 @ 7:57 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Crypto-focused firms have reportedly racked up as much as $32 billion in US regulator settlements, according to an update from CoinGecko. The research report from CoinGecko noted that the top crypto enforcement action carried out by US regulators has been primarily against bankrupt crypto exchange… Read More

October 14, 2024 @ 1:22 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

TD Bank Group (NYSE: TD) announced that, following “several years” of active cooperation and engagement with authorities and regulators, it has reached a “resolution” of previously disclosed investigations related to its U.S. Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) as well as the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance programs…. Read More

October 14, 2024 @ 12:40 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Less than a month before the presidential elections in the United States take place, next Tuesday, November 5, both candidates (former US President Donald Trump and Kamala Harris) have made statements about the crypto industry and the future of Bitcoin. According to an update from… Read More

October 14, 2024 @ 9:13 am By JD Alois  |  

Stating that the UK International Investment Summit is looking like a “publicity stunt, “Douglas Grant, Group CEO of Manx Financial Group, said they welcome the gathering but it raises some concerns. The event is arriving several weeks before the Labour government’s budget reveal which are… Read More