EU regulator questions 'culture of compliance' with Digital Markets Act at Apple, Google
The European Commission released its preliminary findings last week regarding Apple and Google not complying with the Digital Markets Act. It issued orders to both companies regarding their business practice and plans to release all of its findings next week.
Treasury reversal of OFAC sanctions against Tornado Cash signals eroding AML scrutiny
The U.S. Treasury Department lifted its sanctions against cryptocurrency mixer Tornado Cash on Friday after a federal appeals court ruled in November the penalty levied by the agency’s Office of Foreign Assets Control was an overreach.
RTX and Raytheon: A case study in juggling four compliance monitors
In October 2024, aerospace and defense company Raytheon and parent company RTX reached a $950 million settlement with U.S. government agencies to resolve multiple federal law violations. More significant than the criminal penalties were the four compliance monitorships that came with the agreements.
FinCEN drops BOI requirement for U.S. companies, persons
The U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network issued a final interim rule that eliminates beneficial ownership information reporting obligations for U.S.-based companies and persons.
Ethics & Compliance notebook: The future of DEI isn’t about ‘diversity’
With White House directives ending DEI programs across the U.S. government, many companies are now facing the question of how to meet their diversity goals without upsetting the political climate. The answer has been to give up the name but not the spirit of DEI.
Democratic FTC commissioners blast Trump's 'illegal' firings
President Donald Trump fired two Democratic commissioners serving on the Federal Trade Commission, the regulatory agency overseeing antitrust and consumer protection laws and which has been traditionally independent and staffed by members of both political parties.
Trump picks Fed vice chair of supervision, aims to roll back 2023 bank protections
Federal Reserve Board member Michelle Bowman has been nominated as the board’s vice chair for supervision, a position that oversees regulation of the nation’s largest banks.
Expert: Treasury’s move to ‘narrow’ BOI requirements would gut AML law
The U.S. Treasury’s effort to dramatically narrow the focus of the Corporate Transparency Act through “emergency” rulemaking would gut the law’s anti-money laundering efforts, a transparency expert said.
Experts: Companies ‘underestimate risk’ as first provisions of EU AI Act come into force
A European Union-wide ban on AI systems with “unacceptable” risk came into force on Feb. 2 as the first provisions of the EU’s AI Act took effect. Problems persist, however, over what the legislation requires and what corporate practices or uses of data may risk flouting the rules.
SEC postpones compliance date for amendments to investment company names rule
Investment companies will have six additional months to comply with an update to the Securities and Exchange Commission rule aimed at making investment fund names more accurate.
‘Abject failure’: U.K. lawmakers sound off on FCA’s failed 'naming and shaming' enforcement
U.K. lawmakers slammed the country’s chief financial regulator’s hopes of “naming and shaming” firms as part of its efforts to beef up enforcement, denting its credibility in the process and questioning the leadership of its chief executive.
Two senators want to know: What’s the legal basis for suspending enforcement of the CTA?
Two senators behind the Corporate Transparency Act have demanded that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent justify his suspension of one of the law’s anti-money laundering requirements.
Dismissal of CFPB’s Zelle case marks shift to ‘collective effort’ in consumer protection
The Trump administration isn’t slowing down its efforts to defang the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, with lawsuits dropped against a handful of big banks and financial services firms, most notably a case previously accusing payments app Zelle of failing to secure its network.
Judge to hear arguments for and against CFPB cuts before agency potentially ‘choked out of existence’
The future of the CFPB–and the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle it–hang in the balance as a federal judge pushed consideration of a request by a federal employees’ union to preserve the agency.
'Measured approach' or light-handed GPDR? Noyb reports only 1.3 percent of EU cases result in fine
When Europe’s strict set of data protection rules came into force nearly seven years ago, privacy campaigners, industry experts, and lawyers all warned that noncompliance could result in eye-watering fines and other costly sanctions, especially for repeated breaches. However, the reality appears to be very different.
As DOJ pivots away from white-collar enforcement, is FCPA still relevant?
While executives and boards will never conclude that bribery is a legitimate way of doing business, understandably many have questions about how to direct their FCPA compliance program efforts and resources, write Iris Bennett and Claire Rajan, partners at law firm Steptoe.
Treasury announces plan to narrow CTA's scope; FinCEN says no fines, penalties for failure to report BOI
The Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network notified businesses that fail to report or update their beneficial ownership information before the agency’s March 21 deadline will not face fines or penalties. The agency further said it would not enforce the Corporate Transparency Act against U.S. citizens and domestic businesses.
CFTC first agency to describe self-reporting credit under Trump
The CFTC issued new guidance for firms seeking to self-report misconduct, accompanied by a “mitigation credit index” that details how “exemplary” cooperation and remediation can knock up to 55 percent off the final penalty. The agency is the first enforcement agency to issue self-reporting guidance under President Donald Trump.
U.K. competition and markets regulator wields new power to combat fake online reviews
Fake reviews of products and services are a global phenomenon, but regulators in the U.K. are beginning to use newly expanded powers to protect buyers and honest competitors following a recent crackdown by U.S. authorities.
Trump’s actions against CFPB will ‘significantly harm consumers,’ coalition of 23 AGs warn
Twenty-three attorneys general from across the country are warning that President Donald Trump’s efforts to defund and disband the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau would “significantly harm consumers” and “reduce oversight of big banks.”
FinCEN issues new BOI compliance date, but experts say unlikely to hold
Uncertainty continues to swirl around a requirement that small businesses and foreign entities file beneficial ownership information with the U.S. Treasury Department.
DEI programs are under attack. Compliance should help plan what comes next
U.S. President Donald Trump has proven himself to be a chaos agent in the opening weeks of his second term, firing federal workers, shuttering agencies, and issuing executive orders that attempt to upend policies and laws he doesn’t like.
U.K. Employment Rights Bill promises to thwart forced labor through new consolidated regulator
For the past decade, the United Kingdom has tried to make companies more directly accountable for forced labor in their supply chains. But lawyers warn that the government’s latest plans to beef up protections against worker violations risk being heavily watered down and poorly policed by regulators.
Senate votes along party lines to confirm RFK Jr. as secretary of HHS
The U.S. Senate has approved Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, placing President Donald Trump’s controversial pick at the helm of a $1.7 trillion department in transition.
Trump has called for a six-month ban on FCPA enforcement. How should compliance respond?
With a six-month ban on enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, compliance should retreat from fear-based messaging and instead focus on why ethical practices make good business sense, experts say.
Apple bucks trend in Big Tech, defies anti-DEI headwinds
Apple, one of the most valuable tech giants on the planet, is pushing back against pressure to stop diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, saying that “a culture of belonging” remains a core value of the organization.
Lawsuits filed to save CFPB amid Trump push to shutter financial watchdog
Enforcement and all other operations at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau have come to a screeching halt under Trump administration directives but a pair of lawsuits aimed at keeping the agency open mean the stoppage could be short-lived.
DOJ orders Lockheed Martin to pay $30M over defective pricing on F-35 contracts
The Department of Justice announced it reached a settlement with Lockheed Martin stemming from allegations of “defective pricing on contracts for F-35 military aircraft.” The deal comes days after Attorney General Pam Bondi was confirmed by the Senate, which will shift the DOJ’s focus away from white-collar misconduct.
Experts question effectiveness of new enforcement tool SFO is finally wielding
The U.K.’s Serious Fraud Office has made its first use of an enforcement tool that was meant to bring oligarchs and kleptocrats to book. But lawyers are unsure whether the move signifies either a change in direction or fortune for the agency.
Bondi-led DOJ sharply pivots away from prosecution of corporate FCPA violations
The U.S. Department of Justice under new Attorney General Pam Bondi will de-emphasize white collar misconduct linked to bribes and foreign corruption, instead prioritizing corruption cases linked to human smuggling and the trafficking of narcotics and firearms.
What’s keeping compliance leaders up at night? Struggles and strategies for 2025
Managing the unrelenting pace and increasing complexity of regulations is the top concern among compliance professionals, according to a recent survey by Compliance Week and Resolver.
CFTC’s Pham announces end to ‘regulation by enforcement,’ consolidates task forces
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s enforcement division will end the practice of “regulation by enforcement,” according to Acting Chair Caroline Pham.
Experts: U.K. digital market reforms a ‘watershed moment,’ could speed up enforcement
The U.K.’s competition regulator has outlined new plans to regulate Big Tech firms that will enable it to take a much more flexible and proactive approach towards investigations.
CFPB issues $2.5M penalty against Wise in last action of Chopra era
A fine by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) against the U.S arm of London-based foreign exchange company Wise could be one of the agency’s final actions as a new regulatory regime reportedly froze rules and litigation amid calls for defunding.
EDPB shift forces AI firms to embed procurement, risk management in GDPR considerations
Efforts to clarify the circumstances in which artificial intelligence models may or may not be violating the General Data Protection Regulation could result in yet more confusion for tech firms, companies deploying the technology, and even data protection authorities, according to experts.
Five reasons why I’m excited about CW’s Cyber Risk & Data Privacy Summit
Having worked for Compliance Week for three years, I’ve found it remarkable how compliance professionals can be so consistently upbeat about their plight. An often refrain in compliance circles is “be comfortable with being uncomfortable.” As difficult as the job can be, that clearly doesn’t mean it can’t be fun.
Experts: Prepare now with U.K. failure to prevent fraud offense on horizon
Fraud prevention is about to get more complicated with penalties rising sharply for U.K. organizations. Starting Sept. 1, larger businesses will be liable to criminal prosecution if any of their employees–or an agent, subsidiary, or other “associated person”–commits fraud that is intended to benefit the company.
Experts say DORA compliance not coming easy as more firms pass buck to IT providers
New rules have come into effect across the European Union to promote better cybersecurity and IT resilience across the financial services sector, but experts warn that compliance is likely to be patchy and regulatory enforcement across the bloc perhaps even patchier.
Trump gives TikTok 75-day reprieve after ban goes into effect
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday delaying the Department of Justice (DOJ) from enforcing the long-awaited TikTok ban. While the social media platform’s fate is still up in the air, Trump signaled his support for it being sold, with the U.S. as a “partner.”
SEC charge against CCO in penny stock scheme raises more questions about gatekeeper liability
A recent complaint by the Securities and Exchange Commission against the chief compliance officer of a Chicago-based investment firm contains some of the most worrisome examples of how CCOs can be found liable for misconduct at their firm.
The Rise, Fall, and Rise of Crypto: Lessons from FTX amidst a changing regulatory landscape
As President Trump assumes power, the crypto industry is in the spotlight. Trump has tapped popular crypto advocate Paul Atkins to lead the SEC, and crypto proponents feel positive about gaining fast-tracked guidance. Crypto experts and industry leaders share insights into what the industry needs from regulators to drive innovation.
FDA bans Red No. 3 dye after decades of concerns over possible health risks
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday it has revoked authorization for color additive Red No. 3 from food, beverages, and drugs. Health concerns over dye have existed since it was banned from cosmetics in 1990 after it was found that large doses led to the development of cancer ...
White House, BIS attempt to strengthen AI chip export controls in final days of Biden presidency
In tandem with the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security, the Biden administration issued a new rule on export controls of domestically produced artificial intelligence chips.
New CFPB payment privacy rule on the way for gaming companies, cryptocurrencies, Big Tech
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has issued a proposed rule aimed at protecting the privacy of the public when using novel digital payment systems, such as those offered by large technology platforms and video gaming companies.
CFPB rule bans lenders from using medical debt in credit report determinations
Banks and other lenders will be prohibited from using medical debt information in credit reports, under a new rule finalized by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the agency said.
Experts unsure of risk appetite as EU beefs up cyber rules for critical infrastructure
New rules on cyber risk management across the EU put execs firmly in the crosshairs for noncompliance and are likely to apply to a wider range of organizations than many business leaders may initially think. However, there are also concerns that the rules may become muddled across the wide bloc.
TPRM critical as DORA, new FCA third-party engagement rules come into effect in 2025
New rules that push IT firms providing “critical” services to the U.K.’s financial sector to share more data about cyberattacks and resiliency measures have been welcomed by industry experts. However, concerns remain over how suppliers will be classified and how key data might be gathered and shared.
Google’s fate under Trump could be a sign of antitrust battles to come in 2025
As Donald Trump begins his transition to become president, there are questions about the fate of tech companies, as well as regulators from multiple administrations. Google in particular is fighting a high-profile antitrust ruling after an investigation started by Trump in 2020 could be resolved in his next administration.
EU AI Act next GDPR? Proof in the pudding as boardrooms prioritize data governance
Breaches of the EU’s GDPR can cost companies substantial sums and huge reputational damage. Now some are warning that the implementation of the EU’s AI Act will be just as far-reaching, and could potentially lead to similar numbers of cases.
’Future-proofing’ products for safety next level of regulation under EU GPSR
Any product that uses AI needs to be safety assessed for its entire lifespan under new rules that went into effect recently across the EU. Experts warned companies using AI to tailor products could be classed as “manufacturers” and face the same duty of care as developed.