The 2026 midterm elections underscore that cryptocurrency industry political spending cannot guarantee favorable regulation, while intensifying uncertainty around digital assets, competition over stab...

Director's Office staff will present a CR 102 to implement SSB 5403, amending WAC 314.55 to define financial interests, clarify the five-retail-license limit, allow certain discounts while prohibiting exclusivity, and clarify undue-influence prohibitions; formal public comment will run through Dec. 10 with a Dec. 10 hearing scheduled.

The Commission to Study voted to adopt Version 4 of its tokenization report, approving changes discussed in the meeting and directing follow-up study on several topics; the roll-call vote was five ayes and one abstention.

The tax authority is assigning dedicated compliance managers to more than 200 billionaires with UK tax obligations as it steps up efforts to tackle underpaid tax among the wealthy

Arion Bank has agreed to pay a 280 million-króna fine under a settlement with the Financial Supervisory Authority of the Central Bank of Iceland, mbl.is reports. The settlement follows an investigation launched in April 2024 into the bank’s compliance with laws on market abuse and financial marke…

James Brown said his office will propose a bill in the 27th Legislature to ban crypto/Bitcoin ATMs, raise fines, and seek broader enforcement authority including subpoena powers; he said interim committees preapproved introduction of the bill.

The SEC's new crypto custody proposal borrows the language of self-custody, but the keys stay with the adviser. A pro-crypto read of the text, the costs, and the alternative the agency considered and set aside.

A DCBS Division of Financial Regulation official outlined Oregons application to extend its Section 1332 reinsurance waiver for Jan. 1, 2028Dec. 31, 2032, and opened a three-week public comment period through Dec. 28 on the draft submission to HHS, Treasury and CMS.

CBC Marketplace has uncovered a stark contrast in how financial institutions handle scam victims between Canada and the United Kingdom. In the U.K., banks are legally required to reimburse customers for losses due to scams, often within days of a claim. This legal framework incentivizes banks to implement robust fraud prevention measures. Conversely, Canadian banks have no such obligation, leaving victims largely unprotected and responsible for their losses. The investigation highlights two cases: Asif Mohammed in Canada lost $7,200 to a scam involving a fake bank representative and courier, with his bank refusing full reimbursement despite months of negotiation. In contrast, Samantha Bradshaw in the U.K. lost £11,000 (nearly $21,000 CAD) but received full reimbursement within days. British banks, such as Santander, have adopted advanced fraud detection systems, including machine learning, to identify suspicious transactions in real time. They also intervene by contacting customers directly to prevent transfers to scammers. The U.K. system holds banks accountable for fraud losses, with reimbursement shared between sending and receiving banks unless negligence is proven. Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne has not committed to implementing similar liability rules, citing the need for consultation with multiple stakeholders. Instead, the government is focusing on new initiatives like Bill C-29, which establishes a Financial Crimes Agency, and deploying specialized officers to combat fraud. While these measures aim to address the issue, they do not directly address the lack of legal obligation for banks to reimburse scam victims. The investigation underscores the need for Canada to adopt a more victim-centric approach to financial fraud, aligning with international standards that prioritize customer protection over bank liability.

On September 30, 2026, the Fed decided that, starting with the 2028 cycle, each large bank’s stress capital buffer will be set on the basis of the average of its...more

EU finance ministers agree to give ESMA direct oversight of major market operators, aiming to reduce fragmentation and ease cross-border investment, subject to legislation.

A formal review has been launched into the British Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) handling of Simon Andriesz, a whistleblower who exposed Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's business ties to Jeffrey Epstein, following the banker's suicide. Andriesz, 57, died by suicide on September 23 in Thailand, according to his family. He had been a former managing director at Lutnick's brokerage BGC and spent over a decade accusing the firm of misconduct, winning $500,000 in a 2024 arbitration against BGC. His disclosures contributed to a $3 million federal penalty against BGC in 2019. Andriesz also informed the FBI in 2020 and 2021 about Lutnick's undisclosed business ties to Epstein, citing 2018 emails about a shared stake in an advertising startup called Adfin. Lutnick had previously claimed he cut ties with Epstein after a 2005 encounter but later admitted under Senate questioning in February that he met Epstein again in 2011 and had lunch with him on his private island in 2012. The revelations led to bipartisan calls for Lutnick's resignation, though the White House has stood by him. The FCA has appointed Lea Paterson, a newly appointed non-executive director, to review how the regulator dealt with Andriesz, with the review expected to conclude by year-end. An FCA spokesperson expressed sorrow over Andriesz's death and stated that Paterson would examine interactions with him to learn lessons for the future. Andriesz's family and advocates have criticized the FCA for not providing the clarity and closure he sought. A cross-party group of MPs is pushing for an independent inquiry rather than an internal FCA review, warning against the regulator 'marking its own homework.' BGC, Lutnick's former brokerage, has disputed Andriesz's allegations but stated it does not intend to relitigate them at this time, offering condolences to his family. The Commerce Department did not comment on the matter. The case has drawn significant attention from lawmakers on both sides of the Atlantic, with Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) crediting Andriesz for uncovering the Adfin emails and taking them to House Oversight. Massie had previously stated that Lutnick 'should just resign,' noting that 'the prince lost his title for less than what we've seen Howard Lutnick lie about.' The tragedy has highlighted the challenges faced by whistleblowers and the need for transparency in financial regulation. The FCA's internal review has been met with skepticism, with critics arguing that an independent investigation is necessary to ensure accountability. The case underscores the ongoing scrutiny of Lutnick's connections to Epstein, which have been a source of controversy since the revelations began to surface. The FCA's review is expected to provide insights into how regulatory bodies handle whistleblower cases, potentially influencing future policies and practices in financial oversight.

The Financial Conduct Authority is reviewing its treatment of Simon Andriesz, who raised concerns about his former employer and alleged links between Howard Lutnick and Jeffrey Epstein.

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