Samuel Rasmussen

AMF 2025 International Seminar Explores Global Regulatory Challenges

The AMF's 2025 International Seminar wrapped up on March 20, leaving behind not just a digital trail but an invaluable conversation on the future of global financial regulation. Held in a 100% online format from March 10 to 20, the event brought together over 950 participants from 85 financial market authorities worldwide. It was a gathering of minds—regulators, experts, and thought leaders—all grappling with the growing complexities of financial markets in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world.

Industry Experts Challenge IIA’s Third-Party Requirements Draft: Advocating for Flexibility & Risk-Based Approaches

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) recently released a Public Consultation Draft for its Third-Party Topical Requirement. At first glance, it may seem like a technical set of guidelines, but the stakes are high. As businesses increasingly rely on third-party relationships—whether with vendors, contractors, consultants, or others—internal auditors face growing challenges in managing these complex connections. The IIA’s draft aims to offer a more standardized, comprehensive approach to assessing and managing the risks tied to external partnerships. For organizations that regularly engage with third parties, the draft provides a clear framework designed to ensure that no critical risks go unnoticed.

Treasury Department Presses Pause on Corporate Transparency Act Enforcement: What This Means for U.S. & Foreign Companies

On March 2, 2025, the U.S. Treasury Department made a noteworthy announcement that immediately caught the attention of businesses and legal experts alike. The department revealed that it would not enforce penalties or fines tied to the Corporate Transparency Act’s (CTA) beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements, including those set for the March 21, 2025 filing deadline. This move effectively gives businesses a breather, halting the looming threat of fines for failing to meet reporting obligations under the current rules.

What Happens When the Fight Against Corruption Hits Pause? The White House Halts FCPA Enforcement

When President Donald Trump signed an executive order on February 10, 2025, pausing the enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), he set off a chain reaction that has reverberated through boardrooms and government offices alike. The executive order gives the Department of Justice (DOJ) 180 days to review and revise its approach to FCPA enforcement, a move that could dramatically reshape how the U.S. tackles international corruption.

A $451 Million Judgment—& the Compliance Lessons You Can’t Ignore

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois has handed down a default judgment against a network of offshore entities and individuals behind a massive binary options fraud scheme. The total financial penalty reaches a staggering $451 million in restitution and civil penalties. And for those involved? It’s a permanent ban from future trading in U.S. markets.

Biden’s Cybersecurity Farewell: Charting the Path for U.S. Cyber Defense

In his final days at the helm, President Joe Biden has issued what could either be interpreted as a parting gift or perhaps a stern directive to the nation—a sweeping executive order aimed at strengthening U.S. cybersecurity. It reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the administration in addressing the volatile and high-stakes world of digital threats.

Financial Institutions Face New Standards for Consumer Protection

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) latest proposed rule isn’t just another notch in the belt of regulatory updates—it’s a call to arms for fairness, transparency, and accountability. Announced on January 13, 2025, this bold move challenges financial institutions to rethink the very foundations of how they engage with consumers.