Compliance & Ethics

Japan's Financial Services Agency Focuses on Effective Validation of AML/CFT Frameworks

Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) has put a spotlight on the importance of continuously validating the effectiveness of Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) frameworks within financial institutions (FIs). The agency’s latest publication comes with a crucial message that AML/CFT framework are only as strong as its ongoing evaluation.

DWS Group Settles Greenwashing Investigation with €25 Million Fine

DWS Group, Deutsche Bank’s asset-management arm, is paying the price for overstating its green credentials. The firm has agreed to settle an investigation by German prosecutors, paying €25 million ($27 million) over allegations of greenwashing—essentially, overhyping its sustainability efforts. According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, German authorities found that between mid-2020 and January 2023, DWS made inflated claims about the environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) characteristics of its investment products.

DRI Relays Inc. to Pay $15.7 Million Over Alleged False Claims Violations

When you think about the equipment that keeps our military running smoothly, you might imagine high-tech gear, advanced weaponry, and well-oiled machinery. What’s often less visible, though, are the parts that make all of this work—like electrical relays and sockets. DRI Relays Inc. (DRI), a subsidiary of TE Connectivity Corporation (TEC), has found itself in the spotlight over a failure to meet the very standards that keep those parts dependable for our armed forces. The company has agreed to pay $15.7 million to settle allegations under the False Claims Act, after it was accused of selling military parts that didn’t meet the required specifications.

EU Supervisory Authorities Lay Out Recommendations to Strengthen Securitisation Regulation

In an effort to further refine and enhance Europe’s financial infrastructure, the Joint Committee (JC) of the European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) has just published its evaluation report on the EU’s Securitization Regulation (SECR). The report, which arrives at a crucial moment for the European financial markets, offers a comprehensive review of how the regulation has been performing and lays out several key recommendations for making Europe’s securitization framework more effective, transparent, and investor-friendly.

Diopsys Inc. Agrees to $14.25 Million Settlement Over False Claims

Diopsys Inc., a medical device company based in Pennsylvania, is reaching into its coffers to settle a significant legal matter, agreeing to pay up to $14.25 million to resolve allegations of submitting false claims to Medicare and Medicaid. The claims were tied to the company’s NOVA device, a piece of equipment cleared by the FDA for visual evoked potential (VEP) testing. But it turns out, the device was being used in ways it wasn’t approved for—something the government says led to false claims for payment from both Medicare and Medicaid.

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.

Ofcom Fines OnlyFans Adult Content Platform £1.05 Million for Failing to Provide Accurate Age Assurance Information

Ofcom has imposed a £1.05 million fine on Fenix International Limited, the operator behind OnlyFans, for failing to provide accurate information about its age assurance measures. This penalty comes after the company provided misleading responses to formal requests made by the regulator in 2022 and 2023, raising concerns over its age verification processes for users.