Compliance & Ethics

Federal Reserve & California Regulators Levy $63 Million in Penalties Against Silvergate for Anti-Money Laundering Violation

The Federal Reserve Board has imposed a $43 million fine on Silvergate Capital Corporation and its subsidiary, Silvergate Bank, for inadequate transaction monitoring in violation of anti-money laundering (AML) laws.

Supreme Court Overturns Chevron Doctrine, Redefining Federal Agency Authority

The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned the Chevron doctrine, a judicial precedent that has guided the balance of power between federal agencies and the courts for nearly four decades. The ruling in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo passed with a 6-3 vote, represents a pivotal shift in administrative law and regulatory oversight.

FinCEN Proposes New Rule to Modernize Anti-Money Laundering Programs

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, has announced a proposed rule aimed at strengthening and modernizing anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) programs for financial institutions.

DOJ Unveils Massive Health Care Fraud Crackdown: 193 Charged in $2.75 Billion Scheme

In a sweeping operation across 32 federal districts, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has unveiled the results of its 2024 National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action. The crackdown has led to criminal charges against 193 defendants, including 76 licensed medical professionals, for their alleged involvement in schemes totaling approximately $2.75 billion in intended losses and $1.6 billion in actual losses to health care programs. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the DOJ's commitment to prosecuting those who exploit healthcare systems for profit.

Treasury Targets Shadow Banking Network Moving Billions for Iran’s Military

The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced significant sanctions against nearly 50 entities and individuals forming a vast "shadow banking" network supporting Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This network has facilitated illicit access to the international financial system, processing billions of dollars since 2020. The primary activities generating these revenues include the sale of Iranian oil and petrochemicals, vital for funding advanced weapons systems and regional proxy groups.

AMLA Becomes Official: New EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority Enters into Force

The European Union has officially launched its new framework for tackling money laundering and terrorist financing. The European Banking Authority (EBA) has welcomed this development, which includes the establishment of a dedicated anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism authority (AMLA).

Meta Materials and Former CEOs Face SEC Charges for Alleged Market Manipulation

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken action against Meta Materials Inc. and its former CEOs, John Brda and George Palikaras, alleging a market manipulation scheme that raised $137.5 million from investors in 2021.