Compliance & Ethics

In today’s fast-moving world, staying on top of regulatory requirements isn’t just a challenge, it’s a constant juggling act. As businesses face mounting compliance demands, they’re looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve, with speed, agility, and resilience. Enter RegTech. Positioned right at the intersection of technology and regulation, RegTech is becoming a game-changer in the Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC) space. It’s providing the tools that organizations need to not only keep up with—but get ahead of—an increasingly complex regulatory environment. As I dive into the intricacies of RegTech, I’ve shared some key insights in my original article on navigating this ever-evolving landscape.

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, 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.

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.

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., 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.

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.