German CRD VI Implementing Act Published in the Federal Gazette
On 30 March 2026 Germany published the Banking Directive Implementation and Bureaucracy Relief Act (BRUBEG), transposing the EU’s CRD VI into national law. The act introduces new market‑access rules for third‑country credit institutions, tighter notification and approval thresholds for bank M&A, and enhanced governance standards. Core provisions become effective on 1 April 2026, while a dedicated supervisory regime for third‑country branches starts on 11 January 2027. BaFin must now align licensing exemptions with the CRD VI framework and revoke any that conflict.
CRD VI Implementation – Germany Video
The European Union’s Capital Requirements Directive VI (CRD VI) is now being harmonised across the EEA, reshaping how third‑country banks access the EU market. Germany’s existing BRUBEG regime is already stringent, and the new rules will curb individual waivers that conflict with...
‘Smart Data 2035 – The UK’s Smart Data Strategy’
On 26 March 2026 the UK Department for Business and Trade released the policy paper “Smart Data 2035 – The UK’s Smart Data Strategy.” The paper leverages powers granted by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 to mandate firm participation in smart‑data...
EBA Streamlines Supervisory Approvals for IRB Model Changes
On 30 March 2026 the European Banking Authority published a final report containing draft regulatory technical standards that amend Delegated Regulation EU No 529/2014, which governs the materiality assessment of Internal Ratings‑Based (IRB) model changes. The revisions align the regulation with the recent CRR 3 amendments,...
Regulators Launch Joint Taskforce to Crack Down on Poor Practice in Motor Finance Claims
On 30 March 2026 the Financial Conduct Authority announced a joint taskforce with the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the Information Commissioner’s Office and the Advertising Standards Authority to curb poor practice in motor‑finance claims. The collaboration will enable regulators to share intelligence and...
Commission Opens Infringement Procedures Against Member States for Failing to Transpose EU Directives
On 27 March 2026 the European Commission opened infringement procedures against dozens of EU Member States for not fully transposing three key directives: the European Single Access Point (ESAP) Omnibus Directive, the amended Capital Requirements Directive VI, and the e‑Evidence Directive. Formal letters...
Handbook Notice No. 139
On 27 March 2026 the FCA released Handbook Notice 139, amending the FCA Handbook across ten areas including redress reforms, third‑party incident reporting, perimeter guidance, prospectus rules, fee structures, complaints reporting, administrative fees, data decommissioning, concentration limits and handbook administration. The...
FCA Publishes Insights and Observations in Relation to Operational Resilience
On 27 March 2026 the FCA released observations from firms' self‑assessments on operational resilience, marking a year after the March 2025 transition deadline. The regulator highlighted good practices such as robust methodologies for defining important business services and strong governance frameworks,...
Corrigendum to Regulation (EU) 2025/1355 of the ECB on Oversight Requirements for Systemically Important Payment Systems
On March 27 2026 the European Union published a corrigendum to Regulation (EU) 2025/1355, the ECB’s framework governing systemically important payment systems. The amendment corrects a typographical error in recital 2, leaving the substantive oversight requirements unchanged. The original regulation, effective July 2025, sets governance,...
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/722 Amending the ITS in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3172
On 27 March 2026 the EU Official Journal published Commission Implementing Regulation 2026/722, which amends the technical standards set out in Implementing Regulation 2024/3172. The amendment refines the European Banking Authority’s Single Access Point (EBA‑SAP) requirements for disclosures by credit institutions that are not...
Joint FCA and ICO Statement on Regulatory Expectations Regarding Firms’ Approaches to Vulnerability Related Data
On 27 March 2026, the UK Financial Conduct Authority and the Information Commissioner’s Office issued a joint statement outlining regulatory expectations for firms handling vulnerability‑related data. The guidance ties the FCA’s Consumer Duty to the ICO’s data‑protection standards, covering support...
Official Translations of ESMA’s Guidelines on Stress Test Scenarios Under the MMF Regulation
On 26 March 2026 the European Securities and Markets Authority released official translations of its updated stress‑test guidelines under the Money Market Funds Regulation. The guidance seeks a common, uniform application of Article 28 across the EU. Sections highlighted in red become legally...
Draft Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Regulations 2026
On 26 March 2026 the UK government released a draft Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Regulations 2026, translating the Treasury’s 2024 consultation into law. The proposal tightens customer due diligence for unusually large or complex transactions, converts euro‑based thresholds...
PSR Annual Work Programme 2026/27
On 26 March 2026 the Payment Systems Regulator released its 2026/27 annual work programme, outlining eight priority areas. The plan emphasizes delivering the National Payments Vision, overseeing Pay.UK and Faster Payments, and publishing an independent evaluation of APP fraud. It also seeks...
FCA Webpage on Cryptoasset Firms’ Registration Under the MLRs Ahead of the New Regime
On 26 March 2026 the FCA launched a guidance webpage outlining how crypto‑asset firms must remain registered under the Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs) until the new Financial Services and Markets Act (FSMA) regime begins. Authorisation applications under FSMA open on 30 September 2026, with...
MEPs Approve CMDI Package
On 26 March 2026 the European Parliament approved the crisis management and deposit insurance (CMDI) package, bundling the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive, the Single Resolution Mechanism Regulation and the Deposit Guarantee Schemes Directive. The reforms broaden the resolution framework...
BoE and PRA Streamline Reporting and Disclosure Requirements for Bank Failure Regime
On 26 March 2026 the Bank of England and the Prudential Regulation Authority issued three policy statements that overhaul resolution‑related reporting and Pillar 3 disclosure rules. The MREL reporting templates are streamlined, with the MRL002 forecast template removed and the MRL001...
Payday Super Readiness
On 25 March 2026 the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority and the Australian Taxation Office sent a joint letter to Registerable Superannuation Entity (RSE) licensees outlining the launch of Payday Super on 1 July 2026. The new rules require RSEs to receive and allocate or...
New FCA Webpage on Non-Financial Misconduct
On 23 March 2026 the FCA unveiled a dedicated webpage outlining upcoming rules and guidance to curb non‑financial misconduct (NFM) such as bullying, harassment and violence. A new COCON 1.1.7FR rule will extend conduct‑rule coverage to work‑related NFM, while updated Fit‑and‑Proper (FIT)...
APRA Issues Insurance Climate Vulnerability Assessment
On 24 March 2026 the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) published its Insurance Climate Vulnerability Assessment, a stress test that projects how climate change could erode home‑insurance affordability through 2050. The analysis models two severe climate scenarios—heightened physical weather risks and costly...
FCA CP26/10: Simplifying the Pensions and Investment Advice Rules
On 25 March 2026 the FCA published Consultation Paper CP26/10 to simplify pensions and investment advice rules. The paper proposes merging COBS 9 and 9A into a single framework, deleting overlapping rules covered by the Consumer Duty, and redefining suitability assessments...
FCA Announces Timing of Motor Finance Redress Decision
The Financial Conduct Authority announced it will unveil its approach to motor finance redress on Monday, 30 March 2026, shortly after markets close. The decision follows the FCA’s October 2025 consultation on establishing a compensation scheme for consumers affected by mis‑selling in auto‑loan...
Podcast | Global Regulation Tomorrow Plus: Future of Payments Series – Episode 1 PSD3 and PSR
On March 24, 2026, a new podcast episode launched as part of the Global Regulation Tomorrow Plus Future of Payments series, focusing on the EU’s upcoming Payment Services Directive 3 (PSD3) and the Payment Services Regulation (PSR). The hosts, joined by...
APRA Consults on Proposed Superannuation Data Collection to Implement the Government’s Retirement Reporting Framework
On 23 March 2026 APRA launched a consultation on implementing the government’s Retirement Reporting Framework, a key pillar of the 2024 superannuation reforms aimed at greater transparency of retirement outcomes. The framework will require all Registerable Superannuation Entity (RSE) licencees – except...
Basel Committee Technical Amendment on the Standardized Approach to Operational Risk
The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision issued a final technical amendment to the standardized approach for operational risk, clarifying the treatment of rental income from investment properties. The amendment, published on 23 March 2026, will be mandatory from 1 April 2029 and is incorporated...
FCA Publishes Good and Poor Practice Examples for Firms Designing Consumer Segments for Targeted Support
On 23 March 2026 the FCA released a guidance document outlining good and poor practice for firms that design consumer segments for targeted support. The guidance builds on the FCA’s February 2025 policy statement and provides concrete examples on segment granularity, data use,...
CFTC Advances Regulatory Framework for Prediction Markets
On March 12, 2026 the Commodity Futures Trading Commission issued a staff advisory clarifying how event contracts may be listed and traded on prediction markets. The agency also released an advance notice of proposed rulemaking, indicating plans for a full regulatory framework....
BaFin Changes Its Administrative Practice: The End of Uncertainty for ESG Collaborative Engagements?
BaFin announced immediate changes to its administrative practice for attributing and disclosing voting rights under the German Securities Trading Act, aligning the "acting in concert" definition with the EU Transparency Directive after the EU Court’s February 2026 ruling. The regulator...
FCA Publishes Terms of Reference for Its Market Study Into Later Life Mortgages
The Financial Conduct Authority has released the terms of reference for a market study focused on later‑life mortgages. The study will assess whether the sector can evolve to meet the growing and shifting needs of retirees, including lifetime and interest‑only...
FCA Updates Finalised Guidance on Its Role Under the Payment Services Regulations 2017 and the Electronic Money Regulations 2011
On 19 March 2026 the FCA published version 7 of its approach document on payment services and electronic money, outlining how the Payment Services Regulations 2017 and Electronic Money Regulations 2011 should be applied. The guidance targets authorised and small payment institutions, e‑money institutions, registered...
FCA Regulatory Priorities Report 2026: Wholesale Markets and Wholesale Buy-Side
On 19 March 2026 the FCA published its first Regulatory Priorities reports for wholesale markets and wholesale buy‑side, part of a new series of nine annual reports that replace traditional portfolio letters. The wholesale‑markets agenda stresses operational resilience, liquidity management, T+1 settlement,...
IOSCO Proposes Good Practices Concerning OTC Commodities Derivatives Markets
On 19 March 2026 IOSCO released a consultation report proposing good practices to reinforce Principles 12, 15 and 16 of its commodity derivatives framework. The focus is on improving access to OTC position data, enhancing information sharing between regulators and...
FCA Call for Input – Understanding How Our Regulation Can Help SMEs Access Finance
On 18 March 2026, the UK Financial Conduct Authority issued a Call for Input inviting stakeholders to comment on how regulation can improve small and medium‑sized enterprises’ access to finance. The FCA aims to identify regulatory barriers that raise costs...
FCA, PRA and BoE Issue Policy Statements on Operational Resilience
On 18 March 2026 the FCA, PRA and Bank of England released coordinated policy statements that create a single operational‑incident and third‑party reporting regime for UK financial firms. The new rules define a unified incident definition, standardised thresholds and a...
Revision of State Aid Rules for Banks in Difficulty
On 17 March 2026 the European Commission launched a Call for Evidence to revise the EU State aid rules for banks in difficulty, aligning them with the revised Crisis Management and Deposit Insurance (CMDI) framework expected in Q2 2026. The existing rules predate...
From €3bn to €5bn – FCA Proposes to Increase the Commodity Clearing Threshold
On 6 March 2026 the FCA released Consultation Paper 26/8 proposing to raise the UK commodity clearing threshold from €3 billion to €5 billion. The change addresses nearly 90 % commodity price inflation since the 2016 threshold was set, which has effectively lowered...
PRA Consults on Modernising the Liquidity Policy Framework
On 17 March 2026 the Prudential Regulation Authority released consultation paper CP5/26 to modernise the UK liquidity policy framework. The PRA proposes that firms must assess liquidity composition and monetisation risk, conduct weekly stress tests, and remove the exemption for...
Commission Seeks Feedback on Possible Revisions to the EU Taxonomy
On 17 March 2026 the European Commission opened a public consultation on proposed revisions to the EU taxonomy, aiming to simplify the framework and reduce reporting burdens. The draft changes streamline criteria and clarify compliance across most sectors covered by...
Regulation of Payment Service Providers –Tranche 1 Draft Legislation
On 12 March 2026 the Australian Treasury released tranche 1 exposure drafts to overhaul the regulatory framework for payment service providers. The package replaces the purchased payment facility regime with Australian Financial Services licensing for stored‑value facilities and grants APRA prudential powers over...
New Briefing Note -Addressing the Advice Gap: Targeted Support
The FCA’s new briefing note examines the Targeted Support regime introduced in Policy Statement 25/22, aimed at closing the advice gap for vulnerable retail investors. It outlines how firms must identify customers lacking sufficient advice and provide proportionate, tailored support. The...
APRA to Consult on Enhancements to Bank Capital and Liquidity Frameworks
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has launched a public consultation on a suite of reforms aimed at tightening capital adequacy and liquidity standards for authorised deposit‑taking institutions (ADIs). The proposals introduce a new Pillar 2 liquidity framework for the largest...
FATF Report – Understanding and Mitigating the Risks of Off-Shore VASPs
On 11 March 2026 the Financial Action Task Force published a report titled “Understanding and Mitigating the Risks of Off‑shore Virtual Asset Service Providers.” The paper details the specific money‑laundering and terrorist‑financing threats posed by offshore VASPs and outlines a suite of...
Spotlight on Sanctions
A wave of sanctions activity is reshaping compliance across the United States, Canada, the European Union and the United Kingdom. The U.S. Treasury issued new Venezuela oil licenses, deployed the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act against a Russian cyber‑espionage broker,...
FCA Publishes Good Practice and Areas for Improvement in Relation to Consumer Understanding Under the Consumer Duty
On 13 March 2026 the FCA released a good‑practice review of firms’ consumer‑understanding under the Consumer Duty. It highlights that firms should use diverse data sources, test communications with real customers, and design clear, accessible journeys. The guidance stresses tailored support for...
FCA Regulatory Priorities Report – Retail Banking
On 12 March 2026 the FCA released its annual Retail Banking Regulatory Priorities report, replacing traditional portfolio letters. The guidance stresses filling cash‑access gaps, ensuring digital‑first transformations do not harm vulnerable customers, and meeting basic‑bank‑account rules. It also requires firms to sharpen...
AFM & DNB Update on Simplified Fine Procedure
The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) and the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) have refreshed their Simplified Fine Procedure, a tool first introduced by the AFM four years ago to speed up fine settlements. Supervisors may offer an abbreviated...
Published in OJ – Commission Implementing Regulation Amending ITS on MREL Reporting by Resolution Authorities
On 11 March 2026 the EU published Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/519, amending the technical standards of Regulation 2021/622 that govern MREL reporting. The amendment revises the frequency and content of data that resolution authorities must transmit to the European...
CMA Approves Robo‑Advisory Regulatory Framework
Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority approved amendments to its Capital Market Institutions Regulations, establishing a formal regulatory framework for robo‑advisory services. The rules apply to licensed institutions managing investments and require advance CMA notification, algorithmic oversight, diversification standards, detailed disclosures,...
DFSA Publishes Its Conflicts of Interest Thematic Review
In January 2026 the Dubai Financial Services Authority released a cross‑sector thematic review examining how Authorised Firms in the Dubai International Financial Centre identify, manage and monitor conflicts of interest. The review uncovered significant variability in standards across governance, identification,...
Commission Delegated Regulation Amending the RTS Laid Down in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/206
On 10 March 2026 the European Commission released a draft Delegated Regulation to amend the regulatory technical standards (RTS) set out in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/206. The amendment updates references to Article 124 of the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) that became obsolete after Regulation...