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In AML & Financial Services Regulatory

Canada: Amplified risks for financial institutions from AI, OSFI and FCAC Report

by and 6 Mins Read

On 24 September 2024, following an in-depth consultation with industry participants, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) and the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) published their findings concerning the use and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) by federally regulated financial institutions. The report highlighted that a significant majority of financial institutions will adopt AI by 2026, and also set out a number of key risks that arise for financial institutions from AI usage. OSFI and FCAC emphasized the need for financial institutions to adopt a dynamic and responsive risk management system with respect to AI, and confirmed their commitment to work towards more specific best practices for industry participants.

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In AML & Financial Services Regulatory

Singapore: MAS responds to feedback received on proposed framework for single family offices

by , , and 3 Mins Read

On 6 November 2024, the Monetary Authority of Singapore published its responses to the feedback on the July 2023 consultation paper that set out a proposed regulatory framework for Single Family Offices operating in Singapore. SFOs are exempt from licensing under the Securities and Futures Act 2001, and the proposals are aimed at harmonizing the criteria for a simplified class exemption regime and addressing potential money laundering risks posed by SFOs.
MAS will provide further details on the effective date of implementation, revised legislation and mode of submission for the initial notification and annual return prior to the implementation of the SFO framework.

In Cybersecurity, Data and Tech

Singapore: First Reading of the Protection from Scams Bill

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The Ministry of Home Affairs introduced the Protection from Scams Bill for First Reading in Parliament on 11 November 2024. The Bill empowers the Police to issue Restriction Orders (ROs) to banks to restrict an individual’s banking transactions, if there is reasonable belief that the individual will make money transfers to scammers.

In Corporate Compliance

Luxembourg: New accounting thresholds in Luxembourg — what companies and groups need to know

by and 4 Mins Read

The Grand-Ducal Regulation of 25 October 2024 (GDR) introduced new accounting thresholds in Luxembourg, aligning with Delegated Directive (EU) 2023/2775, which was adopted on 17 October 2023.
This measure aims to increase the accounting thresholds applicable to companies and groups in response to the inflation observed between 2013 (adoption of the 2013 EU Accounting Directive) and 2023, and to reduce administrative burdens for businesses.
For that purpose, the GDR amends the provisions of the Luxembourg law on commercial companies dated 10 August 1915 as amended and the Luxembourg law on the register of commerce and companies and accounting dated 19 December 2002 as amended.

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In AML & Financial Services Regulatory

Australia: Taming the Solvency Sea Dragon

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Directors in corporate groups can take greater comfort when relying on financial support from related entities, following a recent Full Court of the Federal Court decision in the case of Canstruct Pty Ltd v Project Sea Dragon Pty Ltd (Subject to a Deed of Company Arrangement) [2024] FCA 112.
Last year, doubt was cast on the adequacy of financial support that is not fully documented or binding to establish the solvency of a related company. This decision has reset that position in favor of such arrangements potentially being sufficient, provided actual support is given.

In AML & Financial Services Regulatory

United States: The SEC adopts EDGAR Next – What public companies need to know now

by , and 7 Mins Read

On September 27, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved final rules as part of technical amendments to EDGAR (collectively, referred to as “EDGAR Next”) to enhance the security of the system. The rulemaking amends Rule 10 and 11 of Regulation S-T, Form ID (needed to obtain EDGAR access codes) and updates the EDGAR Filer Manual.
EDGAR Next will significantly change how filers access EDGAR, make filings, and manage accounts.

In AML & Financial Services Regulatory

Canada: Deadline approaching for registration under the Retail Payment Activities Act

by , and 6 Mins Read

Registration for payment service providers under the new Retail Payment Activities Act is fast approaching. Individuals or entities performing retail payment activities in Canada have a 15-day window between 1 November 2024 and 15 November 2024 to submit their applications with the Bank of Canada to avoid a 60-day delay in performing their retail payment activities, a notice of violation under the Act, or significant monetary penalties. If you or your entity may be required to be registered as a payment service provider under the Retail Payment Activities Act, and you have not yet prepared your application materials, please contact us as soon as possible and we will help.

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In AML & Financial Services Regulatory

Australia: Further improvement required for product issuers distribution practices

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Last month ASIC announced that it is calling upon product issuers to ensure distribution practices are ‘up to scratch’. This announcement follows the release of Report 795 Design and distribution obligations: Compliance with the reasonable steps obligation by ASIC. Alan Kirkland, ASIC Commissioner, has said that improvements across the board are still required to ensure that consumers feel confident that the financial products they purchase will suit their needs.

In AML & Financial Services Regulatory

United States: Sustainability under scrutiny – the CFTC spearheads a novel fraud action against a voluntary carbon credit developer

by , , , and 8 Mins Read

Acting with other US regulators, the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC” or “Commission”) recently issued two consent orders (“CFTC Orders”) and filed a complaint (“CFTC Complaint”) alleging fraud and false, misleading, or inaccurate reports relating to voluntary carbon credits (“VCCs”). As noted by CFTC Director of Enforcement Ian McGinley, “[these actions] demonstrate [the CFTC’s] commitment to vigorously fight frauds in its markets, whether long-established or new and evolving, such as the carbon credit markets.” These are the first CFTC actions for fraud in the VCC market, and closely follow the CFTC’s recently published final Commission Guidance Regarding the Listing of Voluntary Carbon Credit Derivative Contracts (“Final Guidance”).

In Cybersecurity, Data and Tech

Singapore: Shared Responsibility Framework to be implemented from 16 December 2024

by and 5 Mins Read

On 24 October 2024, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) announced that the Shared Responsibility Framework (SRF) for phishing scams will be implemented on 16 December 2024 via a set of guidelines. Under the SRF, financial institutions (FIs) and telecommunication operators are assigned duties to mitigate phishing scams. The MAS and IMDA expect responsible entities to bear any scam losses arising from failure to fulfill any of the relevant duties under the “waterfall” approach.

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