Welcome to our biweekly recap, where we curate the top compliance news and insights from various industry publications. We have selected the most relevant and important updates related to regulatory compliance, industry news, and critical updates.
Today’s recap focuses on focuses from FINRA, the new SEC Chair, the April 21 Executive Order, and an update from the FCA on their supervisory letters.
Here are our top compliance articles as of April 25, 2025:
Finra unveils new initiatives in efficiency, modernization push (Author – Leo Almazora, Investment News)
FINRA has launched the “FINRA Forward” initiative to modernize its regulatory framework and enhance efficiency. Key focuses include updating outdated rules, particularly those affecting remote work and capital formation, to better align with current industry practices. The initiative also aims to support smaller firms by providing tailored compliance resources and tools. Additionally, FINRA plans to establish a Financial Intelligence Fusion Center to improve cybersecurity and fraud prevention efforts.
FCA simplifies supervisory letters (Author – FCA)
“From 30 April 2025, we’ll stop issuing and publishing portfolio letters. Instead, we’ll publish a small number of market reports. The market reports will include communications relevant to different types of firms and insights from our supervisory work…
We’ll clearly mark them as ‘historical’ and no longer current, with a few exceptions. Historical documents will remain publicly accessible at existing links.”
Paul Atkins Sworn in as SEC Chair (Author – Melanie Waddell, Think Advisor)
Paul Atkins was sworn in as the 34th chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2025. A former SEC commissioner and CEO of Patomak Global Partners, Atkins emphasized the need to “reset priorities and return common sense to the SEC” during his Senate confirmation.
SEC, CFTC under greater Trump control from today but CFPB layoffs are paused (Author – Steve Randall, Investment News)
“Financial regulators including the SEC and CFTC are subject to a level of scrutiny from today (April 21) as an executive order signed by President Trump in February is implemented.
New guidance had been issued by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs that requires around 20 boards and agencies to involve the White House in rulemaking, effectively restricting their independence.”
FINRA Reevaluates Its Office Categories (Author – Melanie Waddell, Think Advisor)
FINRA is reevaluating its office supervision rules to adapt to technological advancements and the rise of hybrid work models. The regulator is seeking public comments on potential streamlining of these rules, with a deadline of June 13.
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