<\/p>\n
Furthermore, non-EU firms with substantial operations in the EU must adhere to sustainability reporting standards, emphasizing the global effects of these governance frameworks. Many lack the dedicated compliance teams or advanced systems necessary to navigate the intricate legal framework effectively, leading to a heightened risk of non-conformity. Recent developments in the energy sector reveal a significant increase in the number of countries installing substantial solar capacity, rising from 17 in 2021 to 26 in 2022. This trend signals a global shift towards renewable power sources and necessitates adjustments in governance structures to assist providers in meeting the growing demand for clean energy. The Utility Regulator is responsible for regulating the electricity, gas, water and sewerage industries in Northern Ireland, promoting the short- and long-term interests of consumers. Retail electricity prices have increased faster than the rate of inflation since 2022, and we expect them to continue increasing through 2026, based on forecasts in our Short-Term Energy Outlook.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The FRB stated that it was rescinding SR 23-7 (\u201cCreation of Novel Activities Supervision Program\u201d), issued on August 8, 2023, by its Division of Supervision and Regulation. SR 23-7 established a program that sought to improve the FRB\u2019s ability to monitor and examine novel activities, including bank-fintech partnerships and activities involving digital assets and blockchain technology (for more information, see this Latham blog post). According to the announcement, the FRB has decided to rescind SR 23-7 and integrate supervision of the covered activities into its standard supervisory process due to its increased understanding of the activities, related risks, and bank risk management practices. On March 11, 2026, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Paul S. Atkins and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Michael S. Selig signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to guide coordination and collaboration on issues of shared regulatory concern. The MOU reflects both agencies\u2019 stated commitment to provide fair notice to market participants, respect individual liberty, and foster lawful innovation with https:\/\/repairtoday7.com\/xiaomi-14-ultra-the-ultimate-smartphone-for-photography-enthusiasts.html<\/a> a \u201cminimum effective dose\u201d of regulation that promotes innovation, strengthens market integrity, and enhances US competitiveness in global finance. The MOU is the culmination of recent Project Crypto announcements by Chairman Atkins and Chairman Selig, indicating increased SEC\/CFTC collaboration and the reduction of duplicative oversight, most notably regarding digital asset markets.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The GMAC recommends this approach be considered an initial basis for a consensus-driven, functional taxonomy. However, as the digital asset ecosystem continues to evolve, so too will the terminology used to classify it. Public utility regulation frameworks are vital for ensuring that essential services, such as water, electricity, and natural gas, are provided reliably and equitably to all members of society. By establishing clear guidelines and standards, these frameworks help maintain access to vital resources, safeguarding public health and welfare.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n On October 19, 2023, FinCEN announced a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) that would designate as a \u201cprimary money laundering concern\u201d all non-US convertible virtual currency mixing (CVC mixing). The NPRM would impose enhanced reporting and recordkeeping requirements for any financial transactions involving international mixers, intended to mitigate the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing. Section 311 has heretofore been employed only against non-US financial institutions and jurisdictions rather than an individual class of transactions. The FDIC Crypto Advisory reminds insured banks that they need to be aware of how FDIC insurance operates and need to assess, manage, and control risks arising from third-party relationships, including those with crypto companies. As currently in force, Section 2(c)(2)(D) of the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) gives the CFTC jurisdiction with respect to certain transactions in commodities offered to retail customers with leverage, margin, or financing. Such transactions are regulated as if they were futures contracts and therefore must be transacted on a DCM.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n In the statement announcing the CETU\u2019s establishment, then Acting Chairman Mark T. Uyeda noted that the CETU will \u201ccomplement the work of the Crypto Task Force,\u201d which was created in January 2025 to develop a comprehensive and clear regulatory framework for cryptoassets. The CETU will focus on several priority areas, including fraud involving artificial intelligence and machine learning, as well as fraud involving blockchain technology and cryptoassets. On August 5, 2025, the SEC\u2019s Division of Corporation Finance (the Staff) published a Statement on Certain Liquid Staking Activities clarifying that, in its view, liquid staking activities (as described by the Staff) do not involve the offer and sale of securities requiring registration under the US federal securities laws. DTC aims to launch the pilot in the second half of 2026, and the NAL expires automatically three years after launch (and may be modified or revoked by the Staff at any time). The NAL \u201cis based strictly on the facts and circumstances discussed in the Request, and any different facts or circumstances might require a different response.\u201d As such, the no-action relief applies only to the \u201cPreliminary Base Version\u201d of the DTC\u2019s tokenization pilot program, as described in the Request.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Economic regulation is a fundamental aspect of public utility regulation frameworks, aimed at controlling the prices, services, and practices of utility companies. This type of regulation seeks to ensure that consumers receive essential services at fair rates while allowing providers a reasonable return on investment. The GENIUS Act, 2025 legislation that established a regulatory framework for payment stablecoins, permits national trust banks to be permitted issuers of payment stablecoins (see this Latham Client Alert). The GENIUS Act has driven a surge of applications from non\u2011traditional firms and financial institutions seeking national trust bank charters, including to act as custodians for digital assets.<\/p>\n<\/p>\nChallenges Utilities Face in Regulatory Compliance<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\n
state AGs demand top ratings agencies explain ESG-driven downgrades of fossil-fuel companies<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\n
The need for speed: FERC must exempt transmission projects from regulatory bottlenecks<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n