NYDFS ENFORCEMENT ACTION FOR BSA/AML/OFAC VIOLATIONS AGAINST NATIONAL BANK OF PAKISTAN

NYDFS takes enforcement action against the National Bank of Pakistan.  Some takeaways: $35 million civil monetary penalty NYDFS may impose independent consultant or monitor after a year in the event progress on remediation is unsatisfactory There is a parallel settlement with the Federal Reserve Board which includes a $20 million penalty as well. The NYDFS … Read more

NYDFS SUPERINTENDENT ADRIENNE A. HARRIS SITS FOR FIRESIDE CHAT WITH BROOKINGS CENTER ON REGULATION AND MARKETS

NYDFS Superintendent Adrienne A. Harris sat down for a fireside chat with the Brookings Institution’s Center on Regulation and Markets.  Here are some takeaways: –   On Enforcement:  NYDFS will be focusing enforcement on “kitchen table” issues. –  On Cybersecurity:  NYDFS is working on updating and improving its cybersecurity regulation. –  On Climate Change:  NYDFS will … Read more

NYDFS COMPLETES FIRST INVESTIGATION BY OFFICE OF PHARMACY BENEFITS INTO PRICE SPIKE

NYDFS completed its first investigation by the new Office of Pharmacy Benefits regarding a price spike.  According to NYDFS findings:  “Cipla has entered into an agreement with OPB to put in place new internal controls governing the reporting of drug prices and will report on the implementation and maintenance of those new controls in one … Read more

“NYDFS GETTING A FIRM, FRIENDLY CRYPTO REGULATOR”: PYMTS.COM

Interesting take in pymts.com on NYDFS Crypto Regulation: “NYDFS will not only remain relevant as the regulator of the largest financial center in the world, but as the obvious yardstick against which proposed national rules are measured.”   Article is found here:  https://www.pymnts.com/cryptocurrency/2022/in-adrienne-harris-nydfs-getting-firm-but-friendly-crypto-regulator/    

NYDFS SUPERINTENDENT ADRIENNE HARRIS HAS CONFIRMATION HEARING

Want to know what’s on the mind of NYDFS Superintendent Adrienne Harris? Interesting discussion including re: crypto, fintech, the Community Reinvestment Act, and cannabis during her confirmation hearing in the NYS Senate, link here:  https://www.nysenate.gov/calendar/meetings/insurance/january-24-2022/insurance-meeting      

XAPO SURRENDERS ITS NYDFS BITLICENSE

Xapo has informed DFS of its business decision to conclude its virtual currency business in New York. Effective January 11, 2022, Xapo surrendered its New York virtual currency license issued under 23 NYCRR Part 200.  Xapo said: “Serving the U.S. market would require quite a lot of effort, time and investment, it would require a … Read more

NYDFS ISSUES $10 MILLION PENALTY TO COLUMBIAN MUTUAL LIFE FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH NY UNCLAIMED PROCEEDS LAWS

NYDFS penalized Columbian Mutual Life Insurance Company for allegedly failing to comply with New York law concerning unclaimed life insurance proceeds.  Enforcement takeaways: – Recent enforcement efforts continue focus on Insurance Industry. – Consent Order for failing to comply with New York law governing unclaimed life insurance proceeds. – Investigation found company failed to cross-check … Read more

CONCERN INCREASES ABOUT UNFAIR REGULATORY ENFORCEMENT AGAINST INDIVIDUAL COMPLIANCE OFFCERS

A survey indicates compliance officers are increasingly concerned about unfair regulatory enforcement against individual compliance officers.  Some findings: – 72% are concerned regulators expanded the role of compliance officers and the scope of their responsibilities in imposing personal liability. – 70% believe the overall compliance function at their firms is under resourced. – 35% reported … Read more