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SEC Approves Amendments to FINRA Rule 4210 Replacing Day Trading Margin Requirements with A Modernized Intraday Margin Standard

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:58:00 Z

SEC approved FINRA rule replacing day trader margin rules with an intraday margin standard, dropping pattern day trader concepts.

AI and Data Privacy in Investigations: What Legal Teams Need to Know

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 Z

Internal investigations routinely involve processing personal data about identifiable individuals, including employees, witnesses, counterparties, and customers. The use of AI tools to review, classify, summarise, prioritise or generate outputs from that data, engages a demanding set of obligations under the UK General Data Protection Regulation.

Treasury Announces Proposed Rule to Implement the GENIUS Act’s Requirements to Counter Illicit Finance

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:00:00 Z

Treasury’s proposed FinCEN and OFAC rule would bring permitted payment stablecoin issuers within the Bank Secrecy Act and U.S. sanctions regimes, advancing the GENIUS Act’s new federal framework for stablecoin regulation.

SEC Staff Issues Broker-Dealer Registration Guidance for Certain User Interfaces

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:54:00 Z

On April 13, 2026, the staff of the Division of Trading and Markets of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued a statement clarifying its views on broker-dealer registration requirements with respect to persons that create, offer, or operate a “Covered User Interface” that allows users to initiate self-directed transactions in crypto asset securities.

Want To Get Into CFTC-Regulated Event Contract Markets? Here’s How It Works

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:00:00 Z

This client alert provides an overview of the regulatory framework and the primary registration categories under the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC or the Commission) regulations for those seeking to be involved in event contracts.

China’s Draft Financial Law and Key Regulatory Insights

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:44:00 Z

On March 20, 2026, the Ministry of Justice, together with the People’s Bank of China, the National Financial Regulatory Administration, the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, released the Draft Financial Law of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) (Draft) (《中华人民共和国金融法（草案）》) for public comment through April 19, 2026.

FinCEN Issues Proposed Rule Revising the AML Program Requirements for Financial Institutions

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 18:53:00 Z

FinCEN proposed a major overhaul of AML/CFT program requirements under the Bank Secrecy Act, implementing the AML Act of 2020 and shifting the focus to risk based, effectiveness driven compliance.

50 Percent is Not Enough: OFAC's New Guidance on Sham Transactions and Sanctions Evasion

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:32:00 Z

On March 31, 2026, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued a sanctions advisory titled Guidance on Sham Transactions and Sanctions Evasion (Guidance).

Readily Ascertainable—WilmerHale's Trade Secret Bulletin: January and February 2026

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 Z

For this installment of Readily Ascertainable, we offer a double edition covering trade secret developments from January and February 2026.

PTAB/USPTO Update - April 2026

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:00:00 Z

USPTO News On March 16, the USPTO responded to a recent release of U.S. Chamber of Commerce 14th annual International IP Index report, which ranked the United States No. 1 on the index.

Second Circuit Vacates $16.1 Billion Judgment in Long‑Running Litigation Against Argentina: Practical Takeaways for U.S. Sovereign Litigation and Enforcement Strategy

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:48:00 Z

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in Petersen Energía Inversora S.A.U. v. Argentine Republic reversed the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York $16.1-billion money judgment arising from a decade-long U.S. litigation over Argentina’s 2012 renationalization of the Argentine oil and gas company, YPF S.A.

Trump Administration Issues Proposed Federal Contract Clause Prohibiting DEI Activities

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:48:00 Z

On March 26, 2026, President Trump issued a new executive order: “Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors” marking a continuation of the Administration’s comprehensive effort to discourage and punish diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) programs and practices in U.S. businesses and institutions.

Federal Circuit Patent Watch: Reasonable Royalty Not Necessarily Unreliable When It Uses Royalty Base Associated With Unaccused Products

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:30:00 Z

A collection of summaries of and links to recent precedential opinions by the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

China’s 2026 Two Sessions: A New Five-Year Cycle and Emerging Signals on Trade, Technology and Investment

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:00:00 Z

In March 2026, China convened its annual Two Sessions, referring to the consecutive meetings of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China’s top political advisory body, and the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s national legislature.

The SEC’s New Framework for Crypto Assets Under Howey

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 03:44:00 Z

On March 17, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC or Commission) issued an interpretation on the application of the federal securities laws to crypto assets, with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) providing related guidance on certain aspects of the Interpretation.

It’s a TRAP! California and New York Restrict “Stay-or-Pay” Provisions in Employment Agreements

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:27:00 Z

New CA and NY laws join other states in limiting stay‑or‑pay agreements, narrowing when employers can require repayment of training, bonuses or costs.

FRAND Quarterly: Navigating the Global SEP Landscape – March 2026

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 07:00:00 Z

Read the latest edition of WilmerHale’s FRAND Quarterly: The transition into 2026 has seen several notable developments in fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) litigation.

Temporary Pause on New California Reporting Requirements for Venture Capital Funds

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 16:30:00 Z

DFPI has paused enforcement of California’s FIPVCC reporting for VC funds; no April 1, 2026 filings are due, with rulemaking later in 2026.

Protecting Legal Professional Privilege in the Age of AI

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:00:00 Z

Artificial intelligence tools are now embedded in investigations and compliance workflows and play an increasing role in document review, witness preparation, legal advice drafting and meeting transcription.

What’s Old Is New Again: Fifth Circuit Lifts Stay, New HSR Form Is Vacated

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 23:49:00 Z

On February 13, 2026, our prior alert reported that a judge in the Eastern District of Texas vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Final Rule promulgating the new Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) form, which went into effect last year.

The Trump Administration Strikes Back: USTR Launches Dozens of New Section 301 Investigations to Restore IEEPA Tariffs

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:00:00 Z

USTR has initiated two sets of investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 that could result in the imposition of tariffs or other remedies on dozens of countries.

CFTC Seeks Public Input on Prediction Markets Regulation

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 20:58:00 Z

The CFTC issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking on prediction markets. Comments are due April 30, 2026.

Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards in the Post-NextEra Era

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:54:00 Z

The DC Circuit Court of Appeals’ August 2024 decision in NextEra Energy v. Spain is reshaping the enforcement landscape for arbitral awards in US courts, particularly for awards arising from intra-EU disputes under the Energy Charter Treaty.

Personalized Pricing: What Business Lawyers Need to Know

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:00:00 Z

This client alert provides an overview of the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding personalized pricing, highlights key enforcement actions and legislative developments, and outlines compliance considerations for companies and their legal teams.

Federal Circuit Patent Watch: Reasonable Royalty Not Necessarily Unreliable When It Uses Royalty Base Associated With Unaccused Products

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:50:00 Z

A collection of summaries of and links to recent precedential opinions by the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

DOJ Announces Department-Wide Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 13:00:00 Z

On March 10, 2026, the Department of Justice (Department or DOJ) announced its first-ever Department-wide Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy (CEP).

Department of the Interior Finalizes NEPA Procedures

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 13:29:00 Z

The US DOI has finalized its revised procedures for environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act.

FinCEN’s 311 Action Targets Swiss MBaer and High-Risk Financial Crime

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 11:00:00 Z

FinCEN escalates use of Section 311 against non US banks: FinCEN designated Swiss bank MBaer Merchant Bank AG as a “primary money laundering concern,” proposing special measures that would effectively cut off its access to the US financial system, including the US dollar.

Trump Administration Signals Greater Private Role in Offensive Cyber Operations

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 17:30:00 Z

The Trump Administration’s new national cyber strategy points to an expanded private‑sector role in offensive cyber operations, with significant contracting opportunities and legal risk.

Trump Administration Charts Ambitious Path Toward US Critical Mineral Dominance

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:47:00 Z

The Trump Administration is becoming increasingly focused, and ambitious, in implementing its agenda to secure US access to critical minerals and rare earth materials.

PTAB/USPTO Update - March 2026

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 14:36:00 Z

USPTO News On February 6, USPTO updated the certification regarding the filing of anonymous requests for ex parte reexamination.

Delaware Supreme Court Upholds Constitutionality of Amendments to Delaware General Corporation Law § 144

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:00:00 Z

Delaware Supreme Court upholds 2025 DGCL amendments, affirming SB 21’s fiduciary‑duty safe harbors and retroactive application.

Client Alert: SDNY Launches Revised Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure Program for Financial Crimes

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 22:04:00 Z

On February 24, 2026, Jay Clayton, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced an updated Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure Program to incentivize companies to disclose illegal activity involving fraud and other financial misconduct affecting market integrity

Federal Circuit Patent Watch: Federal Circuit Affirms Liability for Patent-Related Antitrust Counterclaims—18,000+ Sales Support Substantial Non-Infringing Use

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:28:00 Z

A collection of summaries of and links to recent precedential opinions by the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Diplomacy Meets Deal-Making: How U.S. Companies Can Harness Government Resources to Promote Overseas Investment and Operations

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:00:00 Z

How U.S. companies can use federal advocacy and trade tools to overcome foreign market barriers and support overseas investment and operations.

CFTC Files Amicus Brief Urging Exclusive Federal Jurisdiction of Event Contracts

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:00:00 Z

On February 17, 2026, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) filed an amicus curiae brief in the Ninth Circuit supporting North American Derivatives Exchange, Inc., d/b/a Crypto.com Derivatives North America (Nadex/Crypto.com) in its appeal of the District of Nevada’s order denying its request to enjoin Nevada gaming regulators from taking action against its sports-based event contracts.

State Regulation of Data Centers: Emerging Trends and Potential Legal Complexities

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:30:00 Z

State and local regulation of data centers is rapidly expanding across numerous domains driven by the AI boom and the absence of comprehensive federal oversight.

Supreme Court Strikes Down IEEPA Tariffs—What Now?

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:28:00 Z

On February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court held, in a 6-3 decision issued by Chief Justice Roberts, that tariffs imposed by President Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are unlawful.

Sports and Gaming Law 2025 Year in Review: Top Five Developments

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 11:00:00 Z

2025 marked a period of profound transformation across the sports and gaming industries. From the explosive growth of prediction markets and robust integrity enforcement in sports betting to record-setting franchise acquisitions and name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, the industry saw trends from prior years accelerate.

A Very Merry [Un]birthday to the New HSR Form: Texas Judge Vacates Final FTC Rule

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 17:15:00 Z

On February 12, 2026, a federal judge in the Eastern District of Texas vacated the FTC's final rule promulgating a new HSR Act premerger notification form.

FINRA Proposes to Amend its OBA and PST Rules as Part of a Rule Modernization Initiative

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:30:00 Z

On January 22, 2026, FINRA filed a proposed rule change with the SEC to adopt FINRA Rule 3290, which would replace existing FINRA rules on outside business activities and private securities transactions.

False Claim Act Alert – Enforcement Trends and Predictions

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:47:00 Z

Fiscal year 2025 was a groundbreaking year for the False Claims Act in several respects.

A Golden State Revolution May be Coming to Single Firm Conduct Rules

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:00:00 Z

The California Legislature may soon consider proposed legislation that could expand single-firm conduct regulation beyond the federal limits, which could have far-reaching implications for antitrust enforcement against single firm conduct and cause businesses to carefully evaluate new antitrust risk.

Federal Circuit Patent Watch: Patent Related to Web Conferencing Systems Found Patent-Ineligible

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:12:00 Z

A collection of summaries of and links to recent precedential opinions by the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

PTAB/USPTO Update - February 2026

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 19:00:00 Z

USPTO News On January 13, USPTO announced the design of SPARK, a new pilot program to incentivize meaningful participation by U.S. small and medium-sized businesses, universities, and non-profits in standards development organizations (SDOs).

Legal Developments in the Gaming Industry: Second Half of 2025

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 18:40:00 Z

The second half of 2025 involved significant legal and regulatory activity across fantasy sports, event contracts, sweepstakes casinos, and sports betting.

Readily Ascertainable—WilmerHale's Trade Secret Bulletin: December 2025

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 13:30:00 Z

This month, we cover decisions addressing the requirement for a plaintiff to define trade secrets with sufficient particularity, refining the standard for irreparable harm in the trade secret context, and imposing sanctions for the spoliation of internal documentation that could have been used to prove access to an alleged trade secret.

New California Law Imposes Reporting Requirements on Venture Capital Firms

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 09:30:00 Z

California's new FIPVCC law requires VC firms to annually report anonymized, aggregated founder demographics to boost transparency.

FTC Eyeing Acquihire Transactions in Tech Industry

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:14:00 Z

In remarks earlier this month, US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Andrew Ferguson stated that the FTC intends to investigate a growing practice in the tech industry known as “acquihiring” (a portmanteau of acquiring and hiring).

DOJ Antitrust Division Announces First-Ever Whistleblower Payment

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 14:00:00 Z

On January 29, 2026, the Department of Justice Antitrust Division and the US Postal Service made their first payment under the new whistleblower program launched just last year.