FiSolve Weekly News Digest: July 10, 2026

Here is what we are reading in the news this week...

External Review Recommends Greater Transparency, Governance, and Due Process Enhancements

for FINRA Enforcement

In a recent blog post, FINRA CEO Robert Cook announced the release of an independent review of FINRA’s Enforcement Program as part of the FINRA Forward initiative. Mr. Cook commits FINRA to carefully evaluating and implementing reforms aimed at strengthening the program’s fairness, transparency, effectiveness, and alignment with FINRA’s self-regulatory mission. The review concludes that FINRA’s enforcement function has a strong foundation and dedicated personnel, but recommends a series of enhancements. This includes clearer articulation of enforcement principles, publication of a public enforcement manual and process workflows, increased CEO and governance oversight, greater involvement of cross-functional subject-matter experts, expanded opportunities for firms to engage with FINRA early in investigations, a more robust Wells process, and additional procedural safeguards designed to promote due process and consistency. A central theme throughout both the post and the report is that FINRA should leverage its role as a self-regulatory organization by emphasizing investor protection, market integrity, timely remediation, education, and compliance-focused outcomes rather than relying solely on traditional enforcement metrics such as case counts or monetary sanctions, while continuing to pursue misconduct vigorously when necessary. Read more here.

Federal Reserve Proposes Rules to

Amend Bank AML Requirements

The Federal Reserve Board requested comment on a proposal to amend its requirements for banks to maintain anti-money laundering programs. The amendments are intended to align with changes to anti-money laundering program requirements separately proposed by four other agencies. Among other changes, the proposal would require banks to focus their anti-money laundering resources based on risk, with more attention given to higher-risk customers and activities. The proposed amendments would also require banks to incorporate the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network's anti-money laundering priorities into their risk assessment processes. Under the proposal, once a bank has established an anti-money laundering program, the Federal Reserve would focus supervision and enforcement activities on significant failures to implement the program. Read more here.

2026 Workplace Trends: Growing Tension Between Employee Expectations and Employer Priorities

Morgan McKinley’s 2026 Workplace Trends Report highlights a labor market defined by a delicate balance between workforce stability and evolving employee expectations. Employees continue to prioritize flexibility, with remote and hybrid working arrangements playing a major role in job acceptance decisions, while many employers are increasing office attendance requirements, creating a notable alignment gap. At the same time, hiring remains competitive, particularly for skilled professionals, prompting organizations to emphasize career development, workplace culture, and employee wellbeing as key attraction and retention tools. The report also points to growing confidence in AI and automation, with employers increasingly viewing these technologies as positive drivers of productivity and capability. For financial services professionals, the findings suggest that firms seeking to attract and retain top talent will need to offer a compelling combination of flexible working, career progression opportunities, wellbeing support, and investment in future-ready skills, while balancing business demands for collaboration, productivity, and workforce resilience. Read more here.

CFTC Charges North Carolina Commodity Pool Operator and Company with Fraud

The CFTC announced a civil enforcement action alleging that the operators of a commodity pool fraudulently raised more than $14 million from dozens of investors by falsely representing the profitability and success of their trading strategy involving futures, options, and crypto-related investments. According to the complaint, investor funds suffered substantial losses while participants were provided with fabricated account statements and performance reports showing nonexistent gains, and some funds were allegedly misappropriated, including the use of new investor money to make payments to existing investors in a Ponzi-like manner. The CFTC also alleges false statements were made during its investigation and that various registration requirements were violated. The agency is seeking restitution, disgorgement, civil monetary penalties, trading and registration bans, and permanent injunctive relief. Read more here.

SEC to Host Virtual Roundtable on Modernizing IPOs and Expanding Access to Public Markets

The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation and the Division of Corporation Finance will co-host a livestreamed discussion on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 2 p.m. to re-examine the IPO process and reassess the framework for how companies of all sizes access public capital. The event intends to bring together innovative practitioners and seasoned professionals to challenge conventional approaches, propose regulatory solutions, and share insights into recent proposed rule changes. The discussion will focus on strategies to support companies in accessing the public capital markets and maintaining their public company status. The event will be webcast on the SEC’s website. Read more here.

📣 Webinar Alert 📣

FiSolve to Host Webinar on Prediction Markets: Opportunities and Legal Considerations

On July 22, 2026, at 12 PM ET, FiSolve is hosting a webinar titled: Prediction Markets: Emerging Opportunities, Emerging Risks, and the New Legal and Compliance Frontier. The webinar will discuss business opportunities in this area, and the legal and compliance considerations firms should be contemplating today. Speakers include Steven Yadegari (Moderator), David Hauser, Drinan Gorney, and Stephen McShea. There is no cost to attend the webinar, but registration is required. You may register here.

💡FiSolve's Negotiation Tip of the Week💡

Dealing with an Untrustworthy Counterparty

When negotiating with an untrustworthy counterparty, rely less on assurances and more on verification. Structure the discussion so that progress depends on observable actions, documented commitments, and objective milestones rather than verbal promises. Ask precise questions, confirm key points in writing, and build safeguards, such as staged concessions, contingent agreements, or independent validation of information into the process. By focusing on interests while rigorously testing claims and limiting your exposure at each step, you can continue pursuing value without allowing trust gaps to become unnecessary risks.

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