RegLex

FTC Invites Public Comment on Draft Strategic Plan (FY 2026–2030) 📅 Date: 26 September 2025 📍 Source: Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 🛡 Subject: Consumer Protection Key Highlights: 🔧 Case Overview: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has released its draft Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2026–2030, outlining the agency’s mission, goals, and performance metrics for the next five years. The plan retains its three strategic goal framework but has been streamlined to sharpen focus on the FTC’s core mission areas: protecting consumers, promoting competition, and advancing transparency. 🔍 Findings: The FTC is inviting public comments on how the draft plan can be further refined. Stakeholders have until 17 October 2025 to submit feedback. The draft plan emphasizes efficiency, consumer education, fraud prevention, and market fairness. 💼 Regulatory Implications: The Strategic Plan serves as a blueprint for enforcement priorities, consumer outreach, and competition policy. Public feedback will shape how the FTC allocates resources and measures success through FY 2030. Stakeholder engagement ensures that the FTC’s objectives reflect market realities, consumer needs, and evolving business practices. 📌 Strategic Insight: For businesses, consumer advocates, and policymakers, the FTC’s strategic plan provides a roadmap of enforcement trends and regulatory focus areas. Engaging in the public comment process is an opportunity to influence how the Commission balances consumer protection with competitive market growth over the next five years. Link: https://lnkd.in/gMqe5aff 🔔 Follow RegLex for updates on U.S. regulatory strategies, competition law, and consumer protection frameworks shaping global markets. #FTC #RegLexUpdates #ConsumerProtection #Competition #StrategicPlan #USRegulation #Compliance #MarketFairness #Governance #RiskManagement

FTC Alters Final Consent Order in Global Advertising Merger Case 📅 Date: 26 September 2025 📍 Source: Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 🛡 Subject: Mergers Key Highlights: 🔧 Case Overview: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized its consent order regarding Omnicom Group Inc.’s $13.5 billion acquisition of The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (IPG). The order addresses concerns that the merger would violate U.S. antitrust laws by limiting fair competition in the advertising industry. 🔍 Findings: The order prohibits Omnicom from denying advertising dollars to media publishers based on political or ideological viewpoints, unless explicitly directed by individual advertiser clients. FTC investigations revealed coordination among advertising firms—including via industry associations—on ad placement decisions, potentially suppressing revenues for certain publishers and reducing consumer content access. Following public comments, the final order was modified to expand clarity and impose a compliance monitor to oversee adherence. 💼 Regulatory Implications: This decision underscores the FTC’s vigilance in preventing anti-competitive coordination within advertising markets. By imposing restrictions and ongoing compliance monitoring, the Commission aims to protect publisher revenues, ensure diversity in media content, and uphold consumer choice. 📌 Strategic Insight: For global advertising firms, this case highlights the heightened antitrust scrutiny on mergers where coordination risks exist. Compliance obligations now extend beyond pricing and market share—covering ideological neutrality, transparency, and client-driven decision-making. Mergers in sensitive industries will increasingly face public comment processes, structural remedies, and independent monitoring. Link: https://lnkd.in/ga_HUGtq 🔔 Follow RegLex for updates on U.S. antitrust enforcement, merger regulations, and competition law developments shaping global markets. #FTC #RegLexUpdates #Antitrust #Mergers #CompetitionLaw #Advertising #Compliance #MarketFairness #USRegulation #Governance

SEC Seeks Public Comment on RMBS and ABS Regulations 📅 Date: 26 September 2025 📍 Source: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 🛡 Subject: Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (RMBS) Key Highlights: 🔧 Case Overview: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a concept release seeking public comment on ways to improve rules governing Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (RMBS) and Asset-Backed Securities (ABS). Notably, no public RMBS offerings have occurred since 2013, despite their importance in broadening market participation, enhancing liquidity, and lowering consumer mortgage costs. 🔍 Findings: The SEC is exploring: Whether current regulatory impediments are discouraging RMBS issuance. If disclosure requirements need revision to balance transparency with borrower privacy and confidentiality. Whether updates to regulatory definitions and ABS rules could facilitate broader public market access. 💼 Regulatory Implications: Reviving the RMBS market could reduce mortgage costs and strengthen the U.S. housing sector. Stakeholder feedback will guide potential reforms aimed at balancing investor confidence, consumer protection, and market efficiency. The 60-day public comment period offers an opportunity for issuers, investors, and consumer advocates to shape the future framework. 📌 Strategic Insight: The SEC’s move signals a proactive effort to revitalize dormant segments of the capital markets while addressing structural barriers. For financial institutions and investors, this is a chance to influence regulations that could reshape mortgage financing, investor access, and consumer affordability in the U.S. housing market. Link: https://lnkd.in/ebpFKD9v 🔔 Follow RegLex for updates on U.S. securities regulation, capital markets reforms, and investor protection measures shaping financial stability. #SEC #RMBS #ABS #RegLexUpdates #CapitalMarkets #InvestorProtection #MortgageMarket #RegulatoryCompliance #FinancialStability #USFinance

ICO Welcomes Meta’s Shift to Consent-Based Advertising in the UK 📅 Date: 26 September 2025 📍 Source: Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) 🛡 Subject: Data Protection Key Highlights: 🔧 Case Overview: Following sustained engagement with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), Meta has announced a significant change to its advertising model. Users in the UK will now be asked for explicit consent before their personal data can be used for targeted ads on Facebook and Instagram. As an alternative, users can choose to pay a monthly subscription for an ad-free experience – a “consent or pay” model. 🔍 Findings: The ICO had previously highlighted that embedding targeted ads into standard terms of service was not compliant with UK law. Meta has since reduced subscription pricing for UK users, making it nearly half of what EU users pay. This update addresses prior non-compliance and ensures users are offered a fair choice between personalised ads and subscription. ICO expects Meta to continuously assess the impact of this model, ensuring consent is meaningful and freely given. 💼 Regulatory Implications: This development marks a landmark shift in ad-tech compliance, reinforcing the principle that personal data use for advertising requires genuine transparency and user control. The ICO’s stance sets a precedent for how global platforms must balance commercial models with data protection laws. 📌 Strategic Insight: The “consent or pay” model could reshape digital advertising markets. While it offers compliance with GDPR/UK GDPR principles, it raises wider debates on affordability, accessibility, and whether consumer choice remains truly “free” when linked to subscription costs. Organisations must be prepared for regulatory scrutiny not just of consent mechanisms, but also of pricing structures linked to data use. Link: https://lnkd.in/gYYyUYaz 🔔 Follow RegLex for updates on data protection, online advertising compliance, and regulatory trends shaping the digital economy. #ICO #Meta #RegLexUpdates #DataProtection #OnlineAdvertising #GDPR #UKGDPR #ConsentManagement #PrivacyCompliance #DigitalMarkets #ConsumerChoice

Regulations never sleep — and neither do we. At Reglex, we decode the noise, cut through the clutter, and deliver only what matters: ✅ Timely regulatory updates ✅ Actionable insights ✅ Global coverage compliance updates Because in today’s world, compliance is not optional, it’s survival. 🔔 Hit Follow and stay one step ahead of the regulatory curve. The future of compliance is fast-moving — don’t just watch it, own it. #Reglex #RegulatoryUpdates #AI #Cybersecurity #DataProtection #Compliance

EDPB Confirms No Revisions Needed to Guidelines on GDPR Fines Despite Recent CJEU Ruling 📅 Date: 23 September 2025 📍 Source: European Data Protection Board (EDPB) 🛡 Subject: GDPR Key Highlights: 🔧 Case Overview: The Chair of the European Data Protection Board (EDPB), Anu Talus, responded to the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) regarding the potential impact of the CJEU’s recent ruling (Case C-383/23) on the EDPB Guidelines 04/2022 on the calculation of administrative fines. After reviewing the judgment, the EDPB concluded that the existing guidelines remain consistent with the CJEU’s interpretation, and no immediate revisions are required. 🔍 Findings: The CJEU reaffirmed that GDPR fines must be effective, proportionate, and dissuasive. Article 83(2) GDPR requires regulators to assess all relevant circumstances of an infringement. The Court highlighted that fines must also reflect the economic capacity of the infringing entity, including whether it forms part of an “undertaking” under EU competition law. EDPB confirmed that its step-by-step methodology (seriousness, nature of infringement, turnover) already aligns with these requirements. 💼 Regulatory Implications: This clarification strengthens supervisory authorities’ discretion in tailoring fines to both the gravity of the infringement and the financial capacity of the offender. It also reassures organisations that while turnover matters, fines will continue to be context-specific, considering multiple legal and economic factors. 📌 Strategic Insight: For organisations, this is a reminder that compliance risks scale with financial capacity. Larger entities cannot assume fines will be capped at modest levels. Regulators are empowered to impose penalties that reflect both the seriousness of violations and the resources of the entity involved. Robust compliance programs and internal risk assessments are essential to mitigate exposure. Link: https://lnkd.in/g8fik6aS 🔔 Follow RegLex for updates on GDPR enforcement, CJEU rulings, and regulatory developments shaping Europe’s privacy landscape. #EDPB #GDPR #RegLexUpdates #DataProtection #AdministrativeFines #CJEU #Compliance #PrivacyLaw #RiskManagement #EURegulation #Governance

ICO Issues Enforcement Notice to Bristol City Council for SAR Failures 📅 Date: 24 September 2025 📍 Source: Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), UK 🛡 Subject: Data Protection Key Highlights: 🔧 Case Overview: The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has issued an enforcement notice to Bristol City Council (BCC) for failing to comply with its legal obligations to respond to subject access requests (SARs) under the UK GDPR. Despite repeated engagement, BCC failed to clear a significant backlog of requests dating back to 2022. 🔍 Findings: The ICO investigation revealed that BCC: Failed to respond to individuals seeking access to their personal data. Demonstrated a poor organisational approach toward data rights and legal compliance. Did not allocate adequate resources to manage SAR responses, leading to systemic delays. 💼 Regulatory Implications: The enforcement notice requires BCC to: Notify all individuals with overdue SARs of delays. Resolve oldest SARs within 30 days. Provide weekly progress updates to the ICO until compliance is achieved. Submit an action plan within 90 days, including clear timelines and responsibilities. Implement sustainable system and process changes within 12 months, including staff training and resourcing. 📌 Strategic Insight: SARs are a cornerstone of data subject rights under UK GDPR, ensuring transparency and accountability in personal data processing. This action highlights ICO’s firm stance on organisations—public or private—that fail to respect fundamental rights. Proactive resource allocation, timely responses, and a culture of compliance are critical to avoiding enforcement actions and maintaining public trust. Link: https://lnkd.in/gTcmZjaB 🔔 Follow RegLex for updates on GDPR enforcement, data rights, and compliance actions across the UK and EU. #ICO #UKGDPR #RegLexUpdates #DataProtection #PrivacyCompliance #SAR #Enforcement #PublicSectorCompliance #Governance #DataRights

MAS & ASAS Release Guide on Responsible Financial Content Creation 📅 Date: 25 September 2025 📍 Source: Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) 🛡 Subject: Financial Content Key Highlights: 🔧 Case Overview: The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), in collaboration with the Advertising Standards Authority of Singapore (ASAS), has issued a Guide on Responsible Financial Content Creation. The guide provides practical directions for influencers, financial content creators, and platforms engaging in financial promotions. 🔍 Findings/Focus Areas: The guide outlines: Circumstances where a license from MAS may be required. Steps to be taken before promoting financial products or services. Mandatory disclosure of compensation or incentives received. Clear guidance on ensuring transparency and accountability when sharing financial advice or endorsements online. 💼 Regulatory Implications: This move reflects MAS’s growing emphasis on regulating the finfluencer economy to safeguard retail investors. The framework ensures that creators are held to the same high standards of accuracy, transparency, and disclosure as licensed financial advisors when they influence financial decisions. 📌 Strategic Insight: As the boundaries between finance and digital media continue to blur, compliance responsibilities are no longer confined to regulated entities. Content creators, influencers, and online platforms must adopt responsible disclosure practices to maintain market integrity and consumer trust. This development also signals an increasing regulatory convergence between financial supervision and digital advertising standards. Link: https://lnkd.in/eJMw7AzE 🔔 Follow RegLex for updates on financial sector regulations, compliance frameworks, and cross-sectoral enforcement shaping Asia’s financial markets. #MAS #ASAS #RegLexUpdates #FinancialRegulation #DigitalCompliance #ResponsibleContent #Finfluencers #ConsumerProtection #Transparency #SingaporeFinance

SFAT Upholds SFC Disciplinary Action Against RaffAello Capital Limited for Sponsor Failures 📅 Date: 25 September 2025 📍 Source: Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) 🛡 Subject: Sponsor Regulation Key Highlights: 🔧 Case Overview: The Securities and Futures Appeals Tribunal (SFAT) has upheld the SFC’s disciplinary action against RaffAello Capital Limited, affirming a reprimand and a fine of HK$4 million for sponsor failures in the listing application of Paprika Holdings Limited. 🔍 Findings: Inadequate Due Diligence on Retail Sales: RaffAello overlooked multiple red flags, including suspicious consecutive cash sales, bulk purchases by related parties, and questionable POS test invoices suggesting possible fabricated transactions. Insufficient Checks on Key Counterparties: RaffAello failed to verify the independence of Paprika’s largest wholesaler and key supplier, despite evidence of possible control links to Paprika. Failure to Maintain Professional Scepticism: The sponsor relied excessively on information provided by Paprika without adequate verification, ignoring risks of inflated sales and circular transactions. Record-Keeping Gaps: SFAT emphasized the importance of coherent documentation of concerns, resolutions, and consultation with reporting accountants. 💼 Regulatory Implications: The decision underscores strict enforcement of sponsor obligations in Hong Kong’s listing regime. Sponsors are expected to: Conduct robust, sceptical due diligence beyond issuer-provided information. Document concerns and resolutions comprehensively. Recognize that failure to detect red flags undermines market integrity and investor trust. 📌 Strategic Insight: For sponsors and intermediaries, this case is a stark reminder that due diligence failures can result in severe sanctions, reputational damage, and financial penalties. Regulators expect sponsors to act as gatekeepers, ensuring transparency and investor protection in listing applications. Link: https://lnkd.in/gcjTCQ-7 🔔 Follow RegLex for global updates on enforcement actions, sponsor regulation, and financial market compliance. #SFC #SFAT #SponsorRegulation #ListingCompliance #RegLexUpdates #Enforcement #DueDiligence #FinancialMarkets #HongKong #InvestorProtection

CPSC Issues Correction on Certificates of Compliance Rule 📅 Date: 24 September 2025 📍 Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) 🛡 Subject: Consumer Product Safety Key Highlights: 🔧 Case Overview: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a technical correction to its final rule on Certificates of Compliance (16 CFR Part 1110), originally published on January 8, 2025. The correction addresses inconsistencies in the “effective dates” for compliance requirements. 🔍 Findings: The original rule incorrectly included two effective dates, creating ambiguity. The correction establishes: One effective date: July 8, 2026. Two applicability dates: July 8, 2026 → for all CPSC-regulated consumer products and substances requiring certification. January 8, 2027 → for products imported via Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) before entering U.S. commerce. The change is purely technical and has no substantive effect on compliance obligations. 💼 Regulatory Implications: Importers, domestic manufacturers, and private labelers must issue Certificates of Compliance for regulated consumer products. While the correction does not alter substantive compliance timelines, it ensures regulatory clarity and alignment with the Federal Register requirements. 📌 Strategic Insight: For companies importing or manufacturing consumer products, the key takeaway is that the compliance clock remains unchanged. However, firms should update internal compliance calendars to reflect the effective date and applicability distinctions, especially for goods routed through FTZs. Clear documentation and proactive alignment will be essential to avoid certification errors and regulatory penalties. Link: https://lnkd.in/gxY-YS-R 🔔 Follow RegLex for global updates on product safety regulations, compliance frameworks, and enforcement actions shaping consumer protection. #CPSC #ConsumerSafety #Compliance #CertificatesOfCompliance #ProductSafety #RegLexUpdates #RegulatoryClarity #RiskManagement #ImportCompliance #USRegulation