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Amazon went public three years after it was founded. SpaceX stayed private for 24 years. What changed and why does it matter? The standard story is that companies avoid an IPO because public markets carry too many government rules and too many lawyers looking to sue. Renee Jones, law professor, former SEC official, and author of the new book Untamed Unicorns: Why Startup Finance Is Broken and How to Fix It, makes the opposite case. Jones argues what changed was the deregulation of private markets, driven by decades of industry lobbying. Due to decisions in Washington, companies became able to raise billions privately and there was no reason to go public . You could get the capital and keep total control, without ever having to disclose anything to regulators. If you've never bought a share of a startup, you might assume none of this touches you. But most of the money flowing into these private markets comes from pension funds and retirement accounts, meaning ordinary savers are already invested in companies whose books they'll never see. Connect with us:
Yields under pressure. Leverage on the rise. Fitch dives into the growing use of off-balance-sheet financing among Business Development Companies (BDCs) and what it signals for credit risk ahead.
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As a self-regulatory organization, FINRA doesn't operate in a vacuum. Our effectiveness depends on understanding what is happening in the industry, hearing directly from our members, and translating that feedback into meaningful action. This engagement is a two-way street, and members might not realize just how many opportunities exist to make their voices heard. On this episode, Kayte Toczylowski, Senior Vice President, Member Firm Experience, discusses the many channels available for members to engage with FINRA, from formal advisory committees to regional representation to CEO roundtables. Learn how member feedback directly shapes our rulemaking process, drives internal improvements, and informs the work we do. Resources mentioned in this episode: FINRA 2026 Involvement and Election Process Overview FINRA Advisory Committees FINRA Indication of Interest Form Webinar: How to Respond to FINRA Requests for Comment Ep. 185: How FINRA Is Streamlining Data Requests Ep. 187: How FINRA Is Enhancing Member Firm Examinations FINRA Forward: A Year of Progress FINRA Forward FINRA Quarterly Regulatory Policy Agenda Blog Post: FINRA Forward's Rule Modernization—An Update Blog Post: Vendors, Intelligence Sharing and FINRA's Mission Blog Post: FINRA Forward Initiatives to Support Members, Markets and the Investors They Serve Blog Post: A Progress Update on Rule Modernization Find us: LinkedIn / X / YouTube / Facebook / Instagram / E-mailSubscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and by RSS.
Is personal finance rigged against ordinary people? Economists John Campbell and Tarun Ramadorai argue the system rewards the wealthy and financially savvy at the expense of everyone else. Their book Fixed points to a troubling pattern: the fees you avoid by never overdrafting, or by refinancing on time, are paid for by people who don't, and they warn that the resulting resentment is fueling political discontent. But there is a tension at the heart of their argument. They don't want the government running finance or setting prices, yet they call for far more muscular rules. So what exactly are they proposing, and why do they insist it would expand your choices rather than limit them? Connect with us:
Beloved Vermont children's entertainer-turned-filmmaker Mac Parker has been raising funds for his film Birth of Innocence for nearly a decade. The film has yet to be completed, and what investors were promised — a three-year, $1 million project — has ballooned in both time and cost. When the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation steps in to investigate irregularities in Mac's fundraising practices, they discover he's operating a $28 million Ponzi scheme. They dig deeper and find Mac has a silent partner named Lou Soteriou, a chiropractor in Connecticut who is being purposefully hidden from investors. Over the years, Lou has received more than $4 million in payments from Mac. Realizing the scope of the case, Vermont investigators call in the FBI. As federal agents unravel this enormous Ponzi scheme, it becomes clear that the relationship between Mac and Lou is a complicated one. The investigators are left wondering, who really is the mastermind behind this crime?
On this episode, tune in to a conversation from FINRA's 2026 Annual Conference, where FINRA Board Chair Scott Curtis and FINRA President and CEO Robert Cook discussed the partnership between board governance and executive leadership, and the strategic priorities shaping FINRA's direction. Resources mentioned in this episode: Ep. 185: How FINRA Is Streamlining Data Requests Ep. 187: How FINRA Is Enhancing Member Firm Examinations FINRA Forward: A Year of Progress FINRA Forward FINRA Quarterly Regulatory Policy Agenda Blog Post: FINRA Forward's Rule Modernization—An Update Blog Post: Vendors, Intelligence Sharing and FINRA's Mission Blog Post: FINRA Forward Initiatives to Support Members, Markets and the Investors They Serve Blog Post: A Progress Update on Rule Modernization Find us: LinkedIn / X / YouTube / Facebook / Instagram / E-mailSubscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and by RSS.
Financial regulation isn't just about rules — it's about curiosity and going beyond surface analysis. Professors Scott Alvarez (former GC to the Federal Reserve) and Laurie Schaffer (former Acting Assistant Secretary of the Treasury) join Let's Brief It to demystify the world of financial regulation. They discuss their journeys through public service, the "art and science" of consumer protection, and why the current landscape offers unique opportunities for the next generation of attorneys.Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.Want to get ahead of the pack? Joining the D.C. Bar Law Student Community (LSC) can get you there. Your LSC membership will provide resume and skills boosting opportunities and one-on-one access to local practicing attorneys. To learn more, click here.
Examinations are a cornerstone of FINRA's regulatory oversight, but how we conduct them is evolving. As part of FINRA Forward, we're making our approach more risk-informed, more efficient, and more transparent. On this episode, J. Koutros, Senior Vice President of Member Supervision, Operations, Procedures, and Standards, Jim Reese, Senior Vice President of Examinations, and John Martino, Vice President of Examinations explore the changes reshaping FINRA's examination program: streamlined first firm exams for lower-risk firms, extended exam cycles where warranted, more targeted data requests, and advance notice about exam timing. The guests also look ahead to new technology, enhanced transparency around preliminary findings, and the ongoing feedback that drives FINRA's continuous improvement. Resources mentioned in this episode: FINRA Examination and Risk Monitoring Programs Ep. 185: How FINRA is Streamlining Data Requests FINRA Forward: A Year of Progress FINRA Forward FINRA Quarterly Regulatory Policy Agenda Blog Post: FINRA Forward's Rule Modernization—An Update Blog Post: Vendors, Intelligence Sharing and FINRA's Mission Blog Post: FINRA Forward Initiatives to Support Members, Markets and the Investors They Serve Blog Post: A Progress Update on Rule Modernization Find us: LinkedIn / X / YouTube / Facebook / Instagram / E-mailSubscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and by RSS.
Recorded live in front of the Wharton Financial Regulation Conference, former guest Peter Conti-Brown joins David Beckworth as a Macro Musings co-host on this week's episode. Peter and David discuss the inflection point of 2008 in FinReg scholarship, how Macro Musings has become just as much a show about financial regulation as about macro, what to make of the Trump administrations changes to bank supervision, whether we should be enthusiastic about the GENIUS Act and digital assets, the true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto, the crisis that could become Claude Mythos, why networks and Substacks are becoming more important, and much more. Watch the full length video on our new YouTube Channel! Check out the transcript for this week's episode, now with links. Recorded on April 10th, 2026 Subscribe to David's Substack: Macroeconomic Policy Nexus Follow David Beckworth on X: @DavidBeckworth Follow the show on X: @Macro_Musings Check out our Macro Musings merch! Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:29 - History of Financial Regulation 00:04:23 - Monetary Policy vs. Financial Regulation 00:07:48 - Bank Supervision 00:11:59 - Digital Assets 00:22:48 - Claude Mythos and Banking 00:30:35 - The Market Argument for the Discount Window 00:35:44 - Academia vs. Real-World Impact 00:40:28 - Audience Q&A 00:54:16 - Outro
The dream of owning your own home is a powerful life goal for many. Once realised, it comes with better living standards, as well economic security. But many families are failing to get over the barriers to accessing a mortgage – from finding a deposit to passing banks' affordability tests. Indeed, many would say such regulation has gone too far and it is time for a loosening. To what extent has falling home ownership among young and lower-income families been driven by regulation, wider market conditions or government policy? How many people are on the margins of home ownership, and what is stopping them from making that next step? Should policy makers intervene to support home ownership, and what are the risks of intervention in terms of elevated house prices, mortgage debt and loans on the Government's balance sheet?
Recorded live at the Captive Insurance Companies Association Conference, this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features Christine Brown, deputy commissioner of the Captive Insurance Division at the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation. Ms. Brown shares her perspective on regulating within one of the most established captive domiciles globally, emphasizing Vermont's long-standing focus on solvency, transparency, and maintaining the integrity of the captive insurance industry. The discussion explores how regulators evaluate expansion into new lines of coverage, the importance of early communication with regulators, and the critical role of governance in captive success Ms. Brown also outlines key areas of focus for captive owners in today's environment, including evolving risk exposures, policy exclusions, and claims handling practices, while offering insight into Vermont's continued leadership and collaborative role as the captive landscape grows more competitive.
This episode exposes the misleading language behind “best interest” financial sales practices, using the insurance-backed fight against the Department of Labor's fiduciary rule as the main example. Don and Tom explain why rolling money from a 401(k) or 403(b) into an IRA can leave investors vulnerable to commissions, conflicts, vague disclosures, and expensive products dressed up as advice. They break down the difference between true fiduciary advice, so-called best-interest standards, and bare-minimum suitability, then answer listener questions on pension-heavy asset allocation, Delaware Statutory Trusts, and why some seemingly clever planning ideas are often more trouble than they're worth.0:00 “Federation of Americans for Consumer Choice” irony and setup0:52 Fiduciary rule battle with the Department of Labor (and why it keeps dying)1:43 Who's really behind the “consumer choice” push (insurance industry)2:41 Why retirement rollovers (401k → IRA) are the financial “wild west”3:13 $841B rollover stat and loss of ERISA protections4:34 Who actually operates under a true fiduciary standard5:14 Why rollovers require serious skepticism (fees, conflicts, hidden costs)6:10 Form BI and the illusion of “best interest”7:09 Insurance “best interest” rules and the loophole problem8:23 Disclosure theater: legal cover vs real transparency9:40 What a fiduciary does NOT guarantee (returns, cost, communication)10:47 Why even fiduciaries can be expensive10:58 The three standards explained: fiduciary vs best interest vs suitability12:02 “It's not terrible” — the low bar of suitability13:03 Advice vs sales pitch: how most investors get fooled13:38 Listener case: pension-heavy early retirement plan17:18 Pension as “bond substitute” debate19:08 Portfolio breakdown and fund choices (Vanguard, Avantis)20:55 Simplicity vs complexity across multiple accounts21:58 Risk reduction suggestion despite strong financial position24:13 Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs): tax deferral vs massive fees25:59 DST downsides: illiquidity, lack of control, high commissions26:29 Bottom line on DSTs: “pay your taxes and move on”27:12 Listener suggestion: “Can I afford it?” segment27:50 Why personalized affordability segments are impractical29:37 Show longevity discussion and future timeline31:11 Financial Physics book plug (Kindle version now available)Questions? Comments? Click!
Every time you check a stock price on your phone or watch a ticker scroll across a screen, you are seeing the result of a complex reporting system most investors never think about. Behind that number is a vast infrastructure capturing and consolidating trades from exchanges and over-the-counter markets in milliseconds—and that system is undergoing major enhancements. On this episode, Chris Stone, FINRA Vice President, Transparency Services, takes us inside the systems that make market transparency possible. Stone explains how FINRA recently extended trade reporting hours to 4 a.m. ET, why the industry is preparing for 23-hour, 5-day-a-week trading by December 2026, and how FINRA's recently implemented fractional share reporting is eliminating what researchers called "phantom volume." Resources mentioned in this episode: Trade Reporting Facility (TRF) Reg. Notice 25-15: FINRA Adopts Amendments to Extend the Trade Reporting Facilities Operating Hours Trade Reporting Notice 1/14/26: Upcoming Trade Reporting Enhancements for Fractional Share Transactions FINRA Forward Blog Post: FINRA Forward's Rule Modernization—An Update Blog Post: Vendors, Intelligence Sharing and FINRA's Mission Blog Post: FINRA Forward Initiatives to Support Members, Markets and the Investors They Serve Blog Post: A Progress Update on Rule Modernization Find us: LinkedIn / X / YouTube / Facebook / Instagram / E-mailSubscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and by RSS.
Global FinTech leader Hristian Drensky, CEO of MoreFin, exposes the hidden costs bleeding businesses dry in international payments. From multi-currency conversion fees to 30-day reconciliation delays, he reveals why "free" payment solutions aren't actually free and how Asia and Africa are outpacing the US and Europe in payment innovation. Hristian shares how real-time visibility and payment operations expertise can transform a company's cash flow and why automation—not headcount—is the future of scaling globally. Four Key Takeaways: Hidden payment costs are bleeding your business (6:12)Currency conversions, settlement fees, and transaction charges can add 5-6% to your costs when providers only advertise 2-3% rates. Small businesses especially overlook these hidden fees that significantly impact their bottom line. Real-time reconciliation is a competitive advantage (7:18)Waiting 30 days for payment reports means flying blind and losing cash flow optimization opportunities. Real-time visibility allows businesses to identify losses immediately and address them proactively rather than accepting inefficiencies as inevitable. Asia and Africa are ahead of the US and Europe (23:58)Countries without legacy banking systems adopted tech-first solutions like M-Pesa and WeChat Pay, creating faster, more efficient payment ecosystems. Meanwhile, advanced economies struggle with outdated infrastructure like checks and multi-day bank transfers. Automation beats headcount for scaling (32:21)Morphin operates with 26 people by automating repetitive tasks. Hristian's philosophy: if a task is repetitive, automate it. This approach allows small teams to outperform much larger organizations stuck in manual processes. Quote of the Show (37:38):"Dream more. A lot of things will happen anyway. You need to eat, breathe, sleep.. but people don't leave enough space to just dream. Dreaming is the first step to pushing your imagination beyond borders." - Hristian Drensky Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome. Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval Ways to connect with Hristian Drensky: LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/alanpaulinCompany Website: https://mavislabs.ai How to get more Disruption/Interruption: Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is UK financial regulation about to get tougher and faster? In this special edition of FT Adviser Briefing, Amy Austin speaks with Kate Blatchford-Hick, head of consumer investments policy and market analysis at the Financial Conduct Authority about its push to make regulation “faster, sharper and harder to evade”, and what that means for firms, advisers and consumers.As the regulator faces pressure to support economic growth while maintaining oversight, we explore how the FCA is navigating that balance and where it may draw the line. Kate explains the FCA's announcement about ditching the annual review requirement for ongoing advice, turning attention to the trail commission, what advisers and firms should expect from the upcoming changes and how tougher enforcement could reshape the market.00:00 - Welcome to FT Adviser Briefing00:39 - FCA's thinking on simplifying adviser advice03:35 - How will targeted support and simplified advice work alongside one another?04:45 - What products will simplified advice be most useful for?07:10 - How affordable will this be for advisers?10:54 - How the FCA will police the reforms14:08 - Trail commissionThe FTAdviser Podcast is designed to inform regulated UK advisers on a range of topics, covering investments, pensions, regulation and other key issues. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Our final batch of America's Credit Unions GAC coverage- Glen speaks with Ncontracts' Stephanie Lyon about the shifting yet inevitable regulatory/compliance landscape. Also- another Domino falls on Paze's roadmap, and Illinois' interchange debacle proves too geeky for prediction markets- but not for a punk rock reference. Links related to this episode: Ncontracts' blog: https://www.ncontracts.com/nsight-blog Stephanie Lyon via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-lyon-8a9b6257/ Paze's addition of Citi and Domino's: https://www.digitaltransactions.net/dominos-and-payrange-add-the-paze-wallet-option/ Taft Law's PayTech practice: https://www.taftlaw.com/services/practices/paytech-and-payment-systems/ Our prior GAC coverage, featuring TruStage's Stablecoin and Glia https://www.big-fintech.com/stablecoins-and-ai-need-we-say-more/ and CUltivate AI/ ACU's Economics Team https://www.big-fintech.com/chicken-wings-not-sharp-elbows/ LAST CHANCE! Join us at CU Unplugged, an unscripted, participant-powered gathering designed to foster unfiltered conversation on the topics participants deem most critical. The event is open to all credit union leaders, but the group will be kept intentionally small for maximum impact. Join us March 30 – April 2 at Visa's Market Support Center in San Francisco- Visit https://www.cu-unplugged.com/ to learn more and register. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/
Data is at the heart of everything we do at FINRA—from examining firms to detecting suspicious trading to protecting investors. But the process of requesting, gathering, and analyzing data involves significant effort across the board. So, the question is: How do we work smarter? How do we use technology and collaboration to be more targeted in what we ask for, more efficient in how we use it, and more effective in the oversight we provide? On this episode, Sam Draddy, Senior Vice President of Surveillance and Market Intelligence, and J. Koutros, Senior Vice President of Member Supervision Operations, Procedures, and Standards, explore how FINRA's approach to data requests is evolving. This effort embodies FINRA Forward, our commitment to continuous improvement, regulatory efficiency, and reducing burden while strengthening investor protection and market integrity. Resources mentioned in this episode: FINRA Rule 8210 Electronic Blue Sheets (EBS) FINRA Quarterly Regulatory Policy Agenda FINRA Forward Blog Post: FINRA Forward's Rule Modernization—An Update Blog Post: Vendors, Intelligence Sharing and FINRA's Mission Blog Post: FINRA Forward Initiatives to Support Members, Markets and the Investors They Serve Blog Post: A Progress Update on Rule Modernization Find us: LinkedIn / X / YouTube / Facebook / Instagram / E-mailSubscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and by RSS.
Financial security is about more than just building wealth: it's about resilience, preparation, and having the tools to weather whatever comes your way. And right now, with rising costs, market volatility, and evolving fraud risks, investors need that security more than ever.On this episode, FINRA Investor Education Foundation and Senior Vice President of Investor Education Gerri Walsh discusses what financial security really means in 2026, and how firms can help protect and empower their customers. This conversation that sits right at the heart of FINRA Forward, our commitment to evolving alongside the rapidly changing securities industry in support of our mission of protecting investors and market integrity.Resources mentioned in this episode:BrokerCheckMarket Data CenterFund AnalyzerFixed Income DataFINRA Investor Education FoundationProtecting Consumers from FraudFINRA ForwardBlog Post: FINRA Forward's Rule Modernization—An UpdateBlog Post: Vendors, Intelligence Sharing and FINRA's MissionBlog Post: FINRA Forward Initiatives to Support Members, Markets and the Investors They ServeEp. 168: Investing Wisely in 2025: Avoiding Scams and Achieving Your Financial GoalsEp. 183: Investors in the United States: Key Trends and Insights from the National Financial Capability Study Find us: LinkedIn / X / YouTube / Facebook / Instagram / E-mailSubscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and by RSS.
Wharton Associate Professor of Financial Regulation, Peter Conti-Brown, analyzes the end of Jerome Powell's term, the potential next chair, and why Federal Reserve independence is central to monetary policy, regulation, and the U.S. economy heading into 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As a self-regulatory organization, engagement with member firms is vital to FINRA's success. On this episode, we highlight engagement opportunities, provide insight into how FINRA is listening and taking action on what we're hearing, and encourage even more listeners to get actively involved in FINRA's outreach.FINRA Senior Vice President Kayte Toczylowski is joined by two current FINRA regional committee members: Serving on FINRA's Midwest regional committee, Margaret Dubil, Director of Surveillance for Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, and Stifel Independent Advisors; and serving on the New York regional committee, Peter Garcia, Head of Business Development and Controls at Rabobank and Officer of Rabo Securities USA, Rabobank's U.S. broker- dealer. The two provide firsthand experience on engaging with FINRA.Resources mentioned in this episode:FINRA ForwardFINRA Crypto and Blockchain Education ProgramBlog Post: FINRA Forward's Rule Modernization—An UpdateBlog Post: FINRA Forward Initiatives to Support Members, Markets and the Investors They ServeFINRA Conferences and Events2025 Involvement and Election Process OverviewFINRA Engagement PortalFINRA Advisory Committees Find us: LinkedIn / X / YouTube / Facebook / Instagram / E-mailSubscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and by RSS.
John Doherty, Principal at Wolf and Company discusses the implications of the Big, Beautiful Bill that was signed on July 4th for bankers and their commercial and retail customers. We spend some time in this episode discussing President Trump's Executive Order to open defined contribution retirement plans to alternative investments like crypto currency and private equity investments.Send us a textPresented by Remedy ConsultingFor more information on BankTalk:BankTalk WebsiteSubscribe to BankTalk NewsRemedy Consulting WebsiteRemedy LinkedInTo speak on the BankTalk Podcast, please email us.
This episode features CII General Counsel Jeff Mahoney covering the top 10 important events affecting institutional investors from October 1-28, 2025.
In this episode, Jenny Pakula, CEO of Oregon REALTORS, discusses the current state of homeowners' insurance in Oregon with T.K. Keen, Acting Oregon Insurance Commissioner. They explore the challenges faced by homeowners, including the impact of wildfires, the role of the Division of Financial Regulation, and the various insurance markets available. The conversation highlights the importance of adequate coverage, the Fair Plan as a last resort, and the influence of reinsurance on the insurance landscape. They also touch on recent legislative changes aimed at improving the insurance situation for consumers.
Small firms face unique challenges. The regulatory landscape is evolving rapidly. And the conversation between regulators and the regulated is more important than ever. How does FINRA ensure that small firm voices are heard? How do small firms navigate an increasingly complex environment while serving their clients effectively? On this episode, we bring you a conversation between FINRA President and CEO Robert Cook and Small Firm Advisory Committee (SFAC) Chair Preston Haxo from FINRA's Small Firm Conference in Dallas on Oct. 9. The two explored the vital role of the SFAC, the ongoing progress of our FINRA Forward initiatives, the practical ways small firms can engage with FINRA, and more.Resources mentioned in this episode:FINRA ForwardSmall Firm Advisory Committee (SFAC)FINRA Small Firm HelplineThe Small Firm BriefingFINRA Crypto and Blockchain Education ProgramReg Notice 25-13: Form U4 Recordkeeping RequirementsReg Notice 25-07: The Modern WorkplaceReg Notice 25-06: Capital FormationReg Notice 25-04: Rule ModernizationBlog Post: FINRA Forward's Rule Modernization—An UpdateBlog Post: Vendors, Intelligence Sharing and FINRA's MissionBlog Post: FINRA Forward Initiatives to Support Members, Markets and the Investors They ServeEp. 177: Previewing FINRA's Crypto and Blockchain Education Program Find us: LinkedIn / X / YouTube / Facebook / Instagram / E-mailSubscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and by RSS.
In this episode of The Edge of Risk podcast by IRMI, host Joel Appelbaum speaks with Jim DeVoe-Talluto, assistant director of captive insurance at the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation, about what organizations need to know when applying to form a captive insurance company. Drawing on more than 2 decades of regulatory experience, Mr. DeVoe-Talluto outlines the steps applicants should expect, the most common barriers to approval, and the importance of a strong feasibility study and experienced advisers. Mr. DeVoe-Talluto also discusses Vermont's regulatory philosophy and why early planning, clarity of purpose, and strong executive buy-in significantly improve the chance of success. Whether you're exploring a first-time captive or seeking insight into regulator expectations in one of the world's largest captive domiciles, this conversation delivers timely, practical guidance directly from the source.
Do you know what kakistocracy means? You'll find out in this episode with guest Bill Black. Because, yeah, this is an educational podcast. A lot of us learned the term ‘elite control fraud' from Bill in past episodes and you'll hear more about it here. Bill is a great storyteller. His experience as a regulator trying to enforce laws against the great crooks of the world gives him a lot of material. If you haven't already heard our first episode with him, check it out: “Exposed: A Serial Whistleblowers Story” He's the author of The Best Way to Rob a Bank is to Own One – one of our favorite book titles. At the start of this week's interview, Bill explains: “...The absolute paramount form of control fraud is President of the United States of America. And they set about optimizing it as soon as they got in power. Remember all those executive orders and things that Trump would sign? “... Among their very first acts was to say, we will no longer enforce the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Now this is an act that says, no, it's not okay to bribe public officials in other countries. It's actually a crime. And Trump was saying way back in time, long before he even was talking about the presidency, how we shouldn't have a Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. That it was stupid. Of course you should be able to bribe people. It's good for business. “And if you think that's bad, the New York Bar Association took the same position. Because they were the commercial lawyers for all the firms that were bribing folks all over the world.” Bill describes a shift to the final stage of elite control fraud. Corrupt actors no longer bother hiding their crimes. They flaunt them. This serves as "free advertising" to attract more bribes and creates a price war among those seeking favors, while simultaneously intimidating opponents. Bill also talks to Steve about further manipulation of financial regulations and the intersections of elite control fraud within the cryptocurrency market. He goes through the real reasons crypto is useful to the ruling class and how these dynamics affect everyday people. William K. Black is Distinguished Scholar in Residence for Financial Regulation, University of Minnesota School of Law. He is a white-collar criminologist, a former financial regulator, former banker, and serial whistleblower. He is a co-founder of Bank Whistleblowers United (BWU). @WilliamKBlack on X
My interview with Michael Chan, CEO of Zand Bank. - How stablecoins are reshaping global banking - The role of U.S. regulatory shifts in driving adoption - Why Zand is betting big on digital assets - How AI and blockchain are enhancing compliance and efficiency - Why banks launching their own stablecoins could be a game changer - The biggest risk keeping crypto-bank CEOs up at night Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: http://bit.ly/4q9StyM
This episode originally aired in January 2025.Many of us view January as a time to make a fresh start, and as a time to bid farewell to bad habits. In thinking about your New Year's resolutions, have you considered whether you're making financially healthy decisions?On this episode, we sit down with Gerri Walsh, President of the FINRA Investor Education Foundation and Senior Vice President of Investor Education, to uncover the trends and tips investors need to get their finances in order for 2025. Resources mentioned in this episode:BrokerCheckMarket Data CenterFund AnalyzerFixed Income DataFINRA Investor Education FoundationProtecting Consumers from Fraud Find us: LinkedIn / X / YouTube / Facebook / Instagram / E-mailSubscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and by RSS.
Financial markets are some of the most heavily regulated markets in the United States. Firms and individuals that wish to engage in financial services–related businesses face complex regulatory regimes that are overseen by a web of agencies that includes, on the federal level, several banking regulators, two markets regulators, and a consumer protection regulator. But the regulation doesn't end there, as a host of other agencies, including state-level regulators and self-regulatory organizations, may also have oversight responsibilities. As attention has turned to ideas of government efficiency, financial regulation should not be left out of the conversation. But how should we right-size financial regulation?Our conference seeks to shed light on this question by asking: How many financial regulators is the right number? What should the balance be between federal and state financial regulation? Should the Federal Reserve shed its regulatory functions? Has federal intervention in housing finance gone too far?Join us at Cato's Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives annual conference for an outstanding program featuring leading policymakers and experts discussing how to right-size financial regulation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
John Batchelor 09-03 segment 3.mp3 Guest: John Cochrane at the Hoover Institution. Federal Reserve Independence and Financial Regulation John Cochrane explores the complex debate on whether financial regulation should be integrated with or separated from monetary policy and less independent of Congress. He raises concerns about the Fed's independence, its failure to foresee the Silicon Valley Bank collapse, and the "too big to fail" phenomenon. Cochrane also discusses the risks of the Fed monetizing debt, its stance on stablecoins, and how its actions influence fiscal policy. 1906 PEKING
This episode features CII General Counsel Jeff Mahoney covering the top 10 important events affecting institutional investors from August 4 to September 2, 2025.
For decades, private equity has been the darling of pension funds, university endowments, and sovereign wealth funds, promising high returns and low volatility. Now, President Donald Trump has made it possible for everyday investors to get in on the magic with his executive order, "Democratizing Access to Alternative Assets for 401(k) Investors.” The order relieves regulatory burdens that limit the access of defined contribution plans, like 401(k)s, to alternative assets such as private equity (but also cryptocurrency and real estate). The hope is to give American workers access to greater choice, diversification, and potential growth towards a comfortable retirement.But Trump's order comes just as longstanding questions about private equity's promise of high returns and low risk are coming to the fore. Has the distribution of returns slowed to a trickle? What does data actually say about private equity's performance, and where is the industry headed? There is also a long standing debate whether private equity is good for society, independent of financial returns.Is private equity actually a ponzi scheme that now threatens the retirements of millions of American workers? To make sense of it all, Luigi and Bethany are joined by Dan Rasmussen, an experienced investor and author who began his career in private equity but has emerged as one of the most prescient critics of the industry. Together, the three of them distill what the state of the industry means for the future welfare of investors, workers, and the American economy as a whole.Bonus: Check out ProMarket's recent series on the impact of private equity in the health care industry.
In this episode of Passing Judgment, Jessica breaks down three major legal developments: the Supreme Court allowing Mississippi's age verification law for social media to take effect while litigation continues, a renewed but unlikely push to overturn the Court's marriage equality decision in Obergefell, and a federal court ruling enabling potential mass firings at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Jessica explains what these cases mean for our rights and daily lives, highlighting the ongoing balance between state power, individual liberties, and consumer protection.Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:Supreme Court and Mississippi's Social Media Age Verification Law: The episode opens with a discussion of the Supreme Court's decision to allow Mississippi's new law requiring age verification for children on social media to take effect while legal battles continue. The law mandates social media companies verify users' ages and get parental consent for kids under 18. Supporters claim it protects children from online harms, while critics argue it's vague, intrusive, and may violate the First Amendment.Renewed Push to Overturn Marriage Equality (Obergefell v. Hodges): There's renewed legal activity aimed at overturning the Supreme Court's 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. The case gained attention due to Kim Davis, a former Kentucky clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, now asking the Supreme Court to revisit the ruling.Trump Administration and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): The final major story discusses a recent court decision paving the way for the Trump administration to pursue mass firings at the CFPB—a federal agency created after the 2008 financial crisis to protect consumers. Follow Our Host: @LevinsonJessica
We sat down with Elizabeth Eurgubian, former NCUA Board Member, to explore the current state of the National Credit Union Administration and what it means for the financial services industry. The NCUA is structured to operate with a bipartisan, three-member board--with members appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Since the election, the NCUA Board has been functioning with fewer than three members, raising important questions about oversight, governance, and decision-making. This episode will examine the practical and policy implications for the financial services industry when the NCUA Board is not fully staffed, and whether this could lead to an environment of more centralized regulators. We will also discuss the difference in regulatory conduct between Credit Unions and Banks and the recent hot topic of tax-exempt status for CUs.Send us a textPresented by Remedy ConsultingTechnology Contract Negotiation & System Assessments, T&C Improvements, and FI Strategic Planning.For more information on BankTalk:BankTalk WebsiteSubscribe to BankTalk NewsRemedy Consulting WebsiteRemedy LinkedInTo speak on the BankTalk Podcast, please email us.
Kimberley Cole welcomes the dynamic duo of Carol Beaumier and Bernadine Reese from Protiviti for an engaging mid-year check-in on compliance predictions for 2025. With the ever-evolving landscape of risk regulation, they dive into pressing topics like the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, the complexities of financial crime, and the importance of operational resilience. Get ready for an inspiring conversation filled with valuable perspectives on navigating the challenges of the industry! SHOW NOTES 00:24 Mid-Year Check-In on 2025 Compliance Predictions 08:48 Regulatory Simplification & Resourcing 13:54 ESG Slows 21:33 Regulatory Fragmentation 23:55 AI as a Game Changer 29:05 Culture and Conduct 30:17 Peripheral Vision and Future Predictions
The Capitalism and Freedom in the Twenty-First Century Podcast
Hoover Institution fellow Jon Hartley and former FDIC Vice Chair Thomas Hoenig discuss Tom's career as an economist, as Vice Chair of the FDIC, President of the Kansas City Fed, topics including the global financial crisis, banking regulation, Glass-Steagall, Too Big To Fail, moral hazard, lender of last resort powers, Basel III, the Dodd-Frank Act, capital requirements, deposit insurance after the Silicon Valley Bank regional banking crisis, and quantitative easing. Recorded on June 10, 2025. ABOUT THE SERIES: Each episode of Capitalism and Freedom in the 21st Century, a video podcast series and the official podcast of the Hoover Economic Policy Working Group, focuses on getting into the weeds of economics, finance, and public policy on important current topics through one-on-one interviews. Host Jon Hartley asks guests about their main ideas and contributions to academic research and policy. The podcast is titled after Milton Friedman‘s famous 1962 bestselling book Capitalism and Freedom, which after 60 years, remains prescient from its focus on various topics which are now at the forefront of economic debates, such as monetary policy and inflation, fiscal policy, occupational licensing, education vouchers, income share agreements, the distribution of income, and negative income taxes, among many other topics. For more information about the podcast, visit: https://www.hoover.org/podcast/capitalism-and-freedom?utm_source=podbean&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=cf21_podcast
Samim Ghamami, Senior Economist at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, joins Mark, Cris, and Marisa to explore the rapid rise of the private credit market. With global assets surpassing $2 trillion, Samim breaks down the systemic risks posed by this opaque yet fast-growing asset class. The discussion delves into private credit's role in middle-market lending, private equity, and new markets like infrastructure and real estate, as well as its implications for financial stability and regulation.Access the full paper, Private Credit & Systemic Risk here: https://www.economy.com/getfile?q=2107637A-C535-4AFF-83BC-6CBA1AD1FAB9&app=downloadGuest: Samim Ghamami, Senior Economist at the Securities and Exchange CommissionHosts: Mark Zandi – Chief Economist, Moody's Analytics, Cris deRitis – Deputy Chief Economist, Moody's Analytics, Marisa DiNatale – Senior Director - Head of Global Forecasting, Moody's AnalyticsFollow Mark Zandi on 'X', BlueSky or LinkedIn @MarkZandi, Cris deRitis on LinkedIn, and Marisa DiNatale on LinkedIn Questions or Comments, please email us at helpeconomy@moodys.com. We would love to hear from you. To stay informed and follow the insights of Moody's Analytics economists, visit Economic View.
FINRA Forward—New Initiatives to Support Members, Markets, and the Investors They ServeFINRA360Request for Comment on Capital Formation Rules, Guidance and ProcessesRequest for Comment on Modern Workplace Rules, Guidance and ProcessesRequest for Comment on Associated Persons' Outside ActivitiesStatement to Correct Misinformation About Outside Activities ProposalBroad Review to Modernize Rules Regarding Member Firms and Associated PersonsProposed Rule Change to Modify the Implementation Schedule Regarding Corporate Financing FeesProposed Rule Change on Transaction ReportingEngage With FINRA Find us: LinkedIn / X / YouTube / Facebook / Instagram / E-mail
On Monday, the U.S. Department of Education is expected to resume collections on student loans that are in default, ending a five-year pause that first began at the start of the pandemic. According to the agency, more than 5 million borrowers are in default, which typically happens after nine months of non-payment on a federal student loan. The federal government can force collections on defaulted student loans by garnishing wages, tax refunds or Social Security benefits. About 500,000 Oregonians have student loans, most of which have balances between $10,000 and $40,000, according to Lane Thompson, the Oregon Student Loan Ombuds. That position was created through the passage of SB 485 in 2021 that also required all companies that service student loans in Oregon to be licensed by the state’s Division of Financial Regulation. Thompson joins us to share more information about her office and offers advice for borrowers in Oregon.
Peter Conti-Brown, Wharton Associate Professor of Financial Regulation & Legal Studies and Business Ethics, and author of Private Finance, Public Power: The History of Bank Supervision in America (set to be released June 24th), explores the increasing political scrutiny faced by the Fed, particularly under President Trump, and how this scrutiny could undermine the central bank's ability to respond effectively to economic challenges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Financial Conduct Authority CEO Nikhil Rathi discusses what's next for financial regulation. He speaks with Bloomberg's Jonathan Ferro, Lisa Abramowicz, and Annmarie Hordern.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What happens when alternative finance moves faster than regulation?On this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, Professor Bob Wardrop — Co-Founder of the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance and RegGenome — breaks down why global regulatory frameworks are struggling to keep up.We explore:Why many regulators are still stuck in a pre-2008 mindsetThe rise of machine-readable, computational regulationWhat Japan is getting right (and wrong) in the fintech raceHow to actually build innovation teams within regulatorsTune in for a sharp look at the future of regulation in a fast-changing financial world.Chapters:00:00 Introduction 01:19 Founding of Cambridge Center for Alternative Finance (CCAF)05:16 Reg Genome: A New Venture15:16 Challenges in Financial Regulation19:17 The Role of Technology in Regulation22:43 Global Regulatory Landscape23:19 Japan's Position in FinTech and Regulation27:20 Characteristics of Strong Innovation Teams32:02 Future of Financial Regulation35:20 ConclusionOur website
In this episode, CII General Counsel Jeff Mahoney interviews James D. Cox, the Brainerd Currie Distinguished Professor of Law at Duke University. Cox is a member of The Shadow SEC, a recently formed independent organization of six current academics that, like the earlier established Federal Reserve Shadow Open Market Committee, is intended to provide, encourage, facilitate and distribute policy discussions and debates relating to the federal securities laws and the SEC.
This episode features CII General Counsel Jeff Mahoney covering the top 10 important events affecting institutional investors from February 5 to March 4, 2025, including an in-depth Q&A covering the SEC's new guidance on submitting 13D and 13G filings as it applies to institutional investors.
As we observe National Consumer Protection Week amid a growing and changing financial fraud landscape, the time is ripe to talk about the ways in which investors can protect themselves from financial scams. On this episode, we sit down with Rob Mascio, Director of the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, to talk about the latest fraud trends, common red flags to watch out for and practical steps investors can take to safeguard investments. Resources mentioned in this episode:2025 Annual Regulatory Oversight ReportInvestor Alert: Social Media ‘Investment Group' Imposter Scams on the Rise Romance ScamsFINRA Securities Helpline for SeniorsBrokerCheckMarket Data CenterFund AnalyzerFixed Income DataFINRA Investor Education FoundationProtecting Consumers from FraudEp 162: The Victim Experience: When Romance Leads to Crypto ScamEp. 168: Investing Wisely in 2025: Avoiding Scams and Achieving Your Financial GoalsEp. 169: Unpacking the 2025 Regulatory Oversight Report Find us: X / YouTube /LinkedIn / Facebook / E-mail
As the financial industry continues to evolve, it's important to stay ahead of emerging risks and trends. On this episode of FINRA Unscripted, the leaders of FINRA's new Strategic Intelligence and Analytics (StratIntel) team discuss how they are working to identify and analyze these industry developments.On this episode, we sit down with the leaders of the StratIntel team: Senior Vice President of Data and Analytics for Member Supervision Jim Reese, and his two Vice Presidents, Brita Bayatmakou and Clint Johnson. The three share insights on how this new team is evolving FINRA's approach to intelligence gathering and risk monitoring, and the innovative ways they are using data and analytics to support FINRA's mission of investor protection and market integrity.Resources mentioned in this episode:2025 Regulatory Oversight Report3110. SupervisionEpisode 168: Investing Wisely in 2025: Avoiding Scams and Achieving Your Financial GoalsEpisode 169: Unpacking FINRA's 2025 Regulatory Oversight Report Find us: X / YouTube /LinkedIn / Facebook / E-mail
As a self-regulatory organization, information sharing is key to FINRA's pursuit of its mission of investor protection and market integrity. The 2025 FINRA Regulatory Oversight Report provides just that: Critical insights to help firms strengthen their compliance and protect investors.On this episode, hosted by Member Relations and Education Vice President Kayte Toczylowski, FINRA's regulatory leaders— Executive Vice President and Head of Member Supervision Greg Ruppert, Executive Vice President and Head of Market Regulation and Transparency Services Stephanie Dumont, and Executive Vice President and Head of Enforcement Bill St. Louis—join us to dive into the report's takeaways and insights for member firms.Resources mentioned in this episode:2025 Regulatory Oversight ReportSEC Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI)5310. Best Execution and InterpositioningReg Notice 20-31: FINRA Reminds Firms of Their Supervisory Responsibilities Relating to CATInvestor Insights: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Investment FraudEpisode 168: Investing Wisely in 2025: Avoiding Scams and Achieving Your Financial Goals Find us: X / YouTube /LinkedIn / Facebook / E-mail
In this episode, Jo Ann explores the potential for rapid change in financial regulation in 2025, likening it to other historical periods of sudden change. She argues that the convergence of six factors could lead to the emergence of "Regulation 2.0," a new paradigm of financial regulation enabled by technology.
Summary: With a new, crypto-friendly administration incoming, 2025 may be the year we see Bitcoin integrate more fully into mainstream finance in America and globally. Though volatile, and with an uncertain future that will heavily depend on how macroeconomic conditions and regulatory policies play out across the year, there's reason to believe that Bitcoin could soon be more prominent than ever. Today's guest is here to tell us why.Michael Saylor is the Executive Chairman and co-founder of business intelligence company MicroStrategy (Nasdaq: MSTR), and a leading advocate of Bitcoin. MicroStrategy considers itself to be the world's first Bitcoin Company, and under Michael's leadership have adopted a unique Bitcoin acquisition strategy with approximately $42 billion in Bitcoin held to date. Michael will also be the keynote speaker in ICR's 27th annual conference, held in Orlando, Florida in January 2025. In this episode, Michael describes his journey from skeptic to Bitcoin maximalist, emphasizes the importance of understanding Bitcoin as a digital capital asset, and discusses its potential to disrupt traditional valuation methodologies in finance.Highlights:Michael recommends resources for Bitcoin beginners (2:37)Why fear of progress holds us back (3:55)Michael points out the clues suggesting Bitcoin is here to stay (7:11)What USD maximalists get wrong (13:15)How we can understand the potential of Bitcoin through an engineering lens (16:25)Why valuation methodologies need to adapt to include Bitcoin (18:48)How Bitcoin outperforms traditional investments (28:09)Why supportive regulatory environment is crucial for Bitcoin's growth (30:54)Michael explains why the current capital market structure favors a select few (34:59)Why sound money is critical for societal progress (39:00)Links:Michael Saylor LinkedInMicroStrategy WebsiteBook: The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean AmmousICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, marion@lowerstreet.co.