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Treasury implements new reporting requirement under REPO for Ukrainians Act

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued a new reporting requirement for financial institutions holding Russian sovereign assets, as part of implementing the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act (REPO for Ukrainians Act). According to section 104(a) of the REPO for Ukrainians Act, all financial institutions that hold or are aware of Russian sovereign assets must notify OFAC by August 2, 2024, or within 10 days of detecting such assets. The notification can be submitted using OFAC’s new form.

Treasury sanctions leaders linked to cartel producing illicit fentanyl

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned two Mexican members of Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) and two Mexican companies. CJNG, a Mexico-based criminal organization, is one of the largest producers and traffickers of illicit fentanyl to the United States. This action was coordinated with the Government of Mexico, including its financial intelligence unit, La Unidad de Inteligencia Financiera (UIF), as well as U.S. Government partners such as the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, the...

Treasury releases annual report highlighting CFIUS's activity and efficiency

The Department of the Treasury, as Chair of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), released its Annual Report to Congress for calendar year 2023.

Yellen's Brazil visit focuses on economic cooperation and climate initiatives

From July 24-27, Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen will travel to Rio de Janeiro to participate in a G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting along with bilateral engagements with her counterparts and events on the margins. On July 27, Secretary Yellen will then travel to Belem, Brazil, for a meeting of Amazon basin ministers hosted by the Inter-American Development Bank and events related to Treasury’s international climate efforts.

Federal agencies seek comments on updated anti-money laundering rules

Four federal financial institution regulatory agencies have requested public comment on a proposal to update requirements for supervised institutions to establish, implement, and maintain effective anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) programs. These amendments aim to align with changes proposed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), stemming from the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 (AML Act).

Federal Reserve Bank president visits Maine towns discussing economic challenges

Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President Susan M. Collins visited Biddeford, Bangor, and Millinocket this week to observe how Maine business owners and residents are addressing economic challenges through innovation and collaboration.

U.S sanctions Russian hackers targeting critical infrastructure

The United States exposes the identity of and imposes sanctions on two members of the Russian government-aligned hacktivist group.

Federal agencies issue final guidance on reconsiderations of value for real estate valuations

On July 18, 2024, five federal regulatory agencies issued final guidance on reconsiderations of value (ROVs) for residential real estate transactions. The guidance advises financial institutions on policies and procedures to allow consumers to provide information that may not have been considered during an appraisal or if deficiencies are identified in the original appraisal.

U.S. reports resilient economy amidst robust recovery post-pandemic

WASHINGTON - The U.S. mission team, led by Nigel Chalk and Mai Chi Dao, has been thanked for their policy advice and analysis in the latest IMF Article IV Consultation. The assessment highlights a resilient U.S. economy with strong growth, a historic economic recovery since the Biden Administration began, and low unemployment rates. The Federal Reserve's management of the disinflation process is noted as effective.

Treasury sanctions transnational human smuggling network operating from Mexico

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned the Abdul Karim Conteh Human Smuggling Organization (Karim HSO), a transnational criminal organization based in Tijuana, Mexico. This action, coordinated with partners in the U.S. and Mexico, aims to disrupt the organization's finances and operations.

New York Fed report reveals high broadband costs in NYC and rural Northeast

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York released a report today titled “Digital Equity in the U.S. Northeast, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands,” which examines broadband cost, speed, and availability in these regions from 2020 to 2023. The study highlights that rural, lower-income, and tribal communities are most impacted by inadequate broadband access, with tribal lands and rural areas experiencing the slowest download and upload speeds.

Treasury releases international capital data for May showing mixed investment trends

The U.S. Department of the Treasury released Treasury International Capital (TIC) data for May 2024 today. The next release, covering June 2024, is scheduled for August 15, 2024.

NCUA Board approves rules on incentive-based compensation; maintains loan interest rate ceiling

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Board convened its fifth open meeting of 2024, approving several significant regulatory measures. These include a proposed rule on incentive-based compensation and a revised proposal on succession planning. Additionally, the board decided to maintain the current interest rate ceiling for federal credit unions at 18 percent.

Economic activity expands modestly amid stable employment

The Beige Book, published eight times annually, compiles anecdotal information on current economic conditions from each Federal Reserve Bank's District. This data is gathered through reports from Bank and Branch directors, interviews with key business contacts, economists, market experts, and other sources.

Economic challenges addressed by Federal Reserve Bank representatives in Winchester

Winchester, Virginia, is recognized for its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for visitors and a vibrant community for its residents. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy access to Shenandoah National Park, while history buffs can explore streets that changed hands between Union and Confederate forces during the Civil War.

Treasury designates individuals and entities supporting Houthi financing schemes

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has designated and identified as blocked property a dozen individuals and vessels involved in financing the Houthis' regional activities through Sa’id al-Jamal's network. The designations include Indonesia-based Malaysian and Singaporean national Mohammad Roslan Bin Ahmad, and China-based Chinese national Zhuang Liang, both of whom facilitated illicit shipments and engaged in money laundering for the network.

FedTalk webinar to address childcare sector challenges

The childcare sector has long faced workforce challenges that affect working parents and the broader economy. With high turnover and constraints on supply fueled by how the industry is financed, providers often struggle to offer care that parents can access.

Treasury publishes new guidelines for secure cloud adoption in finance sector

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Financial Services Sector Coordinating Council (FSSCC) have released a set of resources aimed at guiding financial services institutions on secure cloud adoption practices. This initiative results from a year-long collaboration between the Financial and Banking Information Infrastructure Committee (FBIIC) and the FSSCC.

Agencies issue final rule on automated valuation models under Dodd-Frank Act

Six federal regulatory agencies issued a final rule on July 17, 2024, aimed at ensuring the credibility and integrity of models used in valuations for certain mortgages secured by a consumer’s principal dwelling. This action is pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The rule will implement quality control standards for automated valuation models (AVMs) utilized by mortgage originators and secondary market issuers.

Treasury official discusses efforts against illicit finance at Columbus event

Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson delivered remarks at a beneficial ownership event in Columbus, Ohio, hosted by Representative Joyce Beatty. Nelson thanked Beatty for her efforts and acknowledged her comments during Secretary Yellen’s recent hearing.