News from August 2024

U.S holds approximately \$15 Trillion in foreign securities at year-end 2023

Preliminary data from an annual survey of U.S. portfolio holdings of foreign securities at year-end 2023 were released today and posted on the Treasury website. The final survey report, which will include additional detail as well as possible revisions to the data, will be released on October 31, 2024.

Treasury proposes expanded clean energy investments targeting underserved communities

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for the Clean Electricity Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program, known as 48E(h), created by the Inflation Reduction Act. The program aims to promote cost-saving clean energy investments in low-income communities, Indian lands, affordable housing, or directly benefiting low-income households.

NCUA prohibits former credit union employee from working in federally insured institutions

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) has permanently prohibited Luz Araceli Davila-Hernandez, a former employee of Magnifi Financial Credit Union in Melrose, Minnesota, from participating in the affairs of any federally insured depository institution. This action was taken through an Order of Prohibition.

FFIEC issues updated IT guidance for financial institutions

The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) has released a new booklet aimed at aiding examiners in assessing information technology practices within financial institutions. The "Development, Acquisition, and Maintenance" booklet outlines fundamental examination expectations related to development and acquisition planning and execution, governance and risk management, as well as maintenance and change management practices.

Treasurer Chief Malerba makes first official visit to an Alaska Native Tribe

U.S. Treasurer Chief Lynn Malerba visited Alaska this week to meet with Alaska Native Tribal leaders, marking her first official visit to an Alaska Native Tribe.

Maine joins IRS direct file program starting in Filing Season 2025

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced today that Maine will join IRS Direct File for Filing Season 2025. This initiative, enabled by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, aims to improve customer service and ensure taxpayers claim eligible benefits and deductions.

Cleveland Fed reports on post-pandemic wage growth's impact on service-sector inflation

Slowing wage growth in certain parts of the service sector could contribute to reducing inflation in 2024 and 2025, according to a new report from the Cleveland Fed.

NCUA announces retirement of Cherie Freed after over three decades of service

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) has announced the retirement of Cherie Freed, regional director of the NCUA’s Western Region, effective August 24, 2024.

Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland hosts panel on instant payments

The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland continues to produce indicators and datasets aimed at informing the public, policymakers, and researchers about economic conditions such as inflation, employment, and financial system risks. Their research addresses economic issues relevant to local communities, the nation, and globally.

Binance announces $2.4B fraud prevention in 2024

Binance announced that from January to July 2024, it safeguarded over 1.2 million users by preventing more than $2.4 billion in potential losses from scams and fraud through its advanced monitoring systems. The platform's AI-powered risk engine, combined with manual reviews, effectively identified and flagged suspicious activities.

Advance Auto Parts announces sale of Worldpac for $1.5 billion

Advance Auto Parts Announces Sale of Worldpac to Carlyle for $1.5 Billion

Wisconsin joins IRS direct file program for Filing Season 2025

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced today that Wisconsin will join IRS Direct File for Filing Season 2025. This development, enabled by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, will allow more than 600,000 Wisconsinites to utilize a free online tax filing tool next year.

Federal Reserve releases FOMC meeting minutes from July 30-31, 2024

The Federal Reserve, the central bank of the United States, released the minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting held on July 30–31, 2024. The minutes were made public on August 21, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. EDT.

Boston Fed report examines household stress amid fluctuating inflation

A recent field note from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's Regional & Community Outreach department examines how U.S. households perceive and respond to changing prices. The research, which utilized national survey data, indicates that despite a significant decline in inflation over the past two years, many Americans remain concerned about price increases.

U.S Treasury sanctions former Haitian president Michel Joseph Martelly

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned former Haitian President Michel Joseph Martelly under Executive Order 14059, "Imposing Sanctions on Foreign Persons Involved in the Global Illicit Drug Trade."

Deputy Secretary Adeyemo reaffirms U.S. support in call with Ukrainian Finance Minister

U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo engaged in a virtual call with Ukrainian Minister of Finance Sergii Marchenko on August 20, 2024. During the discussion, Deputy Secretary Adeyemo reaffirmed the Administration’s unwavering support for Ukraine amid its defense against Russia's ongoing conflict. He praised Ukraine’s efforts to boost domestic revenues and assured that the international community would continue its support.

Carlyle announces investment agreement with technology consultancy firm SEIDOR

Global investment firm Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) has announced an agreement to invest in SEIDOR, a leading technology services and solutions consultancy. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

United States-China Financial Working Group holds fifth meeting in Shanghai

The United States and the People’s Republic of China convened the fifth meeting of the Financial Working Group (FWG) in Shanghai on August 15-16, 2024. Senior officials from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the People’s Bank of China led the two-day discussions, which included participants from various agencies.

North Carolina joins IRS direct file program for tax season 2025

North Carolina to offer free tax filing option next year made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act

Philly Fed president emphasizes importance of historical data

Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia President and CEO Patrick T. Harker addressed researchers and economists on the significance of using both historical and current data to comprehend today's economy. Harker introduced the Philadelphia Fed’s Center for the Restoration of Economic Data (CREED), which offers digitized versions of previously inaccessible historical data and innovative methods for timely economic and policy-relevant research.