August 09, 2026 to August 15, 2026

This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news for professionals in the financial industry, banking, credit unions, insurance, payment processing, fintech, credit card issuing, asset management, venture capital, private equity, and crypto-currencies. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track other GR news in adjacent industries? Don’t miss this week’s updates in ICT & Cybersecurity. Also consider subscribing to our Finance - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

SEC Publishes Semiannual Regulatory Agenda Emphasizing Deregulation, Crypto Framework, and Capital Formation

The Securities and Exchange Commission released its semiannual regulatory agenda, outlining rulemaking priorities through mid-2027. The agenda includes initiatives to clarify cryptoasset rules, ease capital formation for public companies, and review the Consolidated Audit Trail. Regulatory flexibility analyses are planned for prominent rules, including the repeal of the Community Reinvestment Act regulations. Multiple proposals are directed at reducing compliance burdens, introducing safe harbors for crypto issuance and custody, and improving investor access to private markets. Comments on the agenda will be accepted via the SEC’s public comment channels until September 14, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FinCEN Finalizes Rule Narrowing Beneficial Ownership Reporting Under the Corporate Transparency Act

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued a final rule updating Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting under the Corporate Transparency Act, effective immediately. U.S. domestic entities and U.S. persons are now exempt from BOI reporting, and related update/correction requirements for FinCEN Identifiers are eliminated for these groups. Foreign reporting companies remain required to report non-U.S. beneficial owners or company applicants. Exemptions also apply to foreign pooled investment vehicles regarding U.S. persons with substantial control. FinCEN estimates annual cost savings for businesses and individuals in the billions, and will delete previously collected BOI data for those no longer subject to reporting.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Treasury Department Releases Semiannual Regulatory Agenda Detailing Upcoming AML/CFT and Stablecoin Regulatory Changes

The Department of the Treasury published its Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, listing rules proposed or under review for January to November 2026. FinCEN is advancing new rules on customer due diligence requirements, customer identification for investment advisers, and AML/CFT program updates, including requirements for payment stablecoin issuers. The Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is proposing new standards for credit extensions to insiders and regulatory capital rules for risk-weighted assets, with further rule withdrawals replaced by revised regulatory initiatives. Regulatory flexibility analyses are required, and public comment is invited on many proposals.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

CFPB Regulatory Agenda Targets Reconsideration of Small Business Lending Data and Data Rights Rules

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's semiannual regulatory agenda focuses on rulemakings reconsidering section 1071 (small business lending data), section 1033 (personal financial data rights), and clarification of Regulation B obligations. CFPB leadership, pending a permanent director, is updating priorities while rules issued in 2023 and 2024 are under review for possible revision. The agenda details action plans for streamlining data-collection requirements and enhancing Equal Credit Opportunity Act compliance mechanisms.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Commemorates 91st Anniversary of Social Security Act and Announces Tax Relief for Seniors

President Trump marked the 91st anniversary of the Social Security Act, emphasizing commitments to protect Social Security and seniors. The President referenced the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, citing that it eliminated federal taxes on Social Security benefits for millions of seniors. According to the administration, over 35 million individuals claimed an average deduction of $7,500 within a year. The administration highlighted measures to prevent fraudulent access to benefits, including a Presidential Memorandum targeting illegal claimants and deportation of offenders. The message also cited ongoing efforts to bring down prescription drug and healthcare costs for seniors.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

Common Cents Act

S. 1525, the Common Cents Act, pertains to the finance and financial sector and was held at the desk in the Senate. No further legislative activity is reported at this stage.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bankruptcy Threshold Adjustment Act of 2026

S. 3977, the Bankruptcy Threshold Adjustment Act of 2026, addresses updates to bankruptcy thresholds for individuals or businesses. The bill is currently held at the desk.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027

H.R. 6500, Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027, relates to economics and public finance. The Senate's message was sent to the House regarding recent action.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Credit Union Investment Authority Act

H.R. 10082, the Credit Union Investment Authority Act, was referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. The bill addresses issues around expanded investment authorities for credit unions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

First Time Homebuyer Debt Reduction Act

H.R. 10084, the First Time Homebuyer Debt Reduction Act, was referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. The aim is to support homebuyer affordability by reducing debt burdens.

Sources: www.congress.gov

First-Time Homebuyer Affordability Act

H.R. 10075, the First-Time Homebuyer Affordability Act, was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. The bill is focused on promoting homeownership through new affordability measures.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026

H.R. 10076, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, has been referred to several House committees, including Foreign Affairs, Judiciary, Oversight and Government Reform, Financial Services, and Ways and Means, signaling a wide-ranging sanctions package.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To establish the Task Force on the Impact of the Affordable Housing Crisis, and for other purposes.

H.R. 10096 is aimed at establishing a Task Force focused on the impact of the affordable housing crisis. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Financial Services for consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act

H.R. 5366, the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act, addresses tax policy for disaster relief scenarios. A message regarding Senate action was sent to the House.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to expand the sharing of information with respect to suspected violations of intellectual property rights in trade.

S. 2677 is a bill intended to broaden the sharing of information related to suspected intellectual property rights violations in trade. The current status is 'held at the desk' in the Senate.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• SEC proposes easing 'pay-to-play' rules for investment advisers: The SEC advanced a proposal to relax certain restrictions that limit political contributions by investment advisers managing public funds.
• Trump-appointed regulator OKs banking license for Trump-linked crypto firm: A Trump-appointed official approved a national bank charter for a crypto company with ties to the former president.
• Wealth Management Has a $3 Trillion Problem: Investors Are Keeping Too Much Cash: U.S. wealth managers report high levels of client cash holdings as cautious investors delay market moves.
• Three midweek thoughts — 'magnificent' banks, Japan switch, populism: Banks’ recent performance and policy changes in Japan fuel global market discussion among investors.
• Ackman unveils six new investments including Netflix, Visa, Mastercard in portfolio overhaul: Pershing Square's Bill Ackman disclosed new stakes in prominent American companies, shifting away from past holdings.
• Indian gold loan lender Muthoot FinCorp files for $314 million IPO: Muthoot FinCorp, a leading non-bank lender in India, seeks to raise $314 million through an initial public offering.
• It's the economy, stupid' may solve Social Security woes, experts say: Analysts suggest U.S. economic growth and stronger labor markets could help address Social Security’s funding challenges.
• The Perils of Wall St.’s Race to Pour Billions More Into A.I.: Wall Street’s accelerated investment in artificial intelligence raises concerns about risk concentration.

.