The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ("OCC") announced that it implemented improved access to information and public comments regarding business combination corporate applications submitted by national banks and federal savings associations. The OCC Web site now allows the public to submit and view comments on business combination corporate applications on a single page that is accessible from the agency's home page or licensing page. See: OCC Press Release.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") announced that it is seeking comments on a proposed rule that would revise the way small banks are assessed for deposit insurance. The proposed rule would update the data and methods that the FDIC uses to determine risk-based assessments for these institutions. See: Text of Proposed Rulemaking.

The CFTC announced that the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri entered a Consent Order (the "Order") against a former risk management consultant. The Order imposes a civil monetary penalty for fraud and unauthorized trading in swaps and permanently bans the individual from registering with the CFTC. The Order resolves a CFTC enforcement action filed in September 2014, which found that the individual, who was employed as a risk management consultant at a futures commission merchant ("FCM"), engaged in fraud and unauthorized swaps trading when he knowingly executed 30

The SEC Office of Investor Education and Advocacy issued an investor alert to help seniors identify signs of potential fraud in what appear to be legitimate investment opportunities. Specifically, the SEC listed five "red flags" that seniors should watch for when making investment decisions. The SEC explained that promises of high returns with little or no risk are classic warning signs of investment fraud, and noted that investors should avoid putting money into "can't miss" investment opportunities or those that are offered by people who promise "guaranteed returns." Additionally, the SEC

On behalf of the Vatican City State, the Holy See entered into a FATCA intergovernmental agreement ("IGA") with the United States. Under the agreement, which is a Model 1 IGA, each partner jurisdiction will share certain tax information with the other automatically with respect to certain financial accounts. See: Model 1 IGA between Vatican City State and United States.