The IRS issued draft Publication 5190 titled "International Data Exchange Services (IDES) User Guide". The guide provides screen shots and explanations intended to assist users who have enrolled in IDES (including financial institutions, direct reporting NFFEs, U.S. withholding agents and global tax authorities) to convey FATCA-related information through the IDES system. See: FATCA Specialty Page (available to Cabinet subscribers only).

The Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation on Wednesday announced that they are extending the resolution plan submission deadline for American International Group, Inc., General Electric Capital Corporation, Inc., and Prudential Financial, Inc. The three companies will be required to submit their revised plans by Dec. 31, 2015. See: Press Release; Banking and Consumer Regulatory Policy. Related news: FDIC and FRB Release Public Sections of Resolution Plans for Banks with Less than $100 Billion in Qualifying Non-Bank Assets (January 15, 2015); FDIC Issues Guidance

CFTC Commissioner Sharon Y. Bowen announced the members of the CFTC's Market Risk Advisory Committee ("MRAC"). The MRAC, which Commissioner Bowen chairs, aims to support the CFTC's efforts to "detect and mitigate risks within the market to industry participants, consumers, and the broader financial community." See: List of Members.

The FINRA-proposed rule change to extend the tier size pilot of FINRA Rule 6433 for an additional three months, until May 15, 2015, was published in the Federal Register. The tier size pilot was filed with the SEC on October 6, 2011 to amend the minimum quotation sizes for OTC Equity Securities. The purpose of the extension is to provide FINRA with additional time to finalize its recommendation with regard to the pilot. The rule change is effective immediately. See: 80 FR 8741. Related news: FINRA Proposes to Extend Tier Size Pilot (January 30, 2015); FINRA Rule Change to Extend Tier Size

NFA issued a Notice reminding NFA Members, including swap dealers ("SDs") and major swap participants ("MSPs"), of the requirements to complete NFA's Annual Questionnaire. Beginning April 1, 2015, each SD and MSP will be required to complete the SD-MSP Questionnaire as part of the firm's annual membership renewal process. The Questionnaire provides NFA with information regarding a firm's business activities. When completing this year's Annual Questionnaire, NFA is also requiring each SD and MSP to provide the contact information for two employees (i) who have the authority to make key