News & Events – Bates Research

A common but underrecognized risk has emerged across the industry: employees using free AI tools to handle client information without firm approval, which creates exposure under the amended Regulation S-P. Learn how AI governance, supervision, data protection, and vendor oversight can close compliance gaps.

Explore FINRA’s 2026 Regulatory Oversight Report with a five-year chart tracking compliance priorities, AI risks, cybersecurity, AML, and Reg BI trends.

Download Bates Group’s annual U.S. Economic and Capital Markets Chartbook featuring key economic trends, market data, and investment insights for FY2025.

Explore SEC 2026 exam priorities with a five-year trend chart highlighting key compliance focus areas like cybersecurity, fiduciary duty, and risk management.

Bates Group is pleased to share the release of our IPO Report: An Analysis of U.S. Initial Public Offerings (2000–2025), authored by Director Greg Kyle. The report provides a comprehensive review of U.S. IPO activity and a detailed examination of 2025 market conditions.

FINRA is expanding its Rights of Reinstatement enforcement focus beyond missed fee waivers to mutual fund switching practices. Learn how regulators are evaluating fund-to-fund transitions, additional fees, and suitability, and how firms can respond to this evolving scrutiny.

The GENIUS Act creates the first comprehensive U.S. framework for payment stablecoins, defining who can issue them, how a dual state and federal regime will work and what thresholds will trigger federal oversight. This Bates Research article explains the law’s key provisions, highlights open questions for states and regulators, and outlines what banks, fintechs and digital asset firms should be considering now.

As federal agencies pull back and state regulators expand their reach, financial institutions face more frequent state exams, varying standards, and intensified AML and consumer protection oversight. This article outlines practical steps to prepare for a state-driven supervisory environment.

The SEC’s focus on 529 Plan accounts, miscalculated investment advisory fees, and mutual fund share class selection continues into 2025–2026. Bates Group’s Regulatory and Investigations practice highlights key regulatory themes, emerging risks, and compliance challenges for financial institutions. Learn how firms can prepare for heightened scrutiny and strengthen practices in anticipation of enforcement activity.

Ponzi scheme lawsuits are costly and complex. Learn the warning signs, common legal pitfalls, and defense strategies every financial institution should understand to reduce risk.

SARs are more than just filings—they're a window into your compliance program. Former regulators from Bates Group share the most common SAR mistakes, what triggers examiner scrutiny, and how to strengthen your filings before your next exam.

Outsourced Chief Compliance Officer (OCCO) solutions offer RIA firms a cost-effective, scalable approach to compliance. This article outlines seven key benefits that position OCCOs as strategic partners in growth, innovation, and regulatory readiness in today’s increasingly complex environment.

AML and fraud alerts may originate from the same department—but should they be worked the same way? This article explores why the timing, urgency, and operational requirements of fraud alerts differ from AML alerts, what examiners expect, and how organizational structure can support more effective investigations. Learn what your FinCrime team should consider when combining or separating these critical functions.

Navigate your next Compliance Management System review with confidence. This practical guide outlines key review components, documentation requirements, and proven preparation strategies. Learn how to demonstrate the effectiveness of your CMS program while strengthening your overall compliance framework.

As third-party risk management evolves, financial institutions must adapt to new challenges,including oversight of vendor-deployed AI and deeper supply chains. This article explores how awareness and active risk management can help mitigate risks and empowering institutions to maintain control and accountability in a rapidly changing TPRM landscape.

Generic AML policies and training programs can leave institutions exposed to unnecessary risk and regulatory criticism. Learn how to design AML policies, procedures, and training that reflect your institution’s unique risk profile, moving beyond templates to create a truly risk-aligned program that stands up to examiner scrutiny.