Happy new year! We have some release updates regarding disbursements, the partner dashboard, and more. See below for details.
Agentic AI: The Next Frontier in Blockchain and Crypto
This is a primer for a presentation I will be giving in Davos.
As we venture into 2025, a new technological paradigm is emerging at the intersection of artificial intelligence and blockchain: Agentic AI. This groundbreaking development promises to revolutionize how we interact with digital systems, particularly in the realm of cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance.
The SEC’s Cybersecurity Incident, Governance, and Management Reporting Requirements: What you Need to Know to Avoid Cyber and D&O Coverage Gaps
The SEC public company cyber disclosure rule raises issues that companies should consider in reviewing existing insurance coverage and in assessing overall risk.
The SEC recently adopted a new cybersecurity disclosure related rule (the “SEC Cyber Disclosure Rule”)[1] in response to increasing risks associated with cyber incidents and a perceived need for investors to
Record-Setting Settlements in Two SPAC-Related Securities Suits
After the 2021 peak of the SPAC IPO frenzy, many SPACs wound up liquidating, while another significant tranche of the SPACs (or the SPACs post-merger successor companies) wound up in litigation. The post-frenzy glut of SPAC-related lawsuits has since been making its way through the courts ever since, and some have made it
Court Holds That Contingent Remainder Beneficiary Has Standing To Sue Trustee For Breach Of Fiduciary Duty
In In re Est., the court of appeals dealt with whether a contingent beneficiary can file claims against a trustee. No. 02-23-00104-CV, 2024 Tex. App. LEXIS 1878 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth March 14, 2024, no pet.). The court held that contingent beneficiaries do have standing:
We conclude that James is within the class of persons authorized
Court Holds That Mental Competence Claims Regarding The Execution Of Documents Containing Arbitration Clauses Should Be Determined In Arbitration
In In re Est. of Moncrief, certain parties alleged that the decedent was mentally incompetent, was unduly influenced, and was defrauded into executing certain documents that contained arbitration clauses. 699 S.W.3d 315 (Tex. App—Fort Worth 2024, pet. filed). The trial court held that the capacity issues should be resolved by the trial court, and the
Austrac AML/CTF updates
Austrac has published the Future Law Compilation of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act which shows the text of the AML/CTF Act 2006 as it is expected to read at 1 July 2026 to include the amendments within the AML/CTF Amendment Act 2024.
The Future Law Compilation of the AML/CTF Act is not
ASIC insights from first IDR data publication
ASIC has released its first publication of data reported under the internal dispute resolution (IDR) data reporting framework for financial services licensees and credit licensees for the period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024. Background.
Under the IDR framework, licensed financial firms are required to self-report IDR data to ASIC on a six-monthly
Mandating cash acceptance
Treasury has published a consultation paper on a planned mandate for businesses to accept cash when selling essential items. There will be exemptions for small businesses.
The mandate is proposed to commence from 1 January 2026, subject to the passing of legislation.
Cash acceptance refers to the practice of businesses accepting cash as a form
ASIC’s guidance in response to Quality of Financial Advice Reforms
ASIC has issued new and updated regulatory guidance in response to reforms under the Treasury Laws Amendments (Delivering Better Financial Outcomes and Other Measures) Act 2024. Background.
The new information sheets are:
- Information Sheet 286 FAQs: Ongoing fee arrangements and consents (INFO 286), which answers frequently asked questions (FAQs) for financial advisers who must