Crypto and Blockchain Set for Innovation with Regulatory Clarity

🔔 Top Stories

USA Pickleball Tackles Counterfeit Gear

USA Pickleball is rolling out onsite paddle testing at amateur events to curb the rise of counterfeit and non-compliant equipment. The sport’s governing body says fake paddles can give players unfair advantages and pose safety risks. Officials are using radar and testing devices to measure paddle performance and confirm compliance with official standards. The initiative supports fair play, protects players, and reinforces equipment rules across local and national tournaments.

Crypto and Blockchain Set for Innovation with Regulatory Clarity

Industry analysts say 2026 may be a turning point for crypto and blockchain as U.S. regulators provide more clarity on digital asset rules. Clearer guidance from agencies such as the SEC and CFTC is expected to reduce uncertainty for businesses and investors, encouraging innovation in areas like decentralized finance, tokenization and custody services. Market participants emphasize that well-defined compliance expectations help projects grow while protecting users and markets.

GM Under Scrutiny Over Connected Vehicle Data Practices

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is examining how General Motors and other automakers handle data from connected vehicles, focusing on privacy, transparency and consumer consent. The investigation highlights growing compliance concerns as cars become more like data hubs, collecting driving habits, location, biometrics and other personal information. Regulators may push for clearer disclosures and stricter safeguards to protect drivers and comply with privacy laws.

🧠 Expert Take

For example, in our contact center, staff have to make notes after a customer call, but they’re under time pressure. The notes often fall short, so when a customer calls back, details are missing and you can’t spot trends. Now AI listens in and staff only validate the conversation. It helps us serve customers better, more efficiently, and remain compliant. So it’s not always a contradiction. Vanessa van der Does, Chief Compliance Officer at NN Group.

🧰 Compliance Toolkit

Guide to Digital Asset Custody

This compliance guide explains how organisations can securely custody digital assets such as cryptocurrencies while meeting regulatory requirements. It covers best practices for key management, wallet types (hot vs cold), multi-signature controls, and third-party custodian evaluations. The article also discusses risk areas such as operational security, audit trails, record keeping and regulatory reporting. Clear policies and strong governance help firms protect assets, maintain trust and satisfy compliance expectations.

🎟️ Upcoming Event

The Leading Edge: Applying AI and Data Analytics in E&C

📍 Fort Lauderdale, FL | Jan 28-29, 2026

This event brings together compliance leaders, regulators and risk professionals for interactive sessions, case studies and networking. Topics typically include regulatory updates, enforcement trends, risk management frameworks, ethics programs, and technology tools for compliance automation. 

🗳️ Your Compliance Take

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