Regulatory compliance continues to be a moving target in 2025, driven by evolving rules across financial, environmental, and data privacy sectors. Here’s a straightforward look at some real-world stories shaping the compliance landscape this June.
1. Enforcement Actions Signal Heightened Scrutiny The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) recently announced enforcement actions against several banks. These moves underline the agency’s drive to hold financial institutions accountable — think of it like tightening the ropes in a boxing ring: the banks now must be more agile and precise to avoid penalties.
What this means for banks: Expect continued close monitoring and pressures to improve internal controls.
2. Extension of Compliance Deadlines for CFPB Small Business Lending Rule The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has extended the timeline for the implementation of Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act, which focuses on small business lending data collection.
• New compliance dates stretch from mid-2026 through late 2027. • Reporting begins in June 2027 or June 2028 depending on institution size.
This delay reflects courts’ ongoing litigation and offers financial institutions more breathing room to get their systems ready — it’s like giving a driver extra time before a new traffic rule kicks in.
3. Sanctions Landscape Shifts with Mixed Tightening and Loosening Recent regulatory updates show a nuanced approach to sanctions:
• Some sanctions, like those related to Syria, have been eased. • Simultaneously, enforcement on other fronts has become tighter.
Compliance teams must stay nimble and constantly scan for these changes to avoid costly missteps. Imagine walking on shifting sands—steady footing requires constant attention.
4. Treasury and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Updates Bolster Anti-Money Laundering Efforts The Treasury Department endorsed new international payments standards and took part in releases addressing how terrorist groups fundraise and move money. These efforts are part of a global tightening of financial crime controls. It’s a bit like plugging leaks in a dam — every small patch helps prevent a flood of illicit funds.
5. EPA’s Adjustments on Compliance Deadlines for Chemical Management The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed extending compliance deadlines related to chemical safety regulations, such as those on methylene chloride exposures in laboratories.
This gives labs and defense industrial players more time to meet strict safety standards, providing practical breathing space to safely recalibrate operations.
Takeaway: Navigating Compliance Is an Ongoing Journey These stories reflect how regulatory environments are adapting—sometimes speeding up enforcement, other times stepping back to allow compliance readiness.
For companies and professionals, the key is staying informed and agile. Regulations are not just checkboxes to mark but a constantly shifting playing field that demands attention, investment, and strategic thinking.
Whether it’s new deadlines, enforcement actions, or global financial crime standards, the common thread is preparation—like gearing up before a marathon, starting early and pacing well boosts chances of crossing the finish line safely and successfully.
Related insights for continued success:
- Develop flexible compliance frameworks that can adapt to extensions or tightened rules.
- Regularly monitor sanction lists and international standards updates.
- Invest in technology and training to streamline compliance processes.
- Engage legal and compliance experts to interpret and anticipate regulatory changes.
Following these practices can turn compliance from a source of stress into a competitive edge in today’s complex regulatory landscape.
References:
- https://www.occ.gov/news-issuances/news-releases/2025/nr-occ-2025-54.html
- https://www.goethena.com/post/quarterly-compliance-round-up-june-2025/
- https://www.regcompliancewatch.com/june-23-2025-rcw-weekly-briefing/
- https://www.premierinsights.com/blog/section-1071-compliance-update-for-june-2025?hsLang=en
- https://www.paulhastings.com/insights/ph-fedaction-financial-regulatory-updates-homepage/daily-financial-regulation-update-friday-june-20-2025
- https://www.cms.gov/files/document/cms-9884-f-2025-pi-rule-master-5cr-062025.pdf
- https://natlawreview.com/article/recent-federal-developments-june-2025
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/06/17/2025-10991/repeal-of-greenhouse-gas-emissions-standards-for-fossil-fuel-fired-electric-generating-units
