Embedded Risks in Crypto-themed Exchange Traded Products

For this edition of CRB Monitor’s Chart of the Month we head back to the world of spot cryptocurrency exchange traded products (ETPs) to discuss some of the embedded risks that we have not covered in previous articles. These are related to, specifically, Staking, Airdrops, and Forking.

To those of us that were born during or around the leisure suit era, we believe that these terms might have something to do with camping, or perhaps dinner. But practitioners in the crypto space know these terms well and treat them as “sweeteners” for their crypto investments, as they exist to motivate investors that hold on to (or maybe add to) their crypto investments.

Meet the Intelligent Agent: The AI-Powered Future of Communications Compliance

Delivering higher efficiency and deeper risk insights through AI.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Most communications surveillance programs struggle to balance operational efficiency with detection accuracy. Up to 99% of communications reviewed contain no risk, and over 65% of risks go undetected, resulting in labor costs reaching up to $500 per monitored employee. This is not due to a lack of compliance vision or execution. The issue lies in inadequate technology. Lexicon based systems are simply not sufficient for modern businesses’ needs. Smarsh Intelligent Agent introduces breakthrough AI-powered compliance fully integrated into Smarsh Enterprise Conduct.

2025 Banking Survey: Technology

Insights on technology, innovation, and security in the banking industry

The 2025 Banking Survey shows banks balancing immediate priorities like security and customer experience with long-term tech modernization, including significant investments in digital channels and GenAI for fraud detection and cybersecurity. Despite challenges in data privacy and quality, banks are increasing their cybersecurity budgets and using ISO 20022 compliance to add value and differentiate their offerings. 

Learn what Banks are thinking

Gain next-step knowledge from KPMG action plans by downloading the new 2025 Banking Technology Survey

Banking and capital markets: US Deals 2025 outlook

While it doesn’t garner many headlines, deal activity in banking and capital markets is rebounding. The deal count in the third quarter of 2024 was the highest in nearly two years. Firms are preparing for more transactions should the merger environment continue to improve.

We expect activity to keep rising, helped by the Federal Reserve’s pivot to lowering rates and the Republican sweep in the election. Inflationary pressures are subsiding, and the Federal Reserve is leaning toward further rate cuts. Lower borrowing costs should support economic activity and loan demand, bolstering bank profits which can be used for dealmaking.

Next in banking and capital markets 2025

At the outset of 2025, the picture that’s developing for banking and capital markets firms at the regional, national and global level points toward a favorable time to take a bolder approach to growth. Whether it’s dealmaking, new markets or a more aggressive pursuit of existing customers’ wallets, we believe firms should be actualizing their expansion plans in anticipation of better times ahead.

PwC's Global Crypto Regulation Report 2025

The PwC Global Crypto Regulation Report 2025 explores the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape for digital assets, highlighting key policy shifts and emerging trends in over 50 jurisdictions. PwC’s third annual report examines the shifting stance on crypto regulation in the United States (US), the implementation of the European Union’s (EUs) Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR), and the growing adoption of comprehensive frameworks worldwide.

FinCEN Issues Proposed Rule to Modernize Anti-Money-Laundering/Financing of Terrorism Programs Under Bank Secrecy Act

On June 28, 2024, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued a proposed rule (Proposed Rule) to strengthen and modernize financial institutions’ anti-money-laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) programs.¹ The Proposed Rule would amend FinCEN’s regulations to implement minimum components for AML/CFT programs required by the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 (AML Act) as well as technical changes to promote clarity and consistency across the rules for various types financial institutions. FinCEN is accepting comments until September 1, 2024. 

Corporate Transparency Act: Interim Rule Exempts U.S. Companies, Their Beneficial Owners, and U.S. Persons

Corporate Transparency Act: Interim Rule Exempts U.S. Companies, Their Beneficial Owners, and U.S. Persons; Reporting Deadlines Extended for Non-U.S. Reporting Companies

On March 21, 2025, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) adopted an interim final rule (the Interim Rule) that significantly scales back the beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) by amending the current BOI reporting rule. Giving effect to the Interim Rule, the only entities required to report BOI under the CTA will be foreign entities registered to do business in the United States. Reporting deadlines for those entities have been extended.