The OCC is restoring its former practices and policies under the Bank Merger Act to reinstate expedited merger reviews and streamlined business combination applications.
By Arthur S. Long, Pia Naib, Connor Jobes, and Deric Behar
On May 8, 2025, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) issued an interim final rule (Interim Final Rule) to rescind a 2024 final rule (2024 Final Rule) that amended the OCC’s bank merger application review procedures. The OCC simultaneously
Recent developments include leadership changes, workforce reductions, and policy shifts at HHS and FDA, reshaping agency operations under President Trump’s administration.
By Nathan A. Beaton, Jennifer L. Bragg, William A. McConagha, and Trevor Thompson
Since his inauguration, President Trump has focused on reshaping federal agencies through a series of executive orders intended to reduce the size of the federal workforce and dramatically alter the landscape in which agencies operate. In turn, Department of Health and Human Services
The federal banking agencies continue to open the channels for regulated entities to engage in digital asset activities.
By Arthur S. Long, Parag Patel, Pia Naib, and Deric Behar
On May 7, 2025, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) published Interpretive Letter 1184 (a response to an inquiry from a regulated entity) affirming that national banks and federal savings associations (collectively, banks) may provide and outsource cryptocurrency custody and execution services on behalf of
The Trump administration continued its focus on immigration and indicated progress in trade talks as this week marked the end of its first 100 days.
This week, President Trump issued several executive orders related to immigration, tariffs, and media bias. Meanwhile, the administration signaled that it has made progress in trade talks with various countries. Below is a high-level overview of the administration’s actions, broken down by topic, along with updates on related court challenges, personnel changes, and other breaking
Potential policy changes could offer opportunities for CFIUS filers in low-risk transactions while introducing added challenges for transaction parties linked to sensitive countries.
By James Barker, Les Carnegie, Damara Chambers, Paul Rosen, Zachary Eddington, Ruchi Gill, and Catherine Hein
On April 24, 2025, Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Michael Faulkender spoke on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and the Outbound Investment Security Program at the American Conference Institute’s annual CFIUS
The Trump administration continued to promote domestic critical mineral explorations and workforce development, while signaling progress in trade negotiations.
This week, President Trump issued several executive orders in furtherance of his policy aims, including orders relating to offshore critical minerals, workforce development, government efficiency, and civil rights. Meanwhile, the administration signaled a forthcoming trade deal with India.
Latham lawyers are carefully monitoring the rollout of President Trump’s policy priorities through executive orders, agency actions, and installment of new personnel. Below
The orders span various sectors and aim to introduce sunset provisions into regulations and eliminate regulations deemed unlawful or anti-competitive.
By Nikki Buffa, Jennifer K. Roy, John Detrich, and Kayla Seltzer
On April 9, 2025, the Trump administration issued three new orders to reevaluate and roll back regulations across various sectors. These orders are a continued step toward implementing the administration’s objective of reducing regulatory burdens on agencies and the public (see our blog post on the
Chairman Atkins expresses preference for regulatory clarity that boosts US markets’ appeal to businesses and investors.
On April 21, Paul Atkins was sworn in as Chairman of the SEC. He returns to the SEC from the private sector. Chairman Atkins is a securities lawyer who previously served on the SEC staff and as an SEC Commissioner from 2002-2008.
Chairman Atkins will soon begin naming his senior staff, including the Division Directors, and will identify the priorities for his term as
The order instructs the Attorney General to curb state and local climate initiatives and prepare a report within 60 days detailing those efforts.
By Jean-Philippe Brisson, Michael G. Romey, and Matthew Green
On April 8, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order titled “Protecting American Energy From State Overreach” (the Order). The Order asserts that certain state and local laws undermine American energy dominance and, by extension, national security.
For a high-level overview of the Order, see this
The order requires a review of acquisitions for non-commercial products and services.
By Dean W. Baxtresser, Kyle R. Jefcoat, Anne W. Robinson, Morgan L. Maddoux, Genevieve P. Hoffman, and Hannah Hsieh
On April 16, 2025, the White House issued an executive order titled “Ensuring Commercial, Cost-Effective Solutions in Federal Contracts” (the Order) that directs government agencies to procure commercially available products and services to the “maximum extent practicable, including pursuant to the Federal Acquisition Streamlining