Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
U.S. Soy Welcomes $14 Million in New USDA Trade Development Funding to Drive Global Export Demand
ST. LOUIS, Missouri, April 21 -- The American Soybean Association issued the following joint news release on April 20, 2026 with U.S. Soybean Export Council and World Initiative for Soy in Human Health:
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U.S. Soy Welcomes $14 Million in New USDA Trade Development Funding to Drive Global Export Demand
The American Soybean Association (ASA), U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), and World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) today announced the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS) allocation of $14 million in funding through the new America First Trade Promotion Program (AFTPP).
The
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ST. LOUIS, Missouri, April 21 -- The American Soybean Association issued the following joint news release on April 20, 2026 with U.S. Soybean Export Council and World Initiative for Soy in Human Health:
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U.S. Soy Welcomes $14 Million in New USDA Trade Development Funding to Drive Global Export Demand
The American Soybean Association (ASA), U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), and World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) today announced the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS) allocation of $14 million in funding through the new America First Trade Promotion Program (AFTPP).
Thefunds will be invested to support the joint initiative of USSEC and ASA/WISHH to grow global demand for U.S. Soy by equipping international buyers with the tools, data, and technical support they need to prefer, procure, and promote soy of U.S. origin in their markets.
"This AFTPP funding is a welcome and especially timely opportunity coming just as new trade agreements are opening doors, and diversifying demand for U.S. Soy in international markets," said Mike McCranie, USSEC Board Chair and South Dakota farmer. "USSEC is eager to turn that momentum and this new investment into export sales and measurable returns for U.S. soybean farmers."
"For soybean farmers, demand is everything," said Scott Metzger, ASA President and Ohio farmer. "This funding helps strengthen long-term market access and ensures U.S. Soy remains competitive in a global marketplace, keeping American farmers at the forefront of growing global demand."
"The AFTPP funding supports WISHH and U.S. Soy to capitalize on years of market development efforts in developing and emerging markets," said Morey Hill, WISHH Chair and Iowa farmer. "This funding will allow WISHH to launch new and innovative programs with partners who are eager to try U.S. Soy."
Planned activities include building industry expertise with local processors, feed mills, and food companies, supporting local processing and enterprise development in protein-deficient regions, promoting soy-based food use opportunities, and advancing sustainability initiatives that showcase U.S. Soy's verified environmental credentials and role in climate-smart supply chains.
First announced in 2025, the AFTPP is designed to help U.S. agriculture leverage new overseas market opportunities, maintain critical trading relationships, and diversify export destinations for U.S. farm products, complementing other USDA export promotion tools such as the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) program.
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Original text here: https://soygrowers.com/news-releases/u-s-soy-welcomes-14-million-in-new-usda-trade-development-funding-to-drive-global-export-demand/
[Category: Agriculture]
Nurses Condemn California Assembly's Failure to Advance CalCare
OAKLAND, California, April 21 -- The California Nurses Association issued the following news release:
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Nurses condemn California Assembly's failure to advance CalCare
Despite lawmakers blocking A.B. 1900, nurses will not give up until CalCare guarantees health care as a human right in California.
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California Nurses Association (CNA) members condemn the California State Assembly's failure to advance A.B. 1900, the California Guaranteed Health Care for All Act, also known as CalCare, at a time when health care is needed more urgently than ever before. The failure to advance A.B. 1900 shows
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OAKLAND, California, April 21 -- The California Nurses Association issued the following news release:
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Nurses condemn California Assembly's failure to advance CalCare
Despite lawmakers blocking A.B. 1900, nurses will not give up until CalCare guarantees health care as a human right in California.
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California Nurses Association (CNA) members condemn the California State Assembly's failure to advance A.B. 1900, the California Guaranteed Health Care for All Act, also known as CalCare, at a time when health care is needed more urgently than ever before. The failure to advance A.B. 1900 showsa lack of leadership and a capitulation to corporate health care interests. CalCare is a comprehensive, high-quality single-payer program that would be many Californians' only lifeline for care. Nurses remain relentless in their pursuit to guarantee health care as a human right in the state.
"We condemn this disgraceful decision by the California State Assembly to stop CalCare from moving forward in the legislature," said CNA Executive Director Puneet Maharaj. "Nurses know that Californians desperately need guaranteed health care. We have fought for decades to ensure that health care is a human right, regardless of patients' ability to pay.
CalCare was reintroduced in the Assembly on Feb. 12, 2026. A recent poll conducted by David Binder Research found that nearly two-thirds of California voters want to see transformational changes, not minor reforms, to California's broken health care system. Uncertainty and anxiety about health care costs have been rising - exacerbated by unprecedented trillion-dollar cuts at the federal level - with more than 40 percent of voters saying it's become harder to afford health care in the past several years. The poll also shows that more than three-quarters of Democrats are more likely to support a candidate for governor if they were to run on creating a single-payer system.
California's union nurses, represented by CNA, remain committed to continuing to lead the organizing to build the grassroots movement necessary to win support for and pass CalCare. More than 300 organizations have endorsed CalCare, including the California Federation of Labor Unions, ACLU California Action, California Faculty Association, California Federation of Teachers, California School Employees Association, California Teachers Association,, California Working Families Party, The Arc of California, University Professional and Technical Employees, and United Auto Workers (Region 6). Hundreds of patients and community activists have already filled four town halls earlier this year to learn about CalCare. Supporters have held drop-in actions at nearly 100 district offices in support of CalCare and dialed some 20,000 Californians to drive more than 750 calls to the Capitol. At the California Democratic Party's Convention in February, several hundred people rallied for the passage of CalCare.
Nurses are grateful to the 25 legislators who are joint authors or coauthors of CalCare. A.B. 1900's joint authors are Assemblymembers Ash Kalra, Isaac Bryan, Alex Lee, Liz Ortega, and Chris Rogers. The bill's principal coauthors are Assemblymembers Damon Connolly, Sade Elhawary, and Nick Schultz and Senator Lena Gonzalez and Senate Pro Tem Emeritus Mike McGuire. The coauthors include Assemblymembers Dawn Addis, Robert Garcia, Matt Haney, John Harabedian, Corey Jackson, Tina McKinnor, Celeste Rodriguez, LaShae Sharp-Collins, and Rick Chavez Zbur and Senators Josh Becker, Dave Cortese, John Laird, Sasha Renee Perez, Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, and Scott Wiener. Nurses are also deeply appreciative of the ongoing efforts of Assemblymember Mia Bonta, Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, to pass CalCare.
"Any delay in CalCare directly impacts the health of Californians," continued Maharaj. "We know that the disastrous impacts of H.R. 1 are coming, and more people will die. This is a disappointing setback, but we will never stop fighting for CalCare."
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California Nurses Association/National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the nation with more than 100,000 members in more than 200 facilities throughout California and more than 225,000 RNs nationwide.
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Original text here: https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/press/nurses-condemn-california-assemblys-failure-to-advance-calcare
[Category: Nursing]
NWTF Opposes Oregon Initiative Petition 28, Urges Members to Stay Engaged
EDGEFIELD, South Carolina, April 21 -- The National Wild Turkey Federation issued the following news release:
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NWTF Opposes Oregon Initiative Petition 28, Urges Members to Stay Engaged
The National Wild Turkey Federation formally opposes Oregon's Initiative Petition 28 (IP28), a measure that would remove long-standing legal exemptions that protect hunting, fishing, trapping and farming from Oregon's animal abuse statutes.
"We urge our members and partners to stay informed and engaged," NWTF co-CEO Jason Burckhalter said. "This initiative threatens the future of hunting, fishing, trapping
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EDGEFIELD, South Carolina, April 21 -- The National Wild Turkey Federation issued the following news release:
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NWTF Opposes Oregon Initiative Petition 28, Urges Members to Stay Engaged
The National Wild Turkey Federation formally opposes Oregon's Initiative Petition 28 (IP28), a measure that would remove long-standing legal exemptions that protect hunting, fishing, trapping and farming from Oregon's animal abuse statutes.
"We urge our members and partners to stay informed and engaged," NWTF co-CEO Jason Burckhalter said. "This initiative threatens the future of hunting, fishing, trappingand agriculture across Oregon. It also threatens how Oregonians choose to eat."
Despite a similar effort being blocked in 2024, proponents may have gathered enough signatures to get Oregon's IP28, titled the PEACE Act (People for Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions), on the ballot this fall.
If enacted, IP28 would fundamentally redefine lawful and regulated wildlife management and agricultural practices as criminal acts.
Under the proposed measure:
* Hunting would be classified as animal abuse under state law, effectively ending all licensed hunting seasons.
* Fishing, both recreational and commercial, would be criminalized statewide.
* Trapping, including its role in wildlife and predator management, would be prohibited.
* Farming and ranching practices involving livestock for food, dairy, eggs and fiber production would be considered illegal.
* Scientific research and wildlife management involving animals would be banned.
* Tribal treaty rights would be jeopardized, as the measure does not provide exemptions for Oregon Tribes.
"It's not just hunters, anglers and livestock producers that would be affected," NWTF co-CEO Kurt Dyroff said. "IP28 would also affect Oregonians who enjoy a sustainable 'locavore' lifestyle. IP28 is a threat to Oregon's farm-to-table ethos, whether it's wild game, freshly caught seafood, locally raised eggs, meat or cheeses that are on the table."
Nearly one million residents participate in activities that could be affected by the measure, while rural economies and conservation funding hang in the balance. The criminalization of hunting and fishing would eliminate $1.9 billion in economic activity -- which supports jobs, local businesses and conservation efforts across Oregon communities -- and restrict or eliminate about $180 million in annual funding for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Wildlife conservation in Oregon is largely funded through hunting and fishing license sales and federal excise taxes generated through the Pittman-Robertson Act and Dingell-Johnson Act. If these activities are eliminated, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife would lose its primary source of funding for habitat management, species research and public access programs.
The NWTF joins a broad coalition of partners in opposition to IP28, including the Oregon Farm Bureau, Oregon Cattlemen's Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Ducks Unlimited and Safari Club International, as well as bipartisan leadership from the Oregon Sportsmen's Legislative Caucus.
To qualify for the November 2026 ballot, proponents must collect 117,173 valid signatures by July 2, 2026. As of February, more than 100,000 signatures have already been gathered, placing the initiative within reach of appearing before voters.
IP28 represents the third version of a measure first introduced in 2020, each iteration carrying the same core objective: eliminating statutory protections for hunting, fishing, trapping and farming under Oregon law.
"This is important, and the NWTF will continue to inform and engage our members in constructive dialogue that supports science-based wildlife management and America's hunting heritage," Burckhalter said.
Learn more about NWTF's policy and advocacy work.
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About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 25 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. Since 2022, the NWTF has also invested over $2.3 million in critical wild turkey research that, when leveraged with partner contributions, has resulted in more than $22 million to guide the management of the wild turkey and to ensure sustainable populations. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale to deliver healthy forests and wildlife habitats, clean and abundant water, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues to unite a nation through the life-changing power of the outdoors.
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Original text here: https://www.nwtf.org/content-hub/nwtf-opposes-oregon-initiative-petition-28-urges-members-to-stay-engaged
[Category: Animals]
More Young Adults Interested in the Construction Trades, But Challenges Persist
WASHINGTON, April 21 (TNSrpt) -- The National Association of Home Builders issued the following news release:
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More Young Adults Interested in the Construction Trades, but Challenges Persist
A new study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reveals that more young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 are interested in the construction trades but more work needs to be done to educate the public that there are increasing opportunities for rewarding, lucrative careers in the skilled trades.
The new research is similar to a study conducted in 2016. The NAHB survey found
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 21 (TNSrpt) -- The National Association of Home Builders issued the following news release:
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More Young Adults Interested in the Construction Trades, but Challenges Persist
A new study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reveals that more young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 are interested in the construction trades but more work needs to be done to educate the public that there are increasing opportunities for rewarding, lucrative careers in the skilled trades.
The new research is similar to a study conducted in 2016. The NAHB survey foundthat the share of young adults interested in a career in the construction trades doubled from 3% a decade ago to 6% today. The two most important benefits young adults see in a career in the trades are good pay (73%) and the ability to obtain useful skills (65%).
With the nation facing a shortage of roughly 1.2 million housing units, closing the housing deficit will necessarily entail recruiting younger workers willing to start careers in construction trades. NAHB estimates the industry will need 2.2 million new skilled construction workers over the next three years to keep up with demand and account for industry expansion, retirements and departures.
"While this new research shows that more young adults have a positive attitude toward a career in the construction trades, many are still unaware that careers in the building trades offer workers well paid jobs and opportunities for growth in one of the most in-demand industries in the nation," said NAHB Chairman Bill Owens, a home builder and remodeler from Worthington, Ohio. "High schools need to stress that the skilled trades are a viable alternative to four-year colleges that can pay above median wages and serve as a launching pad for small business development."
Policymakers at all levels of government can help in this endeavor by supporting funding for building and construction trades education and providing more placement services to job seekers, Owens added. NAHB supports the CONSTRUCTS Act, bipartisan legislation pending in the U.S. House and Senate that will address the severe labor shortage in the construction industry by helping to prepare young adults for fulfilling careers in construction and other essential trades.
The survey further reveals that 30% of young adults undecided about a future career path would likely give the trades a second look if compensation were high enough. Only 18% would have done so a decade ago. This shift points to a measurable improvement in young adults' attitudes towards the construction trades over the last 10 years, where willingness to enter the field increases with higher levels of compensation.
Half of payroll workers in construction earn more than $60,320, and the top 25% make at least $81,510, according to the latest May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics and analysis by NAHB. In comparison, the U.S. median annual pay is $49,500, while the top quartile (the highest paid 25%) makes at least $78,810.
In a key finding for the home building industry, the NAHB survey found that 52% of undecided adults aged 18 to 25 who in theory would not choose a career in the trades would in fact reconsider that position for the right paycheck. That figure is at least $90,000 for 32% of this group and $60,000 to $80,000 for the other 20%. There are 12 construction occupations whose median annual wages already meet or exceed that threshold.
"If we are to meet the housing needs of a growing population, now, more than ever, providing opportunities for students to learn a craft that will produce well-paying and life-long career opportunities must be a top priority," said Owens.
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REPORT: https://www.nahb.org/-/media/NAHB/news-and-economics/docs/housing-economics-plus/special-studies/2026/special-study-young-adults-and-construction-trades-march-2026.pdf?rev=d1b06d6827ab47ba89bdf7c74450903d&hash=6A84C377C8E373451FB46F2B11A7ABA5
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Original text here: https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/press-releases/2026/04/more-young-adults-interested-in-the-construction-trades-but-challenges-persist
[Category: Real Estate]
Frost & Sullivan Identifies Industrial Capacity as the Defining Constraint in European Defence Manufacturing
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, April 21 (TNSxrep) -- Frost and Sullivan, a provider of market research and analysis, growth strategy consulting and corporate training services, posted the following news release on April 20, 2026:
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Frost & Sullivan Identifies Industrial Capacity as the Defining Constraint in European Defence Manufacturing
As defence demand accelerates, companies must shift focus from capability development to qualification, compliance, and ecosystem positioning to unlock growth
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London, UK - Frost & Sullivan today released new analysis highlighting a fundamental shift in the European
... Show Full Article
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, April 21 (TNSxrep) -- Frost and Sullivan, a provider of market research and analysis, growth strategy consulting and corporate training services, posted the following news release on April 20, 2026:
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Frost & Sullivan Identifies Industrial Capacity as the Defining Constraint in European Defence Manufacturing
As defence demand accelerates, companies must shift focus from capability development to qualification, compliance, and ecosystem positioning to unlock growth
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London, UK - Frost & Sullivan today released new analysis highlighting a fundamental shift in the Europeanaerospace and defence (A&D) sector, where industrial capacity - not demand - is emerging as the primary constraint on growth.
Presented in the context of Hannover Messe #HM26, the findings underscore a structural transformation in defence manufacturing, driven by geopolitical realignment, increased spending commitments, and the urgent need to rebuild sovereign production capabilities across Europe.
"Defence is no longer a demand story - it is an industrial execution challenge," said Irit Nudelman, Vice President, Aerospace & Defence Advisory, Europe & Israel at Frost & Sullivan. "The opportunity is significant, but success depends on whether companies can scale production, meet stringent qualification standards, and position themselves within the right supply-chain ecosystems."
From Demand Surge to Industrial Bottleneck
Frost & Sullivan's analysis finds that across multiple defence segments, demand visibility is strong and sustained. However, the limiting factor is the ability of industry to deliver at the required pace, volume, and quality.
As a result, defence is increasingly being reframed as a manufacturing scale-up challenge, placing renewed emphasis on supply-chain resilience, production readiness, and operational consistency.
Expanding the Supplier Base
Frost & Sullivan's findings highlight that the opportunity extends well beyond traditional defence contractors. Many industrial companies already possess capabilities relevant to defence production, particularly in:
* Advanced components and materials
* Production equipment and automation
* Industrial process control and engineering
For these organisations, the most effective entry strategy is not to develop entirely new offerings, but to reposition existing capabilities to meet defence-grade requirements.
Qualification and Ecosystem Integration: The Real Barriers
While capability alignment is necessary, it is rarely sufficient to secure market access. Frost & Sullivan identifies qualification and compliance as the most critical barriers for new entrants.
Requirements such as documentation, traceability, audit readiness, and adherence to regulatory standards are essential to establishing credibility as a defence supplier.
In parallel, the defence market operates as an interconnected ecosystem. Success depends on integration with primes, Tier-1 suppliers, and established industrial networks, making relationship-building and strategic positioning as important as technical capability.
Early Movers Positioned to Capture Value
With European defence supply chains actively expanding and being restructured, companies that engage early are better placed to secure qualification, build partnerships, and define their role within the value chain.
Delayed entry is likely to result in higher barriers, increased competition, and reduced strategic flexibility.
Supporting Growth Through End-to-End Advisory
Frost & Sullivan supports organisations across the full A&D value chain, combining market intelligence, competitive benchmarking, and strategic advisory to enable informed decision-making and accelerated market entry.
Our approach helps clients to:
* Identify and prioritise high-value defence opportunities
* Understand procurement timelines and customer requirements
* Assess competitive positioning and differentiation
* Navigate regulatory, ecosystem, and localisation challenges
* Develop actionable growth and market-entry strategies
"Winning in defence requires more than capability - it requires credibility, compliance, and connectivity within the ecosystem," Nudelman added. "Companies that move early and align their strengths with defence-specific requirements will be best positioned to capture long-term growth."
Connect with Irit Nudelman (irit.nudelman@frost.com) to explore how your organisation can translate existing industrial capabilities into defence-ready solutions and secure a position within Europe's evolving defence supply chains.
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About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Transformational Growth Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation, and leadership. The company's Growth Pipeline as a Service provides the CEO's Growth Team with transformational strategies and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth opportunities. For over 60 years, Frost & Sullivan has partnered with investors, corporate leaders, and governments to identify, prioritise, and execute transformational growth strategies.
Your Transformational Growth Journey Starts Here: Schedule Your Growth Pipeline Dialog(TM) (https://go.frost.com/gpdialog)
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Original text here: https://www.frost.com/news/press-releases/frost-sullivan-identifies-industrial-capacity-as-the-defining-constraint-in-european-defence-manufacturing/
[Category: BizConsulting]
American Securities Association Files Amicus Brief Urging SCOTUS to Strike Down SEC's Gag Rule
WASHINGTON, April 21 -- The American Securities Association issued the following news:
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ASA Files Amicus Brief Urging SCOTUS to Strike Down SEC's Gag Rule
The American Securities Association (ASA) filed an amicus brief in the United States Supreme Court in Powell v. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), urging the Court to grant certiorari and strike down the SEC's "Gag Rule" as an unconstitutional violation of the First Amendment.
"The SEC's Gag Rule is one of the most egregious abuses of power in the federal regulatory state, and ASA is proud to stand with the petitioners in asking
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 21 -- The American Securities Association issued the following news:
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ASA Files Amicus Brief Urging SCOTUS to Strike Down SEC's Gag Rule
The American Securities Association (ASA) filed an amicus brief in the United States Supreme Court in Powell v. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), urging the Court to grant certiorari and strike down the SEC's "Gag Rule" as an unconstitutional violation of the First Amendment.
"The SEC's Gag Rule is one of the most egregious abuses of power in the federal regulatory state, and ASA is proud to stand with the petitioners in askingthe Supreme Court to put an end to it," said ASA President and CEO Christopher Iacovella.
The SEC's Gag Rule requires every defendant that settles an SEC enforcement action to agree that they will never deny the truth of the SEC's allegations against them, give the "impression" that those allegations are not true, or even "permit" such statements to be made. The SEC is one of only two federal agencies in the entire federal government that imposes such a blanket gag as a non-negotiable condition of settlement.
"But because the SEC silences those who are in the best position to comment on and possibly criticize its enforcement practices, the public is deprived of a valuable perspective. The Gag Rule thus undermines the democratic accountability at the core of the First Amendment," ASA's brief argued.
To read ASA's full amicus brief, click here (https://15c72067-2929-4106-8883-14b2d4025a5b.usrfiles.com/ugd/15c720_686508a07f2646ed890fbac8368774c3.pdf).
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The American Securities Association (ASA) represents the retail and institutional capital markets interests of regional financial services firms who provide Main Street businesses with access to capital and advise hardworking Americans how to create and preserve wealth. ASA's mission is to promote trust and confidence among investors, facilitate capital formation, and support efficient and competitively balanced capital markets. This mission advances financial independence, stimulates job creation, and increases prosperity. The ASA has a geographically diverse membership of almost one hundred members that spans the Heartland, Southwest, Southeast, Atlantic, and Pacific Northwest regions of the United States.
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Original text here: https://www.americansecurities.org/post/asa-files-amicus-brief-urging-scotus-to-strike-down-sec-s-gag-rule
[Category: Financial Services]
American Fintech Council Encourages Modernization of OCC Bank Appeals Process to Enhance Fairness and Transparency
WASHINGTON, April 21 -- The American Fintech Council, an organization that says it promotes a transparent, inclusive and customer-centric financial system, issued the following news release:
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American Fintech Council (AFC) Encourages Modernization of OCC Bank Appeals Process to Enhance Fairness and Transparency
Letter highlights importance of a de novo standard of review, independent appeals board, and increased transparency to ensure fairness for innovative banks
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The American Fintech Council (AFC), the largest industry association representing both responsible fintech companies and
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 21 -- The American Fintech Council, an organization that says it promotes a transparent, inclusive and customer-centric financial system, issued the following news release:
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American Fintech Council (AFC) Encourages Modernization of OCC Bank Appeals Process to Enhance Fairness and Transparency
Letter highlights importance of a de novo standard of review, independent appeals board, and increased transparency to ensure fairness for innovative banks
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The American Fintech Council (AFC), the largest industry association representing both responsible fintech companies andinnovative banks, submitted a comment letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) in response to its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding Bank Appeals Process. AFC applauds the OCC's commitment to providing supervised entities a fair and effective mechanism for challenging material supervisory determinations and recommends key provisions to ensure the framework is accessible, credible, and effective in practice.
"A well-calibrated appeals process is essential for maintaining a fair and transparent regulatory environment that fosters responsible innovation," said Phil Goldfeder, CEO of the American Fintech Council. "By modernizing these procedures, OCC is taking a meaningful step toward ensuring that all supervised institutions have access to a credible and impartial forum for resolving disputes."
AFC strongly supports the adoption of a clearly articulated de novo standard of review, in which the reviewing authority considers matters anew without undue deference to prior conclusions, thereby providing the rigorous and independent scrutiny required for a truly impartial process. Such clarity would encourage institutions to engage more constructively with the appeals framework, leading to greater consistency in how supervisory standards are applied across the industry.
AFC also advocates for the creation of an independent Appeals Board to serve as the ultimate decision-making authority, and recommends the board include individuals with relevant expertise from outside OCC to introduce diverse perspectives and prevent institutional biases from influencing outcomes. To ensure long-term legitimacy, AFC suggests implementing clear eligibility criteria, strict conflict of interest standards, and staggered terms for board members.
"The transition to a de novo standard of review is a vital technical refinement that ensures the appeals process is a rigorous, independent evaluation rather than a simple validation of prior findings," said Ian P. Moloney, Chief Policy Officer at the American Fintech Council. "By establishing a multi-member Appeals Board and publishing redacted decisions, OCC can provide the regulatory clarity necessary for innovative banks to align compliance programs with supervisory expectations and prevent disputes before they arise."
Further, AFC proposes procedural improvements to reduce barriers to appeal, such as allowing senior executive management to authorize appeals and ensuring strong protections against retaliation. Finally, AFC urged OCC to broaden the scope of appealable matters to include examination ratings and other matters requiring attention to ensure the process captures all determinations with a material impact on supervised entities.
A standards-based organization, the American Fintech Council (AFC) is the largest and most diverse trade association representing financial technology (fintech) companies and innovative banks. On behalf of over 150 member companies and partners, AFC promotes a transparent, inclusive, and customer-centric financial system by supporting responsible innovation in financial services and encouraging sound public policy. AFC members foster competition in consumer finance and pioneer products to better serve underserved consumer segments and geographies.
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Original text here: https://www.fintechcouncil.org/press-releases/american-fintech-council-afc-encourages-modernization-of-occ-bank-appeals-process-to-enhance-fairness-and-transparency
[Category: Financial Services]
