Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
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NRF Announces 2026 Top 50 Global Retailers
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- The National Retail Federation posted the following news release on April 10, 2026:
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NRF Announces 2026 Top 50 Global Retailers
The National Retail Federation today announced the 2026 Top 50 Global Retailers. Conducted by Kantar, the list ranks the leading international retailers based on their retail revenues throughout 2025. As the largest global retailers continue to expand outside of retail revenues, this list focuses only on retail-specific revenues and not overall organizational revenue.
"The retail industry continues to show its strength, delivering a solid
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- The National Retail Federation posted the following news release on April 10, 2026:
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NRF Announces 2026 Top 50 Global Retailers
The National Retail Federation today announced the 2026 Top 50 Global Retailers. Conducted by Kantar, the list ranks the leading international retailers based on their retail revenues throughout 2025. As the largest global retailers continue to expand outside of retail revenues, this list focuses only on retail-specific revenues and not overall organizational revenue.
"The retail industry continues to show its strength, delivering a solidyear despite a range of ongoing challenges," NRF Chief Economist and Executive Director of Research Mark Mathews said. "The retailers on this year's list have demonstrated impressive growth and an understanding of evolving consumer needs, highlighting the industry's continued resilience."
Walmart maintains its position as the world's largest retailer, driven by its continued investments internationally and across its digital services, which indirectly support the growth of its retail business.
Amazon, Schwarz Group, Aldi, Costco, Ahold Delhaize and Carrefour followed, all maintaining the same positions as last year. IKEA and The Home Depot each rose one spot to the eighth and ninth place respectively, while Walgreens rounded out the top 10. Seven & I, which ranked seventh last year, fell out of the top 10 following its sale of its department store holdings in Japan.
"The list reflects a year that started quietly but quickly grew more challenging due to U.S. policy shifts and rapidly changing tariffs on almost all goods," Kantar Senior Vice President of Global Insights and Technology David Marcotte said. "Volatility in key commodity costs, product availability and trade patterns forced global manufacturers and retailers to make quick strategic pivots."
Kantar's ranking system awards points to retailers based on their domestic and international retail revenues. To qualify for the ranking, retailers need to have a direct investment in at least three countries.
See more on the methodology (https://nrf.com/research-insights/top-retailers/top-50-global-retailers/top-50-global-retailers-2026#methodology), explore the complete 2026 Top 50 Global Retailers list and learn more from Kantar on the NRF blog about how this year's top companies are navigating the retail landscape.
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About NRF
The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation's largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs -- 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies. nrf.com
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About Kantar
Kantar is the world's leading marketing data and analytics business and an indispensable brand partner to the world's top companies. We combine the most meaningful attitudinal and behavioral data with deep expertise and advanced analytics to uncover how people think and act. We help clients understand what has happened and why and how to shape the marketing strategies that shape their future.
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Original text here: https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/nrf-announces-2026-top-50-global-retailers
[Category: Business]
NCBA and OCA Express Disappointment in Federal Court Ruling on Poultry Case
CENTENNIAL, Colorado, April 11 -- The National Cattlemen's Beef Association posted the following statement on April 10, 2026:
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NCBA and OCA Express Disappointment in Federal Court Ruling on Poultry Case
WASHINGTON - Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association (OCA) President, Ford Drummond, and National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) President, Gene Copenhaver, released the following statement after the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma's rejection of the state of Oklahoma's negotiated settlement with four poultry companies in the decades-old State of Oklahoma v. Tyson
... Show Full Article
CENTENNIAL, Colorado, April 11 -- The National Cattlemen's Beef Association posted the following statement on April 10, 2026:
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NCBA and OCA Express Disappointment in Federal Court Ruling on Poultry Case
WASHINGTON - Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association (OCA) President, Ford Drummond, and National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) President, Gene Copenhaver, released the following statement after the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma's rejection of the state of Oklahoma's negotiated settlement with four poultry companies in the decades-old State of Oklahoma v. TysonFoods, Inc., et al., lawsuit regarding the application of chicken litter in the Illinois River Watershed.
"Cattle producers across Oklahoma and the Illinois River Watershed are greatly disappointed by the U.S. District Court's rejection of a settlement between Oklahoma poultry producers and the state of Oklahoma. The decades-old lawsuit relies on outdated information and fails to consider the adoption of nutrient management plans, increased efficiencies, and the adoption of voluntary conservation practices," Drummond said.
While OCA and NCBA do not directly represent parties to the litigation, the ripple effect of this decision will reach far beyond the gates of Oklahoma broiler operations. Not only does this decision deal a death blow to poultry farmers across the state, but will severely impact all of Oklahoma agriculture, and any livestock operation that manages manure.
"The District Court's holding creates significant economic risk for farmers and ranchers throughout the Illinois River Watershed, while also diminishing faith in the nutrient management plan as a reliable tool for environmental compliance and regulatory protection," Copenhaver said.
NCBA and OCA will continue to work hard on behalf of all cattle producers who find themselves impacted by this decision and are prepared to support the appeal of the U.S. District Court's decision to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.
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Original text here: https://www.ncba.org/news-media/news/details/47614/ncba-and-oca-express-disappointment-in-federal-court-ruling-on-poultry-case
[Category: Agriculture]
Latest FBI Cybercrime Report Shows Real Estate Fraud Losses Rising, Reinforcing Need for Strong Consumer Safeguards
WASHINGTON, April 11 (TNSrpt) -- The American Land Title Association issued the following news release:
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Latest FBI Cybercrime Report Shows Real Estate Fraud Losses Rising, Reinforcing Need for Strong Consumer Safeguards
The American Land Title Association (ALTA), the national trade association of the land title insurance industry, said the FBI's newly published 2025 Internet Crime Report reinforces the title industry's long-standing role as a frontline defense against fraud in real estate transactions. Title professionals help identify suspicious activity, verify identities, review documentation
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 11 (TNSrpt) -- The American Land Title Association issued the following news release:
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Latest FBI Cybercrime Report Shows Real Estate Fraud Losses Rising, Reinforcing Need for Strong Consumer Safeguards
The American Land Title Association (ALTA), the national trade association of the land title insurance industry, said the FBI's newly published 2025 Internet Crime Report reinforces the title industry's long-standing role as a frontline defense against fraud in real estate transactions. Title professionals help identify suspicious activity, verify identities, review documentationand address risks before they become costly losses for homebuyers, property owners and lenders.
According to the FBI's newly released 2025 Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) report, Americans reported more than $20.8 billion in cybercrime losses last year. The report also found that reported real estate fraud losses climbed to $275.1 million in 2025, up from about $173 million in 2024, with 12,368 complaints filed in 2025 alone.
The FBI's report also highlights a broader fraud environment that is becoming more sophisticated and more costly. The agency said cyber-enabled fraud accounted for 85% of all reported losses in 2025. It also identified 22,364 AI-related complaints tied to $893.3 million in losses. Americans 60 and older reported $7.748 billion in losses, underscoring the toll these schemes can take on vulnerable consumers.
"Fraud is not a side issue in housing; it is part of the affordability story," said Chris Morton, chief executive officer of ALTA. "The FBI's latest data shows real estate fraud is growing in a threat environment shaped by impersonation, business email compromise and AI-enabled deception. As losses rise, removing safeguards does not eliminate costs; it shifts them to consumers, lenders, insurers and the broader housing finance system."
"Prevention matters as fraud schemes become more convincing and more sophisticated," Morton said. "Title is protection. Title professionals are not simply processing paperwork. They help protect consumers and property rights against costly fraud, forgery and other hidden risks tied to property ownership."
The association noted that the FBI's latest figures align with ALTA's ongoing message that weakening transaction safeguards does not make housing more affordable. Instead, it transfers risk and downstream costs deeper into the system.
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About ALTA
The American Land Title Association, founded in 1907, represents an industry comprised of more than 17,000 title insurance companies operating across the nation, with over 90% being small businesses.
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REPORT: https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2025_IC3Report.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.alta.org/news-and-publications/press-release/Latest-FBI-Cybercrime-Report-Shows-Real-Estate-Fraud-Losses-Rising-Reinforcing-Need-for-Strong-Consumer-Safeguards
[Category: Real Estate]
FTA Announces 2026 Board Leadership
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- The Financial Technology Association issued the following news release on April 10, 2026:
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FTA Announces 2026 Board Leadership
The Financial Technology Association (FTA) today announced the Executive Committee leadership for its 2026 Board of Directors. The Executive Committee helps guide FTA's strategy and policy priorities and oversees the organization's mission to expand access to safe, affordable, and innovative financial services for all Americans. The executive committee includes:
* Chair: Jeff Stoltzfoos, Vice President of Government and Public Affairs,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- The Financial Technology Association issued the following news release on April 10, 2026:
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FTA Announces 2026 Board Leadership
The Financial Technology Association (FTA) today announced the Executive Committee leadership for its 2026 Board of Directors. The Executive Committee helps guide FTA's strategy and policy priorities and oversees the organization's mission to expand access to safe, affordable, and innovative financial services for all Americans. The executive committee includes:
* Chair: Jeff Stoltzfoos, Vice President of Government and Public Affairs,Chime
* Vice Chair: Andy Halataei, Head of Americas Government Affairs, PayPal
* Secretary: Sarah Paul, Head of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Americas, Remitly
* Treasurer: Matt Cameron, Director of Policy and Government Affairs, SoFi
"We are thrilled to welcome this exceptional and experienced group of leaders to our 2026 executive committee," said Penny Lee, President and CEO of the Financial Technology Association. "We are lucky to work with such dynamic, innovative, and thoughtful member companies, and look forward to all of the work ahead in 2026 and beyond."
"I am pleased to step into this role as Board Chair and work more closely with the FTA team to advance the fintech industry and better serve American consumers and small businesses," said Jeff Stoltzfoos, Vice President of Government and Public Affairs at Chime. "Serving on FTA's Board reflects Chime's mission to unlock financial progress for everyday people, and I look forward to the exciting and important work ahead."
FTA's membership spans innovative firms offering payments, lending, banking, investing, and financial infrastructure services to America's consumers, small businesses, and startups. These products and services help consumers send money faster and more cheaply, give small businesses access to capital, and provide everyday Americans with tools to save, spend, and build wealth on their own terms. FTA advocates for a policy and regulatory environment in which fintech innovation can thrive, and consumers and businesses can benefit from greater competition and choice.
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ABOUT FTA
The Financial Technology Association (FTA) is a network of fintech industry leaders shaping the future of finance. We champion financial innovation and advocate for policies that expand competition, access, and opportunity. Learn more at FTAssociation.org.
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Original text here: https://www.ftassociation.org/fta-announces-2026-board-leadership-2/
[Category: Financial Services]
EU: BSA Statement on the European Commission's Draft Implementing Regulation
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- The Business Software Alliance issued the following statement on April 9, 2026:
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EU: BSA Statement on the European Commission's Draft Implementing Regulation
BRUSSELS - The Business Software Alliance (BSA) released the following statement on the European Commission's Public Consultation on the Draft Implementing Regulation on Detailed Arrangements on Evaluations and Proceedings for the AI Act:
"As always, the Business Software Alliance (BSA) supports effective implementation of the AI Act, but the Commission's Implementing Regulation should remain within the scope
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- The Business Software Alliance issued the following statement on April 9, 2026:
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EU: BSA Statement on the European Commission's Draft Implementing Regulation
BRUSSELS - The Business Software Alliance (BSA) released the following statement on the European Commission's Public Consultation on the Draft Implementing Regulation on Detailed Arrangements on Evaluations and Proceedings for the AI Act:
"As always, the Business Software Alliance (BSA) supports effective implementation of the AI Act, but the Commission's Implementing Regulation should remain within the scopeagreed by co-legislators and not go beyond it. The draft's non-exhaustive approach to access, covering APIs, internal access, source code, model weights, hosting infrastructure, and even employee-level access, raises serious concerns about proportionality, legal certainty, and the protection of sensitive information.
Requirements to provide access to third-party cloud infrastructure are also problematic, as providers may not have the legal authority to grant such access.
The final Regulation should ensure both proportionate oversight and robust procedural safeguards."
BSA's submission can be found here (https://www.bsa.org/policy-filings/eu-bsas-input-to-the-european-commissions-public-consultation-on-the-draft-implementing-regulation-on-detailed-arrangements-on-evaluations-and-proceedings-for-the-ai-act).
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ABOUT BSA
The Business Software Alliance (www.bsa.org) is the global trade association of the enterprise software industry, representing companies that are leaders in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, quantum, and other breakthrough technologies. We work in over 20 markets in the US, Europe, and Asia, advocating for policies that build trust in technology so that every industry sector and the public can benefit from innovation.
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Original text here: https://www.bsa.org/news-events/news/eu-bsa-statement-on-the-european-commissions-draft-implementing-regulation
[Category: Business]
American Council of Life Insurers Responds to A.M. Best Report on Annuity Reserves
WASHINGTON, April 11 [Category: Insurance] -- The American Council of Life Insurers issued the following statement on April 10, 2026:
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American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) Responds to A.M. Best Report on Annuity Reserves
ACLI President and CEO David Chavern comments on the AM Best report on annuity reserves.
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American Council of Life Insurers President and CEO David Chavern made the following comments today on the A.M. Best report on annuity reserves:
"The A.M. Best report on annuity reserves makes no mention of how life insurers successfully managed a major recent test during the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 11 [Category: Insurance] -- The American Council of Life Insurers issued the following statement on April 10, 2026:
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American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) Responds to A.M. Best Report on Annuity Reserves
ACLI President and CEO David Chavern comments on the AM Best report on annuity reserves.
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American Council of Life Insurers President and CEO David Chavern made the following comments today on the A.M. Best report on annuity reserves:
"The A.M. Best report on annuity reserves makes no mention of how life insurers successfully managed a major recent test during theCOVID pandemic, paying a record $100 billion in benefits while maintaining capital well above regulatory requirements--levels companies sustain today.
"In recent years, some life insurers have increased their holdings of private credit to meet increased demand for their products. These assets offer attractive returns and portfolio diversification while supporting long-term liabilities. However, there is no evidence that private credit is straining the life insurance industry's stability. In fact, a recent S&P report found that companies are responsibly handling the liquidity and complexity risks associated with these assets.
"Also missing from the AM Best report is mention of the long-term, effective oversight of state regulators. Since the financial crisis, regulators through the NAIC have improved their oversight with new tools and transparency measures that ensure the industry is financially strong and mitigate risks to policyholders and the financial system.
"Between now and 2030, 20 million Americans will reach age 65, increasing the demand for the financial security guarantees. Through sound investment practices and strong regulation, life insurers are well-positioned to meet this need."
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The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) is the leading trade association driving public policy and advocacy on behalf of the life insurance industry. 90 million American families rely on the life insurance industry for financial protection and retirement security. ACLI's member companies are dedicated to protecting consumers' financial wellbeing through life insurance, annuities, retirement plans, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance, reinsurance, and dental, vision and other supplemental benefits. ACLI's 275 member companies represent 94 percent of industry assets in the United States.
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Original text here: https://www.acli.com/posting/nr26-026
AAHOA Announces New Secretary and 2026-27 Members of the Board at AAHOACON26
ATLANTA, Georgia, April 11 -- The Asian American Hotel Owners Association issued the following news release:
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AAHOA Announces New Secretary and 2026-27 Members of the Board at AAHOACON26
AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association) is pleased to announce its new Board of Directors for the 2026-27 term, elected at the 2026 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show in Philadelphia, PA. These leaders, including newly elected Secretary Dhiren Masters, will guide AAHOA's mission to advocate for and empower its more than 20,000 members nationwide.
"As we welcome our new Board of Directors for the 2026-27
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, April 11 -- The Asian American Hotel Owners Association issued the following news release:
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AAHOA Announces New Secretary and 2026-27 Members of the Board at AAHOACON26
AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association) is pleased to announce its new Board of Directors for the 2026-27 term, elected at the 2026 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show in Philadelphia, PA. These leaders, including newly elected Secretary Dhiren Masters, will guide AAHOA's mission to advocate for and empower its more than 20,000 members nationwide.
"As we welcome our new Board of Directors for the 2026-27term, I'm excited to work alongside leaders who are deeply committed to engaging our members and strengthening the AAHOA community," said AAHOA Chairman Rahul Patel. "Our focus is on listening, connecting, and ensuring every member understands the value of their involvement as we work together to advance the interests of hotel owners and the industry."
"I'm proud to welcome our new Board of Directors and congratulate our newly elected Secretary on this important leadership role," said AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake. "The experience, perspectives, and dedication of our Board Members are essential to AAHOA's success, and their leadership will help drive meaningful advocacy, member support, and growth for our association in the year ahead."
"I'm ready for the new generation to come into AAHOA and help guide the industry and the association, bringing new ideas, and elevating AAHOA to the next level," Masters said. "To me, this election signifies that members trust me to do the right thing for the association, for the membership, and I'll definitely do that as your next AAHOA Secretary.
Masters most recently served as AAHOA North Texas Regional Director. He has nine years of AAHOA leadership experience, including six years on the Board of Directors. He has served as a Board Member of the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association and on AAHOA's Strategic Planning Committee, Education & Professional Development Committee, Ad Hoc E-Commerce Committee, Ad Hoc Technology and Innovation Committee, and Young Professionals Focus Group.
AAHOA Members also elected the following 11 members to the Board of Directors:
* Arkansas Regional Director: Animesh (Andy) Patel
* Central Midwest Regional Director: Jignesh (Jig) Patel
* Georgia Regional Director: Nilesh (Nelly) Patel
* Greater Los Angeles Area Regional Director: Ghanshyamsinh (GJ) Zala
* Gulf Regional Director: Mayur (Mack) Patel
* North Central Regional Director: Bhavin N. Patel
* North Pacific Regional Director: Ankit Panchal
* North Texas Regional Director: Anant (Andy) Patel
* South Florida Regional Director: Meghna Patel
* Women Hoteliers Director, Eastern Division: Purnima Patel
* Young Professional Director, Eastern Division: Moon Patel
The AAHOA Board of Directors also welcomes the following three members to serve as
Industry Partners for the 2026-27 Term:
* Fahem Khan, Executive Director - Head of Lodging & Hospitality SMB Payments at
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
* Nil Kumar, President and Chief Product Officer, Anand Systems, Inc.
* Kevin Sloan, Managing Partner, Gauthier, Murphy & Houghtaling, LLC
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About AAHOA
AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association in the nation, with Member-owned properties representing a significant part of the U.S. economy. AAHOA's 20,000 members own 60% of the hotels in the United States and are responsible for 1.4% of the nation's GDP. More than 1 million employees work at AAHOA member-owned hotels, earning $51.3 billion annually, and member-owned hotels support 4.2 million U.S. jobs across all sectors of the hospitality industry. AAHOA's mission is to advance and protect the business interests of hotel owners through advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, member benefits, and community engagement.
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Original text here: https://www.aahoa.com/public/storage/2026/04/10/news_files/file_177585899469d97532b1bea.pdf
[Category: Travel]
