Featured Stories
Waldorf Astoria London - Admiralty Arch Announces OSKIA as Spa Partner
MCLEAN, Virginia, Oct. 8 -- Hilton Worldwide Holdings posted the following news release:
* * *
Oct 7, 2026
Waldorf Astoria London - Admiralty Arch Announces OSKIA as Spa Partner
* Award-winning British skincare brand OSKIA will become the exclusive spa partner at Waldorf Astoria London - Admiralty Arch
* OSKIA will create a collection of treatments exclusively for the landmark London hotel
* The intimate Waldorf Astoria Spa will combine exclusive OSKIA treatments with personalised care and advanced wellness facilities
-
LONDON - Waldorf Astoria London - Admiralty Arch announces OSKIA, the
... Show Full Article
MCLEAN, Virginia, Oct. 8 -- Hilton Worldwide Holdings posted the following news release:
* * *
Oct 7, 2026
Waldorf Astoria London - Admiralty Arch Announces OSKIA as Spa Partner
* Award-winning British skincare brand OSKIA will become the exclusive spa partner at Waldorf Astoria London - Admiralty Arch
* OSKIA will create a collection of treatments exclusively for the landmark London hotel
* The intimate Waldorf Astoria Spa will combine exclusive OSKIA treatments with personalised care and advanced wellness facilities
-
LONDON - Waldorf Astoria London - Admiralty Arch announces OSKIA, theaward-winning British skincare brand as the hotel and residences' exclusive spa skincare and treatment partner when it opens later this year.
At Waldorf Astoria London - Admiralty Arch, wellbeing is an integral part of the guest experience, shaped by the hotel's distinctive sense of place and commitment to considered British craftsmanship. The collaboration reflects the hotel's focus on working with distinguished British and UK-based brands, while marking OSKIA's first relationship with a Waldorf Astoria property worldwide. The spa will offer a distinctly London interpretation of the Waldorf Astoria Spa experience, where personalised wellness, intuitive service and exceptional attention to detail seamlessly blend - inviting guests to pause, restore and reconnect.
An exclusive collection of treatments has been created specifically for the property, available nowhere else. A leading British skincare brand, OSKIA develops and produces every product at its own facility in Wales, retaining full control of formulation and manufacture in-house.
As part of Reuben Brothers' considered vision for the restoration and transformation of Admiralty Arch, the spa will form an integral part of Waldorf Astoria London - Admiralty Arch's wider wellness offering, creating an intimate setting for luxury wellbeing and contributing to the landmark's evolution as a distinctive destination. It will feature individual and couples' treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy pool, ice fountain, fitness centre, and a private relaxation area.
Guillaume Marly, general manager, Waldorf Astoria London - Admiralty Arch, said, "There is a natural synergy between OSKIA and the hotel. Both are unmistakably British, both are rooted in craftsmanship, and both bring a quietly confident approach to luxury, something our guests will feel in every treatment."
On the partnership, Georgie Cleeve, founder, OSKIA, said, "For OSKIA's first partnership with the brand to be in a building as steeped in history as Admiralty Arch is quite moving. There is complete respect for the history of the property in every considered detail of the guest journey, blended spectacularly with every modern convenience. The OSKIA experience will be delivered with exactly the same sense of care, craft and excellence that went into designing the products and treatments. As someone who lived and worked in London for many years, it's a partnership I am particularly excited by, and proud of."
Founded in 2009 by Georgie Cleeve, OSKIA is a pioneering British skincare brand built on the belief that healthy skin begins with cellular nutrition. Inspired by Georgie's discovery of the skin health benefits of MSM, an organic form of sulphur, the brand combines scientific innovation with a deep respect for nature and the rituals of wellbeing. Today, OSKIA is renowned for its high-performance formulations, distinctive approach to skincare and dedication to quality, having received more than 250 industry awards since its launch.
At the heart of OSKIA's formulations is its proprietary MSM Regen Complex(TM), which combines bio-available nutrients with advanced biotechnology to support healthy, nourished skin. Every product is developed and manufactured in-house at the brand's facility in Wales.
The OSKIA treatment menu will be delivered under the direction of Caitlin Ryde, recently appointed as Spa Manager, who will lead the spa team and oversee its daily operation, from treatment and service standards to the wider guest journey.
FAQ: Waldorf Astoria London - Admiralty Arch Announces OSKIA as Spa Partner
Which skincare brand will be used at Waldorf Astoria London - Admiralty Arch?
Award-winning British skincare brand OSKIA will be the exclusive spa partner. The partnership reflects the hotel's focus on British craftsmanship and UK-based partners, with OSKIA's products made in Wales.
What treatments will be available at the Waldorf Astoria Spa in London?
The spa will offer a collection of treatments created by OSKIA exclusively for Waldorf Astoria London - Admiralty Arch and available nowhere else. Treatments will be personalised to individual needs, in keeping with Waldorf Astoria's approach to intuitive care.
What facilities will the Waldorf Astoria Spa offer?
The spa will include individual and couples' treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, hydrotherapy pool, ice fountain and private relaxation area. It will be complemented by a state-of-the-art fitness centre.
Why has Waldorf Astoria London - Admiralty Arch partnered with OSKIA?
OSKIA's British heritage and focus on innovative skincare make it a natural fit for a hotel shaped by its London location, British craftsmanship and distinctive sense of place. Together, the two brands will create an exclusive treatment collection designed specifically for Waldorf Astoria London - Admiralty Arch.
Where is Waldorf Astoria London - Admiralty Arch located?
Waldorf Astoria London - Admiralty Arch is located on The Mall, opposite Buckingham Palace in St. James's.
The Grade I-listed Admiralty Arch has undergone an extensive restoration, transforming the historic landmark into a luxury hotel for the first time in its history.
* * *
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 28 world-class brands comprising more than 9,400 properties and nearly 1.4 million rooms, in 144 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 4 billion guests in its more than 100-year history. Named as the No. 1 World's Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune, Hilton aims to create the best culture for its 500,000 team members around the world. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 260 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
* * *
About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning portfolio of 40 iconic properties, each embodying a distinct sense of place through sincerely elegant service, one-of-a-kind experiences and culinary mastery in landmark destinations around the world. The highly anticipated reopening of Waldorf Astoria New York marked a defining moment for the brand - reintroducing a legend while ushering in a new era of luxury. Inspired by their timeless environments, Waldorf Astoria hotels deliver an effortless experience seamlessly, creating a true sense of place for guests through stunning architecture, the famous Peacock Alley, refined art collections, Michelin-starred dining and elevated in-room amenities. In addition to the brand's world-class hotel offerings, Waldorf Astoria boasts a global residential portfolio that provides the comfort of a private home combined with unsurpassed amenities and high-touch service. Waldorf Astoria is part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company. Experience an unforgettable stay at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts by booking at waldorfastoria.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/waldorfastoria, and follow the brand on X and Instagram.
* * *
About OSKIA
OSKIA is a British nutri-cosmeceutical beauty brand that specialises in cellular skin nutrition for healthy skin. Powered by bio-available nutrients and our MSM Regen ComplexTM, our results-driven formulas each contain up to 40 natural and nature-identical activities, are clinically proven and are proudly made in our own factory in Wales.
Since launching 16 years ago, OSKIA has won over 250 brand and product awards, recognising the innovation, creativity and quality of its formulas.
OSKIA partners with the world's most celebrated spas and hotels, from historic country retreats to city sanctuaries and island escapes, with some collaborations spanning over a decade alongside a growing new collection of ultra-luxury partners. At each destination, guests can discover OSKIA's most celebrated treatments for healthy, nourished skin and holistic wellbeing, together with exclusive, location-specific rituals created in collaboration with each property to capture the character of its setting.
About Waldorf Astoria London - Admiralty Arch
Waldorf Astoria London - Admiralty Arch will see the historic monument debut as one of London's most iconic luxury hotels. Commanding a prestigious position at the end of The Mall opposite Buckingham Palace, the hotel will feature 114 elegantly designed rooms, suites and residences.
Reuben Brothers, in partnership with Hilton, is meticulously restoring the Grade I listed monument while honouring the building's storied past. Culinary direction will come from Clare Smyth MBE and Daniel Boulud, whose restaurants together hold eight Michelin stars and who will bring their distinctive culinary approaches to Coreus and Cafe Boulud respectively. A collection of grand and intimate event spaces, including a magnificent ballroom accommodating up to 500 guests, will provide an exceptional setting for landmark occasions.
* * *
About Reuben Brothers
Reuben Brothers is a global leader in private equity, international real estate, hospitality, credit financing, sports and media, with world-class investments spanning the United Kingdom, Europe and the Americas. Its holdings include a distinguished collection of luxury hospitality and retail assets, including Cambridge House, Waldorf Astoria London - Admiralty Arch, The Twenty Two London and New York, The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel, The Vineta in Palm Beach, Century Plaza in Los Angeles, Hotel La Palma in Capri and Burlington Arcade in Mayfair. The Group's wider interests include London Oxford Airport, Arena Racing Company, Newcastle United Football Club, and EDGLRD, the Miami based media and entertainment company. Its philanthropic arm, the Reuben Foundation, was established in 2002 and supports initiatives across the arts, healthcare and education around the world. Rooted in entrepreneurship and family values, Reuben Brothers operates with integrity and partners with organisations that share its long-term vision and commitment to excellence.
* * *
URL: Reuben Brothers
URL: OSKIA
* * *
Original text here: https://stories.hilton.com/releases/waldorf-astoria-london-admiralty-arch-announces-oskia-as-spa-partner
[Category: BizTravel]
Optimum Business and the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce Announce the Grant Winners of Lifting Up Small Businesses in Woodbridge, New Jersey
NEW YORK, Oct. 8 -- Optimum Business, a brand of Optimum Communications, issued the following news release:
* * *
Optimum Business and the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce Announce the Grant Winners of Lifting up Small Businesses in Woodbridge, New Jersey
25 businesses are being awarded a $5,000 grant each, fostering both their expansion and the vitality of Woodbridge communities
-
NEW JERSEY (OCTOBER 7, 2026) - Optimum Business, a leading provider of fiber internet, mobile, and TV services, and the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce, a leading force for business growth throughout the
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Oct. 8 -- Optimum Business, a brand of Optimum Communications, issued the following news release:
* * *
Optimum Business and the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce Announce the Grant Winners of Lifting up Small Businesses in Woodbridge, New Jersey
25 businesses are being awarded a $5,000 grant each, fostering both their expansion and the vitality of Woodbridge communities
-
NEW JERSEY (OCTOBER 7, 2026) - Optimum Business, a leading provider of fiber internet, mobile, and TV services, and the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce, a leading force for business growth throughout theWoodbridge Metropolitan Area, today announce the grant winners of the Lifting up Small Businesses in Woodbridge, New Jersey program, which will directly fund 25 small businesses in Woodbridge.
Each small business will receive a $5,000 grant to help support their growth and long-term success while further expanding and contributing to the prosperity of the communities where they serve. Featured grant recipients include:
* Per Lui Barbershop: An upscale, vintage-inspired barbershop offering premium men's grooming services, Per Lui Barbershop plans to use the grant to invest in equipment that will support expansion, enhance the client experience, and create local employment opportunities.
* BPO Elks Woodbridge: BPO Elks Woodbridge is a charitable fraternal organization supporting veterans, children with special needs, and local youth, and plans to use the grant to fund community initiatives such as a school backpack program and support for the Domestic Violence Response Team.
* Technology Visionaries: Technology Visionaries provides IT and cybersecurity support for small businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities in New Jersey, and plans to use the grant to expand free educational workshops on cybersecurity and practical AI for Woodbridge-area business owners.
"Small businesses are the heart of Woodbridge's local economy, and we're proud to award these 25 recipients with funding that can help them grow, innovate, and continue serving their communities," said Elton Hart, Vice President, General Manager of Optimum Tri-State. "Through our partnership with the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce, Optimum Business is honored to support the entrepreneurs and organizations that help make Woodbridge such a vibrant place to live and work. This program reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in the communities we serve and providing local businesses with the connectivity, tools, and resources they need to succeed."
"Congratulations to the 25 small businesses selected for this grant program," said Holly B. Church-Doyle, Executive Director of the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce. "These recipients represent the dedication, creativity, and resilience that make Woodbridge's business community so strong. We're proud to partner with Optimum Business to provide meaningful support that helps local entrepreneurs invest in their growth, strengthen their operations, and continue making a positive impact across our community."
Follow along at optimum.com/business/woodbridge for the full list of grant recipients and more information on Lifting up Small Businesses in Woodbridge. To celebrate and honor the grant winners, Optimum Business in partnership with the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce will host a recognition event on October 15 alongside community members from across New Jersey.
"Programs like this show what is possible when organizations work together in support of a shared goal," said Mayor John E. McCormac. "By investing in these 25 businesses, Optimum Business and the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce are helping strengthen the local economy, support jobs, and ensure our neighborhoods continue to thrive. These grants will have an impact beyond the individual recipients, benefiting the customers, employees, families, and communities that rely on small businesses every day."
The Lifting up Small Businesses in Woodbridge programis made possible through its Founding Partner Optimum Business and the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce. The program reflects Optimum's ongoing commitment to deepening its community presence and connecting customers to what matters most by supporting, understanding, and celebrating what makes each local community unique. It also builds on a similar effort Optimum Business launched in Edison, New Jersey, in partnership with the Edison Chamber of Commerce.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.optimum.com/about-us/news/articles/optimum-business-and-woodbridge-metro-chamber-commerce-announce-grant-winners-lifting
[Category: BizMedia]
Najwan Nayef Elected to McGuireWoods Partnership, Bringing Global Perspective to Firm's Energy Practice
RICHMOND, Virginia, Oct. 8 -- McGuireWoods, a law firm, issued the following news release:
* * *
Najwan Nayef Elected to McGuireWoods Partnership, Bringing Global Perspective to Firm's Energy Practice
October 7, 2026
McGuireWoods elevated Houston counsel Najwan Nayef to the firm's partnership, effective Oct. 1, 2026. Nayef brings more than 20 years of experience in domestic and international transactions to the firm's Energy M&A and Finance Practice Group.
Nayef advises regulated electric utilities, project developers, technology companies, industrial manufacturers and energy infrastructure
... Show Full Article
RICHMOND, Virginia, Oct. 8 -- McGuireWoods, a law firm, issued the following news release:
* * *
Najwan Nayef Elected to McGuireWoods Partnership, Bringing Global Perspective to Firm's Energy Practice
October 7, 2026
McGuireWoods elevated Houston counsel Najwan Nayef to the firm's partnership, effective Oct. 1, 2026. Nayef brings more than 20 years of experience in domestic and international transactions to the firm's Energy M&A and Finance Practice Group.
Nayef advises regulated electric utilities, project developers, technology companies, industrial manufacturers and energy infrastructureowners on the development, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of complex energy and infrastructure projects. Her practice focuses on large-load utility infrastructure for data centers, utility-scale power generation and energy transition projects, where she handles special contracts; engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) agreements; and other key project agreements.
"Najwan's command of complex energy and utility infrastructure transactions, combined with her international experience, makes her a tremendous asset to our clients and our corporate platform," said Gerald V. Thomas II, McGuireWoods' deputy managing partner and head of corporate. "Her elevation reflects the trust she has earned from clients, and we are proud to welcome her to the partnership."
"Najwan brings deep industry knowledge and a global perspective to our practice," added David Hornyak, chair of McGuireWoods' Mergers & Acquisitions and Energy Transactional Department. "As clients pursue new opportunities and cross-border investments, Najwan's judgment and international network make her an invaluable partner."
Before joining McGuireWoods, Nayef practiced as a solicitor in Australia. She also worked for international law firms in several jurisdictions, including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Drawing on that experience, she advises multinational clients across many areas of the law, including corporate transactions, foreign direct investment, energy transactions and international trade. She uses her international network of local counsel firms to help multinational clients in those regions. She is certified as a Foreign Legal Consultant by the State Bar of Texas.
"I am honored to join the McGuireWoods partnership and grateful to my colleagues for their support," said Nayef. "I look forward to continuing my work helping clients advance projects from concept to completion and connecting them with the resources they need to succeed."
McGuireWoods' Energy M&A and Finance Practice Group -- ranked nationally by Chambers USA, the Legal 500 United States and Best Law Firms -- combines focused industry knowledge, regulatory fluency and practical, business-driven solutions to ensure clients complete strategic transactions, secure financing and advance critical projects.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.mcguirewoods.com/news/press-releases/2026/10/najwan-nayef-elected-to-mcguirewoods-partnership-bringing-global-perspective-to-firms-energy-practice/
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
McGuireWoods London Earns Nationwide Rankings in Legal 500 UK
RICHMOND, Virginia, Oct. 8 -- McGuireWoods, a law firm, issued the following news release:
* * *
McGuireWoods London Earns Nationwide Rankings in Legal 500 UK
October 7, 2026
The Legal 500 UK rated McGuireWoods as a leading law firm in five practice areas in its 2027 guide to top firms in the United Kingdom.
McGuireWoods earned nationwide rankings in the following categories:
* M&A: Smaller Deals, up to pound sterling50m
* Commercial Litigation: Mid-Market
* Commercial Property: Corporate Occupiers
* Banking Lending: Investment Grade Debt and Syndicated Loans
* Employment - Employers
The
... Show Full Article
RICHMOND, Virginia, Oct. 8 -- McGuireWoods, a law firm, issued the following news release:
* * *
McGuireWoods London Earns Nationwide Rankings in Legal 500 UK
October 7, 2026
The Legal 500 UK rated McGuireWoods as a leading law firm in five practice areas in its 2027 guide to top firms in the United Kingdom.
McGuireWoods earned nationwide rankings in the following categories:
* M&A: Smaller Deals, up to pound sterling50m
* Commercial Litigation: Mid-Market
* Commercial Property: Corporate Occupiers
* Banking Lending: Investment Grade Debt and Syndicated Loans
* Employment - Employers
TheLegal 500 singled out London partners Mehboob Dossa and Karl Hemingway for their work advising clients in public and private M&A deals, restructurings, joint ventures and leveraged buyouts.
For commercial litigation, partners William Boddy, Simon Hems and Chloe Steele and associates Edward Hardman and Katie Steven earned recognition for representing clients in complex, multi-jurisdictional proceedings across industries. Steele was selected as a "Next Generation Partner," an honor reserved for junior partners who earn significant recognition from clients and peers and play key roles on multiple matters.
McGuireWoods London's commercial real estate team earned another nationwide ranking for advising corporate occupiers. The Legal 500 cited partner Callum Hassall's experience with mixed-use developments, leasing matters and cross-border investment structures, as well as associate Hannah Irish's work advising on lettings in the life sciences, retail and office sectors.
The firm also garnered a nationwide ranking for investment grade debt and syndicated loans. Partner Alan Holliday was singled out for advising on cross-border debt finance and corporate law, particularly for his negotiating credit facility agreements for lenders and borrowers. Associate Rafaella Eleftheriou also was recognized for assisting financial institutions and corporate clients on investment-grade lending, syndicated loan facilities and acquisition finance.
In addition, the Legal 500 awarded a national ranking to the firm's employment team, citing partner Daniel L. Peyton for disputes involving whistleblowing, discrimination, restrictive covenants and confidential information, and associate Adam Penman for data protection and AI matters.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.mcguirewoods.com/news/press-releases/2026/10/mcguirewoods-london-earns-nationwide-rankings-in-legal-500-uk/
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Marcus & Millichap Arranges $6.55 Million Sale of Applewood Townhomes in Lakewood, Colorado
ENCINO, California, Oct. 8 -- Marcus and Millichap issued the following news release:
* * *
Marcus & Millichap Arranges $6.55 Million Sale of Applewood Townhomes in Lakewood, Colorado
LAKEWOOD, Colo., Oct. 7, 2026 -- Marcus & Millichap (NYSE: MMI), a leading commercial real estate brokerage firm specializing in investment sales, financing, research and advisory services, announced today the $6.55 million sale of Applewood Townhomes, a 12-unit multifamily property in Lakewood, Colorado.
"Applewood Townhomes was 100% occupied at the time of sale, and its new construction and three-bedroom townhome
... Show Full Article
ENCINO, California, Oct. 8 -- Marcus and Millichap issued the following news release:
* * *
Marcus & Millichap Arranges $6.55 Million Sale of Applewood Townhomes in Lakewood, Colorado
LAKEWOOD, Colo., Oct. 7, 2026 -- Marcus & Millichap (NYSE: MMI), a leading commercial real estate brokerage firm specializing in investment sales, financing, research and advisory services, announced today the $6.55 million sale of Applewood Townhomes, a 12-unit multifamily property in Lakewood, Colorado.
"Applewood Townhomes was 100% occupied at the time of sale, and its new construction and three-bedroom townhomeconfiguration made it a strong fit for the buyer's 1031 exchange," said Matthew Berk, associate director investments.
Berk and Clayton Primm, investment specialists in Marcus & Millichap's Denver office, exclusively marketed the property on behalf of the seller, Metro Venture Properties, a Colorado-based development company, and the buyer is a Southern California 1031 exchange investor.
Applewood Townhomes is located at 11611 W. 16th Ave. Recently built in 2024, the property comprises 12 three-bedroom, three-bathroom townhomes totaling 19,440 square feet.
Each 1,620-square-foot residence includes an attached one-car garage and in-unit laundry.
* * *
About Marcus & Millichap, Inc. (NYSE: MMI)
Marcus & Millichap, Inc. is a leading brokerage firm specializing in commercial real estate investment sales, financing, research and advisory services with offices throughout the United States and Canada. As of December 31, 2025, the company had 1,808 investment sales and financing professionals in over 80 offices who provide investment brokerage and financing services to sellers and buyers of commercial real estate. The company also offers market research, consulting and advisory services to clients. Marcus & Millichap closed 8,818 transactions in 2025, with a sales volume of approximately $50.9 billion. For additional information, please visit www.MarcusMillichap.com.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.marcusmillichap.com/news-events/press/2026/10/10-7-26
[Category: BizRealEstate]
Littler: EEOC Preparing to Repeal Guidance on Use of Arrest and Criminal Records
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Oct. 8 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following news:
* * *
EEOC Preparing to Repeal Guidance on Use of Arrest and Criminal Records
By Jim Paretti and Barry Hartstein
October 7, 2026
On October 6, 2026, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) - the White House office that oversees and approves agency regulations - indicated that it has received a draft final rule from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) entitled, "Rescission of Enforcement Guidance on the Consideration of Arrest and Conviction Records in Employment Decisions Under Title VII of
... Show Full Article
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Oct. 8 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following news:
* * *
EEOC Preparing to Repeal Guidance on Use of Arrest and Criminal Records
By Jim Paretti and Barry Hartstein
October 7, 2026
On October 6, 2026, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) - the White House office that oversees and approves agency regulations - indicated that it has received a draft final rule from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) entitled, "Rescission of Enforcement Guidance on the Consideration of Arrest and Conviction Records in Employment Decisions Under Title VII ofthe Civil Rights Act." Insofar as it is styled as a final rule, if and when OMB approves it, EEOC is expected to publish the rule and quickly repeal this guidance effective upon publication, although a timeline is not year clear.
By way of background, in 2012, the agency issued guidance outlining how arrest and conviction records implicate Title VII in two contexts: intentional discrimination or so-called "disparate treatment" cases, and "disparate impact" cases, which are cases arising when a policy that is neutral on its face has a disproportionate impact on a protected class. Littler's detailed analysis of the guidance when it was issued may be found here.1
A "disparate treatment" claim would arise, for example, where an employer disqualifies applicants of one race for an arrest or conviction for possession of marijuana but does not disqualify applicants of other races with the same conviction. That such a policy would violate Title VII is a common-sense and non-controversial conclusion.
A "disparate impact" claim, on the other hand, would arise where the employer adopts a neutral policy of not hiring any applicant with an arrest or conviction for possession of marijuana, but in practice that policy disproportionately screens out applicants of one protected class but not another. That on its face does not establish that the policy is unlawful--an employer may still demonstrate that its policy is job-related for the positions in question and consistent with business necessity. But even then, a Title VII plaintiff may prevail by demonstrating that there is a less discriminatory "alternative employment practice" that serves the employer's legitimate goals as effectively as the challenged practice.
The guidance also discussed how, in the EEOC's view, an employer may establish "business necessity"--most commonly employing a "targeted screen" that considers the three Green factors (derived from Green v. Missouri Pacific Railroad, 549 F.2d 1158 (8th Cir. 1975), which have been the centerpiece of the EEOC's guidance for the past 25 years): (1) the nature and gravity of the offense; (2) the time that has passed since the offense and/or completion of the sentence; and (3) the nature of the job held or sought.
Takeaways
Although the EEOC's guidance may soon be repealed, employers should not think that they may now use arrest or conviction records however they wish without fear of liability.
First, and critically, an employer that applies a criminal background policy more harshly against one protected class than another ("disparate treatment" as discussed above) will still likely violate Title VII, and nothing suggests EEOC will not continue to investigate and pursue those charges.
Second, while EEOC leadership reportedly directed staff last year to not investigate or pursue any cases based on disparate impact theory (and acknowledged as much in its recent National Enforcement Plan) the theory is still recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court and was codified by Congress in Title VII. As such, disparate impact claims may still be brought under federal law--that the EEOC has stated it will not bring such cases does not mean that the plaintiff's bar is limited in doing so or will follow suit.
Finally, disparate impact liability remains available under many state non-discrimination laws, meaning employers continue to face liability under state law as well as federal.
It is not clear how quickly OMB will complete its review of EEOC's proposal, and, if approved, how quickly EEOC will act to repeal the arrest and conviction guidance. Littler's Workplace Policy Institute will keep readers apprised of developments.
* * *
See Footnotes
1/ See also Barry Hartstein, Rod Fliegel, Marcy McGovern, and Jennifer Mora, Criminal Background Checks: Evolution of the EEOC's Updated Guidance and Implications for the Employer Community, Littler Report (May 17, 2012); EEOC, Written Testimony of Barry A. Hartstein Shareholder Littler Mendelson, P.C. (July 26, 2011).
* * *
Authors
James A. Paretti
Shareholder
Washington, D.C.
jparetti@littler.com
* * *
Barry A. Hartstein
Shareholder
Chicago
bhartstein@littler.com
* * *
Original text here: https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/asap/eeoc-preparing-repeal-guidance-use-arrest-and-criminal-records
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
FIS Ranks First in 2026 IDC FinTech Rankings Top 100
JACKSONVILLE, Florida, Oct. 8 -- FIS, a financial technology company, issued the following news release:
* * *
FIS Ranks First in 2026 IDC FinTech Rankings Top 100
* FIS(R) (NYSE: FIS) ranked No. 1 in the 2026 IDC FinTech Rankings Top 100, the Fortune 500-style benchmark of the world's largest technology providers to the global financial services industry, now in its 24th year.
* The ranking evaluates the top 100 global providers of financial technology to financial institutions based on calendar year revenues for hardware, software, and services.
* FIS processes more than 40 billion transactions
... Show Full Article
JACKSONVILLE, Florida, Oct. 8 -- FIS, a financial technology company, issued the following news release:
* * *
FIS Ranks First in 2026 IDC FinTech Rankings Top 100
* FIS(R) (NYSE: FIS) ranked No. 1 in the 2026 IDC FinTech Rankings Top 100, the Fortune 500-style benchmark of the world's largest technology providers to the global financial services industry, now in its 24th year.
* The ranking evaluates the top 100 global providers of financial technology to financial institutions based on calendar year revenues for hardware, software, and services.
* FIS processes more than 40 billion transactionsannually across more than 75 countries, connecting core banking, payments, and capital markets data in a single infrastructure and giving financial institutions clearer insight across the full money lifecycle.
-
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., October 7, 2026 - FIS(R) (NYSE: FIS), a global leader in financial technology, today announced it ranked first in the 2026 IDC FinTech Rankings Top 100. The elite list features the technology companies from around the globe that are focused on providing solutions to the financial services and FinTech industries.
The Fortune 500-style ranking categorizes and evaluates the top global providers of financial technology based on calendar year revenues from financial institutions for hardware, software and/or services. These providers supply the technological backbone of the financial services industry, an industry in which IDC forecasts worldwide spending on IT across the globe to be over $1.1 trillion (USD) by 2029.
The recognition marks a significant milestone for FIS and reflects the breadth of technology it delivers to banks and financial institutions of all sizes seeking to modernize and compete across the money lifecycle.
Beyond revenue scale, FIS's No. 1 position highlights the value of connecting banking, payments, and capital markets capabilities to help financial institutions move with greater confidence, speed, and resilience. As the industry modernizes, trusted infrastructure and connected data are becoming essential to how institutions run, grow, and protect their businesses.
"IDC would like to congratulate FIS for its #1 position in the 2026 IDC FinTech Rankings Top 100," said Jerry Silva, Program Vice President. "FIS has ranked first in the IDC FinTech Rankings seven times in the past decade and has consistently remained among the industry's leading technology providers. This year's ranking underscores the company's continued ability to deliver innovation, scale and value to financial institutions around the world."
"This ranking reflects the trust financial institutions place in FIS to power the bank-grade infrastructure behind the global financial system," said Stephanie Ferris, President and CEO of FIS. "In today's rapidly evolving environment, banks need a trusted partner that can help them operate more efficiently, protect against growing threats, and grow with greater confidence. By connecting core banking, payments, and capital markets across the money lifecycle, FIS gives clients the scale, perspective, and insight to make faster decisions and better serve their customers. As financial services enters its next phase of modernization, we are positioned to help lead that shift toward more connected, resilient, and data-driven models while preserving the trust the industry depends on."
To view the full list and learn more about the ranking, visit IDC's website at https://www.idc.com/research/industry/fintech-rankings.
* * *
About FIS
FIS is a financial technology company providing solutions to financial institutions and businesses. We unlock financial technology to the world across the money lifecycle underpinning the world's financial system. Our people are dedicated to advancing the way the world pays, banks and invests, by helping our clients to confidently run, grow, and protect their businesses. Our expertise comes from decades of experience helping financial institutions and businesses of all sizes adapt to meet the needs of their customers by harnessing where reliability meets innovation in financial technology. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, FIS is a member of the Fortune 500(R) and the Standard & Poor's 500(R) Index.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.fisglobal.com/about-us/media-room/press-release/2026/fis-ranks-first-in-2026-idc-fintech-rankings-top-100
[Category: BizFinancial Services]