The CFPB is accepting applications for its Academic Research Council (ARC), which is the technical advisory board that provides advice on research methodologies, analytic strategies and collaborate on high-value research projects to share their expertise. Instructions for completing the application and FAQs are available on the CFPB’s website. Applications must be received before 5pm on February 14.

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/accepting-applications-our-academic-research-council/

The CFPB is accepting applications for its Consumer Advisory Board, the Community Bank Advisory Council and the Credit Union Advisory Council. The advisory groups allow the CFPB to hear directly from small institutions about emerging trends and practices in the consumer financial marketplace. Instructions for completing the application and FAQs are available on the CFPB’s website. Applications must be received on or before March 1, 2017.

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/accepting-applications-our-advisory-board-and-councils/

OFAC announced an amendment to the Sudanese Sanctions Regulations to authorize all transactions prohibited by the SSR and by Executive Orders 13067 and 13412.

https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20170113.aspx

The CFPB announced an updated student loan Payback Playbook prototype based on feedback received from borrowers, lenders and consumer advocates. The prototype includes personalized repayment plans, no fine print and up-to-date information. The goal is to help student loan borrowers with staying on track to manage their student loan debt.

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/your-feedback-helped-us-update-our-payback-playbook-prototype/

The FRB, the OCC and the FDIC extended the comment period for the proposed rule on enhanced cyber risk management standards for large and interconnected entities and those entities service providers.

https://www.occ.gov/news-issuances/news-releases/2017/nr-ia-2017-9.html

The FTC will host its 3rd FinTech Forum focusing on consumer implications relating to artificial intelligence and blockchain. The free event will be held at UC Berkley with no pre-registration required.

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2017/01/ftc-host-fintech-forum-blockchain-artificial-intelligence-march-9

The Conference of State Banking Supervisors issued a letter to the OCC reiterating its opposition to the OCC’s proposed rule on special charters for fintech companies. The CSBS argues that the OCC’s proposal will harm consumers by weakening consumer protections by pre-empting existing state laws, exposing tax payers to risk of fintech failures, and exceeding legal limits of OCC’s chartering authority.

https://www.csbs.org/news/press-releases/pr2017/Pages/011317.aspx

OFAC has added several individuals to the SDN list.

https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20180112.aspx

OFAC issued guidance on the provision of certain services relating to requirements of US sanctions laws, the Compliance Services Guidance. OFAC also published a number of FAQs pertaining to this guides.

https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20170112_33.aspx

OFAC made a number of changes to the SDN List.

https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20170112.aspx