The CFPB continued to be active in the consumer payments space in 2018, while the Federal Reserve and market participants considered the future of payment processing, including the development of faster payment systems.

The CFPB has traditionally not prioritized marketplace lenders in its supervisory and enforcement efforts. As a result, state regulators have increasingly sought to fill any perceived voids left by the Bureau.

In 2018, the CFPB continued to pay attention to the auto finance industry, with a particular focus on indirect (dealer-arranged) auto lenders and unfair or abusive loan servicing practices.

In 2018, the CFPB shifted away from student lending supervision and enforcement. We anticipate this trend to continue in the year to come, with states seeking to fill any voids left by the Bureau.

In February 2019, the CFPB released the highly anticipated revamp of its Payday Rule, reinforcing its more lenient attitude towards payday lenders.

In 2018, the CFPB issued multiple rules, and Congress passed legislation, to clarify, revise and update the regulatory framework applicable to the home mortgage origination and servicing market.

During his tenure, former CFPB Acting Director Mick Mulvaney brought significant changes to the Bureau’s structure and operations. As the new CFPB Director, Kathy Kraninger will have the benefit of a full five-year term to develop her vision for the Bureau’s strategy and priorities.

An internal guide addresses 20 areas of legislation in four Asia-Pacific countries

In markets around the world, White & Case earned many of the legal industry’s top accolades

Meet the talented lawyers who strengthened our Firm in 2023

The relatively free cross-border flow of goods, capital, information and people that have characterized globalization for decades is being replaced by regulatory "clubs" and "fences"

Growth and investment in generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) lifted the technology sector after a slowdown in transaction activity throughout 2023, but regulatory challenges loomed large

M&A and debt market activity declined in 2023, as high interest rates and macroeconomic dislocation saw increasingly cautious dealmakers and lenders put deployment on hold

The war in Ukraine and high energy prices challenged energy transition timetables, but governments and investors were determined to stay the course

Sunset in a city park in China.

Bulgaria established a foreign direct investment screening mechanism. Foreign investors' obligation to file for investment clearance will become effective after implementing regulations are in place.

Taiwan continues to promote FDI under a two-track screening mechanism for foreign and PRC investors.

After a number of years of amendments under the OIA from 2018 to 2021, New Zealand has seen a period of stabilization of the overseas investment regime.

The Republic of Korea continues to welcome foreign investment, with the government actively seeking to ease regulations and update the regulatory framework to be in line with global standards.

Certain businesses related to "Specifically Designated Critical Commodities" have been designated "core" sectors subject to Japan's FDI regime, FEFTA.

India continues to be an attractive destination for foreign investment, ranking as the world's eighth-largest recipient of FDI in 2023.

While restricting the data transfer relating to national security, China issued guidelines to further optimize its foreign investment environment. 

Australia's stringent foreign investment regulations, overseen by the Treasurer and FIRB, safeguard national interests and security.

Now into its second year of operation, the UK's National Security and Investment Act 2021 has become a standard feature of UK transactions for both foreign and domestic investors in certain sensitive sectors.

Foreign direct investment is permissible in the UAE, subject to applicable licensing and ownership conditions.