On April 24 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) passed a groundbreaking new rule that bans employers from imposing non-compete agreements on their workers. This new regulation, which is scheduled to become effective 120 days after being published in the Federal Register, has the potential to significantly impact businesses across the United States, forcing them to reconsider their strategies for retaining talent and protecting corporate secrets. The rule is not yet effective and it may not reach that point. Let's take an overview of the new rules, discuss how they might affect existing non-compete agreements, and explore alternative measures businesses can take to adapt to this change.

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has proposed a new rule aimed at combating money laundering in the U.S. residential real estate sector. The rule would require certain professionals involved in non-financed residential real estate transactions to report information to FinCEN, including beneficial ownership details of entities and trusts receiving the property. This nationwide reporting requirement builds on FinCEN's existing Geographic Targeting Order program and is designed to enhance transparency while minimizing business burden. The proposed rule, if finalized, would help law enforcement investigate and prosecute money laundering through U.S. residential real estate, protecting the country's economic and national security. A fact sheet about the proposed rule from FinCEN.gov can be accessed at the link below.

The digital age has brought about a new frontier in estate planning: the protection of our online assets. From social media accounts and email to cryptocurrency and cloud storage, our digital lives hold a wealth of personal and financial value. Yet, many people neglect to consider these assets when planning their estates, leaving their loved ones with a confusing and often daunting task in the wake of their death.