New Presidential Directive Seeks To Increase Government Oversight Over Arbitration Agreements And The Arbitral Selection Process

Recent legislative and judicial developments in Colombia have significantly expanded access to arbitration, introducing executive arbitration procedures and restoring arbitral jurisdiction over state contract disputes. These reforms provide businesses with faster enforcement mechanisms and greater flexibility in resolving commercial disputes, particularly those involving public entities.

President Petro has signaled his intent for Colombia to “withdraw from the international investment arbitration system because the courts end up resolving disputes in favor of private entities.”...

Most claims that have to be pursued by way of a court proceeding are subject to a limitation period, i.e., a time period

Executive arbitration offers several advantages, but it also raises concerns. In this episode of "A Lo Legal En Par Minutos," Partner Edwin Cortés and litigation attorney María Paula Zarco...

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The USPTO has released new templates and guidance for AIA trial proceedings, announced key appointments including a Chief AI Officer, and published updated procedures for patent applications and subject matter eligibility declarations. Director Squires delivered multiple addresses emphasizing the constitutional importance of intellectual property rights while the agency expanded its community engagement efforts and international collaboration through WIPO's Global IP Assignment Platform pilot program.

US national securities exchanges are preparing to launch 23x5 trading by December 6, 2026, marking the most significant expansion of trading hours in decades. This comprehensive analysis examines the regulatory approvals, operational infrastructure changes, investor protection mechanisms, and issuer considerations necessary to support overnight equity trading from Sunday through Thursday evenings.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has approved FINRA Rule 3290, which will replace existing rules governing outside business activities and private securities transactions for registered persons. This new rule narrows the scope to focus on investment-related activities while maintaining similar supervisory obligations for member firms. Understanding the key changes and implementation requirements will be critical for broker-dealers as they update their compliance policies and procedures.

As Congress prepares for its postelection lame-duck session, lawmakers face critical decisions on government funding, defense authorization, and potential debt-limit increases. The election outcome will determine whether Republicans push through major legislation before potentially surrendering control, or whether both parties defer negotiations into 2027. With permitting reform, tax extenders, and reconciliation packages on the table...

California's new SB 574 establishes the first statutory framework governing attorneys' and arbitrators' use of generative artificial intelligence, imposing verification requirements and disclosure obligations that take effect in January 2027. The law responds to recent court sanctions for AI hallucinations while leaving unresolved critical questions about privilege, work-product protection, and the boundaries between permissible assistance and impermissible delegation.

The SEC Division of Examinations has released its fiscal year 2027 examination priorities, signaling continued focus on investment adviser fiduciary obligations, broker-dealer financial responsibility, and Regulation Best Interest while adapting to evolving market practices. Private credit, artificial intelligence governance, and retail investor protection emerge as prominent areas of scrutiny, with examiners expected to probe valuation practices, conflicts of interest, and technology controls across regula

On September 29, 2026, the final phase of Section 232 pharmaceutical tariffs took effect, imposing an additional 100 percent ad valorem duty on many imported patented pharmaceuticals and ingredients. While these duties may substantially increase import costs, several customs and trade mechanisms may be available to reduce, eliminate, or defer the tariffs.

California's September 2026 legislative session produced sweeping changes to AI and privacy regulation, with Governor Newsom signing dozens of bills while vetoing others on feasibility grounds. As federal leadership signals preference for industry self-regulation, the state continues to expand protections for minors online, strengthen data broker requirements...

The SEC has proposed a comprehensive overhaul of transfer agent regulations that would formally recognize distributed ledger technology and blockchain-based recordkeeping systems within the existing regulatory framework. This modernization effort imposes enhanced operational, safeguarding, and compliance obligations while establishing technology-neutral standards that could significantly impact tokenization initiatives and digital asset market infrastructure.