The Meridian

The bi-weekly compliance newsletter delivering practical insights on risk, regulation, and responsible innovation from veterans and builders in finance.

Hi Equinox Community 👋

Crypto regulation just got real. The GENIUS Act is moving through implementation, the FDIC and OCC are proposing stablecoin rules, and AI model governance expectations are compounding fast. Next week, we're bringing compliance, risk, and legal operators together in San Diego to talk through what's changing and what it means for your programs. Also in this issue: GLBA and data privacy, enterprise risk management, and a practical breakdown of earned wage access compliance.

On our radar 📡

The regulatory environment around crypto and AI is shifting faster than most compliance programs can keep up. In April alone, Treasury proposed new AML and sanctions requirements for stablecoin issuers under the GENIUS Act, the FDIC released its own implementing rules, and the OCC finalized new guidance on bank powers and preemption. For compliance teams at banks, fintechs, and crypto companies, the window between “proposed” and “expected” is shrinking.

That’s why we’re hosting Building Trust in Crypto and AI: Navigating Fintech Compliance, an in-person gathering in San Diego on May 6. The evening features talks from Amber de Volk, Joseph Ciccolo, and Uriel Ash on what’s changing in crypto compliance and AI oversight, followed by a screening of Self Custody (2026) and a live Q&A with filmmakers Garrett Patten and Adrian Grenier.

If you work in compliance, risk, legal, or security and want to spend an evening with people navigating the same fast-moving expectations, this is it. RSVP →​

From the blog 📝

🔒 GLBA compliance and data privacy for financial institutions. Most GLBA programs have gaps between what the privacy notice promises and what the institution actually does. Here’s what the law requires and where programs fall short. Read more →​

📝 Enterprise risk management for financial institutions. Regulators evaluate ERM as a core component of safety and soundness, not a checkbox. This guide covers what a defensible framework looks like in practice. Read more →​

💸 What is earned wage access? A compliance guide for providers and platforms. The EWA market is growing fast, and so is regulatory scrutiny. State laws, CFPB oversight, and licensing questions are all in play. Read more →​

Watch and learn 🤓

📽️ Model Training for Regulated AI | On-demand Webinar

A practical session for compliance and risk leaders building governance around AI model development, validation, and ongoing monitoring in regulated environments. Watch now →​

Upcoming events 📅

🗽 NY Fintech Week. April 27 – May 1 | New York | Learn more →​

🔐 Building Trust in Crypto and AI. May 6 | San Diego | RSVP →​

🌴 Finovate Spring. May 5–7 | San Diego | Register here →​

💡 Fintech Week SF. May 26–29 | San Francisco | Learn more →​

Have a question or want to connect? Reach out to us!

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See you in two weeks,

Emily