Regulatory Oversight Podcast

In this crossover episode of Regulatory Oversight and The Consumer Finance Podcast, Mike Yaghi and Lane Page join Taylor Gess from Troutman Pepper Locke's Consumer Financial Services practice group to discuss the hottest areas of state regulatory activity in the point-of-sale space. With federal consumer protection enforcement pulling back in certain areas under the current administration, state regulatory agencies are stepping into the spotlight to take an industrywide approach to point-of-sale finance. The conversation covers regulatory scrutiny around buy now, pay later (BNPL) products following the CFPB's withdrawal of its interpretive rule, a coordinated seven-state inquiry into the U...

In this episode of Regulatory Oversight, host Stephen Piepgrass sits down with colleagues Dave Navetta and Dan Waltz to explore how state AG enforcement is accelerating across privacy, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, and to introduce Troutman Pepper Locke's AI-fueled Regulatory Intelligence Platform.

The discussion opens with a look at the evolving AG enforcement landscape, examining how state regulators have become more active, coordinated, and consequential for companies operating across the U.S. The group unpacks the inherent limitations of traditional research tools and data sourcing for responding to the fast-moving privacy, security, and AI enforcement environment and...

In this crossover episode of Regulatory Oversight and Payments Pros, Stephen Piepgrass and Keith Barnett provide an update on the fast-developing prediction markets landscape. They discuss how federal and state regulators are responding to the growth of event contracts and the legal questions surrounding this emerging market. The conversation highlights the CFTC's continued focus on oversight, market integrity, and the need for platforms to maintain strong controls to detect and prevent manipulation or other improper trading activity.

Stephen and Keith also address the evolving relationship between federal and state regulatory authority, including questions about how prediction markets...

In this episode of Regulatory Oversight, co-host Stephen Piepgrass sits down with Jay Dubow and Ghillaine Reid, co-leaders of the firm's Securities Investigation + Enforcement practice, to explore how the SEC's enforcement agenda is evolving under Chairman Paul Atkins and what that means for public companies, financial institutions, and their executives.

The discussion begins with the SEC's rescission of its long‑standing "gag rule," which had barred settling parties from publicly denying enforcement allegations. The guests explain why the change is significant, how it intersects with First Amendment challenges in the Powell case, and the potential risks for co...

In this episode of Regulatory Oversight's "AI State Regulatory Frontiers" series, co-host Ashley Taylor is joined by colleagues Gene Fishel and Dan Waltz to examine how AI is reshaping expectations for attorneys, clients, and regulators. The discussion focuses on the emerging contours of privilege, work product, and ethics in an era where both attorneys and pro se litigants increasingly rely on AI tools. Using recent federal decisions as case studies, the episode explores how courts are beginning to draw lines around confidentiality, reasonable expectations of privacy, and the proper role of AI in legal work. The conversation then broadens...

In this episode of Regulatory Oversight, host Stephen Piepgrass is joined by his new colleague Jason Smith, a veteran Senate lawyer and strategist who spent more than 15 years on Capitol Hill. Jason's tenure includes advising Senators John Fetterman, Patty Murray, and Mark Begich on high-stakes issues ranging from voting rights and immigration reform to pharmaceutical policy and international trade.

Jason shares how his insider experience — leading major legislative teams, driving tough oversight investigations, and helping secure over $300 million in congressionally directed spending for Pennsylvania communities — now powers the strategic, 360-degree solutions he delivers for clients at Troutman Pepp...

In this episode of Regulatory Oversight, host Ashley Taylor continues the multipart series on artificial intelligence with colleagues Ghillaine Reid, David Stauss, and Matt Berns for a practical look at how states are actually regulating AI in 2025–26. Framed through a consumer protection lens, the discussion moves beyond theoretical federal proposals to real bills and regulations moving through state legislatures today.

David surveys the national landscape, noting that nearly all state legislatures are active and that roughly 500 AI-related bills have been introduced, with major themes around pricing rules, consumer-facing interactive AI, health-related AI, provenance requirements, and the Colorado AI...

In this episode of Regulatory Oversight, host Ashley Taylor continues his multipart series on artificial intelligence (AI) with returning guests Gurkan Ay and Andrew Coles of Resolution Economics. Together, they move beyond headlines and hypotheticals to focus on how AI is being regulated today — and what companies should be doing now to manage risk.

Instead of waiting for a single federal AI law, the conversation explores the reality of "regulation by litigation" and enforcement. Ay and Coles explain how existing legal frameworks — such as anti-discrimination, employment, and privacy laws — already shape how AI can be used, and why th...

In this episode of Regulatory Oversight, co-host Ashley Taylor, co-leader of Troutman Pepper Locke's State Attorneys General team, kicks off a multipart series on artificial intelligence (AI) with guests Gurkan Ay and Andrew Coles of Resolution Economics. They unpack what people really mean by "AI" today and why it is critical for risk, compliance, and legal exposure to distinguish among the three primary "flavors" of AI: predictive, generative, and agentic. In practical terms, they explain how predictive tools that score, rank, and classify individuals rely on historical data, how generative AI enables natural-language interaction but introduces risks like hallucinations...

In this special crossover episode of Regulatory Oversight and FCRA Focus, Kim Phan is joined by Michael Yaghi, partner in Troutman Pepper Locke's Regulatory Investigations, Strategy, and Enforcement practice group, to unpack the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation's (DFPI) latest effort to require registration for the credit reporting industry. They discuss DFPI's second request for comment, how it fits into California's broader push to regulate nonbank financial services, and which entities may be swept in beyond the "big three" consumer reporting agencies — such as furnishers, data brokers, specialty credit reporting agencies, resellers, and fintechs. Kim and Michael al...

In this crossover episode, Regulatory Oversight host Stephen Piepgrass teams up with Payments Pros host Keith Barnett to unpack how prediction markets, gaming, and payments intersect in a rapidly evolving and legally uncertain landscape. Drawing on Keith's extensive regulatory experience, they explain what prediction markets are, why these contracts are treated as swaps rather than securities, and how that distinction affects insider trading issues. Stephen and Keith then address the growing tension between federal regulators and state attorneys general over whether these products are trading or unlicensed sports betting, the CFTC chair's recent criticism of "regulation by enforcement," and...

In this special crossover episode of Regulatory Oversight and The Consumer Finance Podcast, Chris Willis is joined by colleagues Lori Sommerfield and Matthew Berns to discuss New Jersey's sweeping new disparate impact regulations under the Law Against Discrimination. They break down one of the most comprehensive state-level disparate impact rules in the U.S., the contrasts with traditional federal standards, and implications for enforcement in financial services. The discussion dives into credit scores, underwriting models, AI and automated decision-making tools, and the difference between New Jersey's approach and the Trump administration's effort to scale back disparate impact at the...

In this episode of Regulatory Oversight, host Stephen Piepgrass, who leads Troutman Pepper Locke's Regulatory Investigation Strategy and Enforcement (RISE) practice, is joined by partner Lu Reyes for a deep dive into the national security and enforcement implications of predictive markets. The discussion centers on a headline‑grabbing Polymarket trade that appeared to anticipate former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's capture and yielded roughly $400,000 in profit, raising questions about insider trading and classified information leaks.

Stephen and Lu discuss how current regulatory frameworks and enforcement tools struggle to keep pace with emerging predictive markets, particularly where anonymity and...

In this episode of Regulatory Oversight, host Ashley Taylor is joined by Colorado Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez and Troutman Pepper Locke Privacy + Cyber partner David Stauss for an in‑depth discussion of the Colorado AI Act—widely viewed as the nation's first comprehensive legislative framework focused on high‑risk AI systems and algorithmic discrimination. Senator Rodriguez explains how Colorado's work on consumer privacy laid the groundwork for AI regulation and walks through the origins, goals, and core provisions of the Act, including its emphasis on transparency, risk assessments, and protecting consumers in sectors such as employment, housing, health care...

In the final episode of our special 12 Days of Regulatory Insights podcast series, Regulatory Oversight co-host Stephen Piepgrass sits down with Partner Ghillaine Reid — co-leader of the firm's securities investigations and enforcement team and a former SEC New York Regional Office branch chief and staff attorney — to assess how shifts in SEC leadership and composition are reshaping rulemaking and enforcement.

Stephen and Ghillaine begin with a discussion on the impact of SEC Chair Paul Atkins' tenure and the appointment of Enforcement Director Meg Ryan amid significant staff attrition and a cost-cutting "efficiency" ethos that has produced a lean...

In this episode of our special 12 Days of Regulatory Insights podcast series, RISE Partner Clay Friedman is joined by colleague Christy Matelis — a member of the firm's antitrust practice and former Utah assistant attorney general — to unpack what a newly reactivated FTC means for the year ahead.

Clay and Christy discuss the current composition of the three-member, all-Republican Commission following recent changes, the ongoing legal challenges related to former Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter's termination, as well as Chair Andrew Ferguson's draft priorities memo signaling continued focus on technology, privacy, and data security.

Christy discusses what enforcement migh...

In this episode of our special 12 Days of Regulatory Insights podcast series, RISE attorney Nam Kang welcomes Partners Clay Friedman and Mike Yaghi for a practical look at 2025 regulatory enforcement trends in advertising and marketing.

The insightful discussion in this series begins with the growing push for transparent, all‑in pricing aimed at eliminating junk fees and drip pricing. Clay and Mike explain how new and existing state laws intersect with longstanding UDAP principles, and how this patchwork impacts brands across marketing channels. Drawing on decades of experience advising clients on regulatory enforcement actions in the advertising an...

In this episode of our special 12 Days of Regulatory Insights podcast series, RISE partner David Dove is joined by colleague, former State Senator Kirk Dillard, partner at Troutman Strategies to examine 2025 economic development trends and what to expect in 2026. Kirk currently serves as chairman of the Regional Transportation Authority in metropolitan Chicago and was recently appointed to the Illinois Economic Development Corporation. David is the chairman of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents and actively represents clients in economic development projects across the U.S. David and Kirk examine 2025 economic development trends and what to expect in 2026.<...

In this episode of our special 12 Days of Regulatory Insights podcast series, Ashley Taylor, co-leader of Troutman Pepper Locke's State AG team, sits down with Privacy and Cyber chair Ron Raether to discuss how state attorneys general (AGs) are shaping the regulatory landscape for social media and the broader ad tech ecosystem.

Ashley and Ron unpack AG priorities ranging from "AI washing" and scrutiny of predictive analytics — especially algorithmic pricing with consumer and antitrust implications — to the rising focus on consent management, transparency, and the maturity of compliance programs beyond paper policies. Ron explains how AGs are augm...

In this episode of our special 12 Days of Regulatory Insights podcast series, Chris Carlson is joined by colleagues Bryan Haynes and Agustin Rodriguez — members of our Tobacco and Nicotine Practice and RISE Practice Group — to review the year's most consequential developments in the tobacco and nicotine space and what they mean heading into 2026.

The group looks at how states are quickly adopting vapor product directories to help curb illicit, unauthorized products, and discusses the wave of preemption challenges under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Bryan and Agustin explain California's new Unflavored Tobacco List and its interplay with...

In this episode of our special 12 Days of Regulatory Insights podcast series, Stephen Piepgrass is joined by Cole White from our RISE Practice Group's gaming team for a timely, candid conversation on integrity risks and regulatory trends reshaping the legal gaming landscape.

The discussion opens with recent law enforcement investigations touching the NBA, including allegations surrounding rigged high‑stakes poker games and inside information schemes, and explores what those probes may mean for charges, enforcement strategy, and league policy. Stephen and Cole unpack how the rapid expansion of sports wagering is testing compliance frameworks, why certain types of...

In this episode of our special 12 Days of Regulatory Insights podcast series, Gene Fishel, a member of the firm's RISE Practice Group and State AG team, is joined by Partner Dave Navetta of the Privacy + Cyber Practice Group, to discuss the biggest privacy and cyber enforcement themes of 2025 and preview what's ahead for 2026.

Dave breaks down the surge of demand letters and lawsuits targeting website tracking technologies under wiretapping theories, and how regulators — especially in California — are stress-testing opt-out mechanisms, GPC signals, and consent tools. Gene adds a state AG enforcement perspective, highlighting recently utilized AG statutory tool...

In this episode of our special 12 Days of Regulatory Insights podcast series, RISE Practice Group Partners Lauren Fincher and Brian O'Reilly look at practical, recent developments and trends in open records laws for 2025. They explore the diverse — and often competing — perspectives in the public records space: protecting sensitive business information submitted to government versus fulfilling disclosure obligations as a governmental body.

Lauren and Brian cover front-end strategies (including contract language), navigating exceptions to disclosure, seeking attorney general opinions, and litigating adverse rulings. They also share counseling insights for third parties and how requesters can use open records laws...

In this episode of our special 12 Days of Regulatory Insights podcast series, Stephen Piepgrass sits down with partner Mike Yaghi of the RISE practice group and State Attorneys General (AG) team to explore how businesses can strategically engage with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to build consumer trust, bolster reputations, and reduce regulatory risk.

Although the BBB isn't a government agency, it functions as a consumer watchdog — handling complaints, forwarding issues to companies, and, critically, making referrals to regulators like the Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and state AGs. Mike and Stephen explain how maintaining BB...

In this episode of our special 12 Days of Regulatory Insights podcast series, Chris Carlson, a partner in our RISE practice group and member of the State Attorney General (AG) team, is joined by colleagues Lauren Fincher, also a partner in our RISE practice and State AG team, and Barry Boise, a partner in our Health Care + Life Sciences Litigation practice, to examine how state AGs approached the health care sector in 2025, and what's coming next in 2026.

The group discusses how state AGs have moved from focusing on pharma, devices, and nursing homes to scrutinizing the entire health...

In the first episode of our special 12 Days of Regulatory Insights podcast series, Ashley Taylor, co-leader of the firm's State Attorneys General (AG) team, is joined by his colleague Stephanie Kozol, senior government relations manager for the State AG team. Together, they unpack how the latest state AG outcomes shape business risk and strategy — and what's ahead in the 2026 election cycle.

Ashley and Stephanie begin by discussing two immediate developments: Virginia's AG office flips to Democratic control as Jay Jones defeats incumbent Jason Miyares, signaling likely pivots in regulatory actions; and New Jersey's gubernatorial result sets the st...

In this episode of Regulatory Oversight, Stephen Piepgrass is joined by RISE partner Chris Carlson and New Jersey First Assistant Attorney General (AG) Lyndsay Ruotolo for a deep dive into the unique structure, scope, and impact of the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General (OAG). Lyndsay shares how her career in prosecution, county leadership, and federal service shaped a broad, modern view of public safety — one that spans criminal justice, consumer protection, health, and community well-being.

Their conversation covers the OAG's expansive authority, its ability to issue statewide directives, and how close collaboration with law enforcement, co...

In this episode of Regulatory Oversight, Stephen Piepgrass is joined by Zack Condry, co-founder of Watermark Strategies, to analyze the evolving landscape of crisis management and the critical role of strategic communication in navigating complex issues. They explore effective communication strategies, public relations, and the evolving role of AI in managing crises. Zack shares insights from his extensive experience in corporate communications and public affairs, from his background managing political campaigns to his current work developing digital strategies for high-profile clients.

The conversation also addresses the challenges organizations face in information discovery, data privacy, and navigating regulatory...

In this crossover episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast and Regulatory Oversight, Chris Willis is joined by Joseph DeFazio, Bill Foley, and Michael Yaghi to discuss the implications of New York's FAIR Act, a significant amendment to the state's UDAAP statute. The FAIR Act aims to broaden consumer protection by lowering the threshold for legal action against unfair and abusive business practices. With expanded enforcement powers for the state, this legislation could dramatically increase litigation risks for financial services companies operating in New York if the governor signs the bill. Tune in to understand how this legislative shift might...

In this crossover episode of The Good Bot and Regulatory Oversight, Brett Mason, Gene Fishel, and Chris Carlson discuss the latest state laws targeting AI, especially in health care. They break down new legislation in Colorado, Utah, California, and Texas, highlighting differences in scope and enforcement. They also cover how state attorneys general are using consumer protection and anti-discrimination laws to regulate AI, even in states without AI-specific statutes.

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In this episode of our special Regulatory Oversight: Solicitors General Insights series, RISE Counsel Jeff Johnson, a former deputy solicitor general in the Missouri Attorney General's office, welcomes Michigan Solicitor General Ann Sherman and New Jersey Solicitor General Jeremy Feigenbaum. They explore the art of oral advocacy, sharing insights into how they effectively present cases. The conversation also addresses state sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of allowing states to experiment with policies and the impact of bipartisan issues, particularly those that resonate most effectively in front of SCOTUS.

Additionally, the group examines the political dynamics surrounding sovereign immunity...

In this episode of Regulatory Oversight, Stephen Piepgrass, Michael Yaghi, and Dan Waltz conclude their two-part series on the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The group discusses strategies for managing and improving BBB ratings for businesses, while examining how consumer complaints impact potential regulatory actions. They emphasize the importance of addressing these consumer complaints promptly, highlighting the need for effective training and streamlining complaint handling processes within companies to prevent issues from being overlooked.

The group explores the impact of regulatory actions on BBB ratings and the importance of understanding how multistate and single state investigations can affect...

In this episode of Regulatory Oversight, we kick off a two-part series on the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Stephen Piepgrass, Michael Yaghi, and Dan Waltz explore the significance of the BBB for businesses, particularly in relation to regulatory scrutiny and consumer trust. The conversation begins with an overview of the BBB as a quasi-governmental agency, emphasizing its role in consumer complaints and how these are perceived by regulators, including state attorneys general.

The discussion covers practical strategies for businesses to systematically address BBB complaints and improve their ratings. The speakers emphasize the trust consumers and regulators place...

In this episode of our special Regulatory Oversight: Solicitors General Insights series, Jeff Johnson is joined by District of Columbia Solicitor General Caroline Van Zile and Washington Solicitor General Noah Purcell to discuss their respective offices, and the distinct challenges and focuses of each. Noah shares insights into the Washington Solicitor General's Office, and Caroline discusses the multifaceted nature of the District of Columbia Solicitor General's Office, as they balance a diverse array of appellate work and providing legal advice on novel issues.

The episode explores the pressing legal challenges and cases currently being addressed by each...

In this episode of our special Regulatory Oversight: Solicitors General Insights series, Jeff Johnson is joined by Iowa Solicitor General Eric Wessan and Indiana Solicitor General James Barta to discuss their roles and responsibilities, as well as the current legal challenges their offices are facing. The conversation delves into the intricacies of state and federal court appeals, highlighting the significant amount of work done in state courts.

Eric explains the Iowa solicitor general division's focus on agriculture and energy, emphasizing the importance of defending state laws and handling appeals. He also discusses the unique appellate process in...

In this episode of the Regulatory Oversight podcast, Stephen Piepgrass welcomes David Navetta, Lauren Geiser, and Dan Waltz to discuss the $51.75 million nationwide class settlement involving Clearview AI and its broader implications. The conversation focuses on Clearview AI's facial recognition software, which has sparked controversy due to its use of publicly available images to generate biometric data.

The discussion begins with an overview of the facial recognition software, followed by an analysis of alleged privacy law violations, particularly concerning the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). David provides insights into biometric data and its implications, while Dan explores...

In this crossover episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast and Regulatory Oversight, Chris Willis, Kim Phan, and Stephen Piepgrass provide insights on a new joint privacy task force among several state AGs, known as the Consortium of Privacy Regulators. The consortium recently outlined goals to share state resources and align enforcement priorities regarding consumer harm and privacy rights. In response to an anticipated shift of regulatory scrutiny from federal agencies to state leaders, this episode focuses on specific steps financial services companies should consider when dealing with consumer privacy, data, complaints, and inquiries to ensure compliance and mitigate potential...

In this episode of Regulatory Oversight, Stephen Piepgrass is joined by colleagues Brad Weber and Christy Matelis from the firm's Antitrust Practice Group to explore the evolving landscape of right-to-repair laws across the United States.

The discussion delves into the complexities of the right-to-repair movement, highlighting the patchwork nature of state laws and the absence of a national framework. Christy outlines the consumer-driven push for the ability to repair and modify products ranging from cell phones to agricultural equipment, while Brad explains the role of federal statutes like the FTC Act and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act in...

Join us for a special crossover episode of The Consumer Finance Podcast and Regulatory Oversight, where Chris Willis, Kim Phan, and Gene Fishel delve into the evolving world of state AI legislation. As AI becomes a pivotal tool in the financial services industry, understanding the implications of new laws is crucial. This episode focuses on Colorado's comprehensive AI law and its potential influence on other states, exploring key issues such as algorithmic discrimination, privacy, and cybersecurity. Gain insights into best practices for compliance and learn how state attorneys general are stepping up enforcement in the absence of federal action...

In this episode of our special Regulatory Oversight: Solicitors General Insights series, Jeff Johnson, a former deputy solicitor general in the Missouri Attorney General's office, welcomes Scott Stewart, solicitor general of Mississippi, and Matt Rice, solicitor general of Tennessee. The episode uncovers the intricacies of being a state solicitor general and the impact of their work on state and national levels.

Scott and Matt discuss the unique aspects of their positions, emphasizing their roles as lead advocates in appellate litigation and the importance of maintaining consistency across vast state litigation. The conversation covers their day-to-day responsibilities, including...