The European Data Protection Board Releases New Guidelines on the Processing of Personal Data for Scientific Research

SEC Proposes Expanded Offering Reforms for Closed-End Funds and BDCs

In this episode, we deliver a concise analysis of the SEC’s May 19, 2026 release proposing major amendments to the registered offering framework for business development companies (BDCs) and registered closed-end funds (CEFs). The discussion centers on the SEC’s push for parity between these funds and operating companies, including the elimination of public float thresholds, the introduction of new eligibility categories based on exchange listing and reporting compliance, and expanded access to short-form registration and shelf offerings. We also break down the implications for unlisted and non-traded funds, including federal preemption of state registration for certain BDCs and changes to Rule 473.

SEC Proposes Major Overhaul of Public Company Reporting Framework: Two-Tier Filer Status System, Expanded Disclosure Accommodations, and New Relief for the Smallest Filers

In this episode, we break down the SEC’s May 19, 2026 proposed amendments to the public company reporting framework. The discussion covers the most sweeping simplification of filer status in over twenty years, including the elimination of intermediate filer categories and a sharp increase in the large accelerated filer (LAF) threshold from $700 million to $2 billion. We explain how these changes will shift nearly 80% of public companies to non-accelerated filer (NAF) status, resulting in significant compliance cost reductions and streamlined reporting requirements.

China’s NMPA Issues Final Measures on Regulatory Data Protection

This episode offers a concise breakdown of China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and its newly issued implementation measures for drug trial data protection, effective May 15, 2026. The hosts explain which types of data are eligible for protection, detail the NMPA’s tiered system—ranging from six years for innovative drugs to zero for follow-on generics—and clarify the procedural requirements for securing these rights. They also discuss the critical operational impacts for life sciences companies, including the need for early strategic planning and the implications of strict filing windows.

Colorado Scales Back AI Law, with Targeted Implications for Health Care

In this episode, we provide a concise overview of Colorado’s newly enacted AI Act, SB 26189, which was signed into law on May 14, 2026, and replaces the previous 2024 legislation. The discussion covers the law’s delayed effective date of January 1, 2027, and highlights key changes, including the removal of the duty of care to avoid algorithmic discrimination and mandatory impact assessments. We break down the new documentation and record retention requirements for AI developers and deployers, consumer rights such as the ability to request correction instructions and human review, and the exclusive enforcement authority of the Colorado Attorney General.

U.S. House Select Committee Releases Report on NASA’s Research Security and Enforcement of the Wolf Amendment

In this episode, we break down the May 14, 2026 U.S. House Select Committee report on NASA’s enforcement of the Wolf Amendment, which prohibits NASA-funded collaborations with Chinese entities. We discuss how the committee’s broad interpretation of “collaboration”—including simple co-authorship with PRC-affiliated researchers—led to flagged compliance issues, and highlight significant analytical gaps in the report’s methodology.