On February 18, 2026, the District of Columbia announced new measures aimed at strengthening securities regulations in order to combat financial fraud and protect investors. The Securities Bureau of the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) has revealed that these measures come in response to a recent spike in fraudulent schemes targeting residents of the District.One of the key changes introduced by the new regulations is the requirement for all individuals and entities offering securities within the District to undergo a thorough background check before they can be approved to operate. This is meant to weed out potential scammers and ensure that only legitimate investment opportunities are available to residents.Furthermore, the DISB has increased its enforcement efforts by hiring additional staff members to investigate and prosecute securities violations. This move is expected to send a strong message to fraudsters that the District will not tolerate any form of financial misconduct.In addition, the District of Columbia is also working on enhancing its investor education programs to empower residents with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed investment decisions. By providing more resources and guidance, the DISB aims to prevent individuals from falling victim to fraudulent schemes and Ponzi schemes.District of Columbia Mayor, in a statement, emphasized the importance of protecting investors and cracking down on financial fraud. He stated, "We are committed to ensuring the integrity of our financial markets and safeguarding the investments of our residents. These new regulations will help us achieve that goal and send a clear message that fraudulent activities will not be tolerated in the District."Overall, the District of Columbia's efforts to strengthen securities regulations demonstrate its commitment to protecting investors and maintaining the integrity of the financial industry. By implementing these new measures, the District hopes to create a safer and more transparent investment environment for its residents.