Wolters Kluwer analysis finds federal regulatory enforcement remains at historic lows as states and private litigants attempt to fill accountability void

Core Insights - Federal regulatory enforcement has reached historic lows, with penalties dropping 83% in the second half of 2025, from $3.93 billion in the first half to $654 million, indicating a significant decline in federal actions and monetary consequences [1][2][4] Regulatory Environment - Total violations remained relatively stable at 132 in the second half of 2025, but enforcement activity had already seen a significant decline earlier in the year, leading to a reshaped compliance landscape [2][5] - The combination of limited federal supervision and lower penalties has increased reliance on state regulators and private litigation, creating a more complex compliance environment for organizations [3][5] Enforcement Trends - Federal actions fell dramatically from 45 in the second half of 2024 to just five in the second half of 2025, with a 61% decline in penalties and a 69% decrease in violations [4][5] - The shift in enforcement dynamics appears to be structural rather than temporary, as states are stepping up their enforcement efforts in response to the federal pullback [5] Compliance Risk - Organizations now face greater exposure due to a fragmented mix of state enforcement regimes and private lawsuits, weakening traditional deterrence signals [3][5] - The Regulatory Violations Intelligence Index, powered by Wolters Kluwer's proprietary database, helps compliance professionals anticipate regulatory shifts and benchmark risk exposure [6]