Understanding the New BIS 50% Rule: Implications for Compliance, Risk, and Strategic Response

Recorded on Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Evolving global trade restrictions and ownership disclosure requirements continue to reshape compliance obligations for organizations worldwide. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) introduced its 50% Rule, also known as the Affiliates Rule, fundamentally expanding export control obligations. Under this rule, any entity that is 50% or more owned by a listed party is now also subject to restrictions, even if it does not appear on the BIS Entity List.

In this webinar, experts from Kharon and Descartes unpack the critical nuances of the new BIS 50% Rule and its implications across industries. Through real-world case studies and practical insights, they explore how organizations can strengthen compliance programs under the new rule and proactively manage risk exposure in a dynamic regulatory landscape. Learn how Kharon and Descartes’ joint solution can help your compliance teams identify hidden risks, address enforcement vulnerabilities, and adapt processes to meet evolving global standards.

Speakers:

Mark Nakhla, Chief Research Officer, Kharon

Mark Nakhla is the Chief Research Officer at Kharon, where he is responsible for the integrity and strategic direction of all Kharon investigative research, data and analysis. He has deep domain expertise in Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and analysis, and on the activities of sanctioned networks targeted by US and international sanctions.

Previously, Mark served as a sanctions officer at the US Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) between 2002-2005 and 2011-2013 investigating terrorist groups and their networks of financiers and facilitators in the Middle East, Asia and beyond. He also served at the US Department of Defense as a Middle East policy adviser to the Secretary of Defense, and at Booz Allen Hamilton, where he focused on national security issues, strategic research and policy planning.

Mark’s functional OSINT and policy expertise focuses on global sanctions, illicit finance, due diligence and compliance, risk management, political-military affairs, security cooperation, and counter-terrorism issues.

Jackson Wood, Director of Industry Strategy, Global Trade Intelligence, Descartes Systems Group

Jackson Wood is the Director, Industry Strategy, operating across Descartes’ Global Trade Intelligence business. Jackson works collaboratively with Product Management, Global Marketing and Commercial Operations partners to help develop and deliver solutions that address the increasing complexity and volatility of today’s global trade environment. With a keen focus on both the present and emerging needs of Descartes’ customers, Jackson leverages his 15+ years of experience in market research, strategic planning, change management and corporate development to provide meaningful insights that help increase and amplify the value clients realize from Descartes’ solutions. Jackson joined the organization in December 2019, and brings over a decade of trade compliance industry experience to his role.