Join our panel of experts for a discussion on the growing importance of export controls in national security policy and what this means for compliance programs and end-user screening procedures.

In October 2022, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued the Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment (SME) and Advanced Computing Chips Rule Interim Final Rules (AC/S). These rules marked a regulatory shift, as export controls traditionally have been limited to goods with unambiguously clear military applications, often from defense contractors—not from the commercial sector. Additionally, in the wake of the War in Ukraine, the US, UK, EU, Japan, and the Five Eyes have formed a multilateral coalition aimed at preventing high-priority dual-use goods from reaching Russia and laid out in multiple pieces of guidance the best practices for the industry to follow.

This discussion will explore strategies and tools compliance professionals can use for end-user screening to both stay ahead of the regulatory curve and support the maintenance of valued trade and commercial relationships.

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Panelists:

Marwa Hassoun, Associate General Counsel, Global Trade Services, TE Connectivity

Marwa Hassoun is an internationally recognized regulatory attorney with almost two decades of law firm and in-house experience, currently serving as Associate General Counsel, Global Trade Services for TE Connectivity. 

Previously, Marwa was co-leader of ArentFox Schiff LLP's firm's National Security practice, counseling a diverse group of US and non-US companies on international regulatory issues, including civilian and military export controls, economic sanctions, and anti-boycott regulations. In particular, Marwa's work focused on assisting companies, universities, and other entities assess and mitigate risk related to export and sanctions compliance. This included conducting audits and investigates into alleged criminal and civil breaches of US trade control law; creating and enhancing trade compliance programs; benchmarking best practices; advising on the impact of changes in US and international trade policy; as well as regular communications with government agencies at the Departments of Treasury, State, and Commerce.  

Opher Shweiki, Partner, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

Opher Shweiki previously served as the Chief Counsel for Industry and Security and as the Chief of its Division of Policy, Legislation, and Regulations, at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Opher was responsible for overseeing the section’s staff attorneys during all aspects of export control-related matters and other national security programs, supporting the Bureau of Industry and Security. Responsibilities included supervising the investigation, charging and litigation phases of administrative cases; drafting and review of proposed rules and policies; and developing various enforcement program initiatives. 

Prior to joining Commerce, Opher served as the National Security and Cyber Crime Coordinator at the Executive Office for United States Attorneys. In that position, Opher assisted United States Attorney’s Offices across the country to address a variety of programmatic issues in those areas. To further those efforts, Opher regularly worked with members throughout the Department of Justice, including the Attorney General's Office, Deputy Attorney General’s Office, National Security Division and Criminal Division, and was a contributor to the Report of the Attorney General’s Cyber-Digital Task Force. 

Kevin Wolf, J.D., Partner, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

Kevin Wolf has more than 30 years’ experience providing advice and counseling regarding the laws, regulations, policies, practices and politics pertaining to export controls, sanctions, national security reviews of foreign direct investments and other international trade issues. Kevin also has deep experience that includes civil and criminal defense, internal investigations, due diligence audits and compliance program enhancements, as well as being a Special Compliance Officer. His practice focuses on Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and regulations administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

Mr. Wolf previously served as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration (2010- 2017) with the Bureau of Industry and Security, where he developed and implemented policies pertaining to export administration issues, particularly the licensing requirements of EAR.

Howard Mendelsohn, Chief Client Officer, Kharon

Howard works closely with business, compliance, and legal professionals to strengthen programs and controls for managing risks at the intersection of global security and commerce. Howard has over two decades of experience in combating illicit financial activity in both the government and the private sector. Howard served at the U.S. Treasury Department from 2001 to 2011, including as Deputy Assistant Secretary and Assistant Secretary (Acting) for Treasury's Office of Intelligence and Analysis.

Howard led Treasury's intelligence functions, including oversight of analytical production, risk assessment, security, and strategic planning. Following his service at Treasury, Howard held leadership positions in Enterprise Compliance at PNC Financial Services Group. He is a recognized thought leader on global security and risk matters and speaks regularly at conferences.