In this episode of From the Editor’s Desk, Tom Fox sits down with Aaron Nicodemus for a lively and insightful look back at the biggest compliance stories from March, while also previewing the trends, enforcement issues, and events set to shape April. They also begin the countdown to the 2026 Compliance Week National Conference in May.
Tom and Aaron break down the fast-moving, policy-driven shifts in U.S. sanctions on Venezuela, Iran, and Russia, and explore how companies are balancing business opportunities with escalating geopolitical and compliance risks amid a volatile oil market. They spotlight Compliance Week’s feature on illegal mining, unpacking its deep connections to financial crime, corruption, and supply chain exposure. The conversation also examines a notable March FCPA declination under the DOJ’s new Corporate Enforcement Policy, focusing on what it signals about voluntary self-disclosure, remediation, cooperation credit, and the Department’s continued emphasis on prosecuting individuals. Along the way, they consider possible aggravating factors, including payments tied to designated criminal or terrorist groups, and what these developments may mean for the future of cross-border enforcement cooperation.
Looking ahead, Tom and Aaron preview the 2026 Compliance Week National Conference, taking place May 6–8 in Washington, DC, including awards finalists, anticipated remarks from DOJ and SEC officials, and timely sessions on AI, whistleblowers, and emerging compliance challenges. They also highlight the conference’s expanded commitment to new voices and share an early look at the Third Party Risk Management & Supply Chain Summit, coming October 26–28 in Chicago.
Resources:
Aaron Nicodemus on LinkedIn