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Compliance Into the Weeds

Microsoft OFAC Enforcement Action

The award-winning, Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into a compliance-related topic, literally going into the weeds to explore a subject more fully. In this episode, join Tom and Matt as they delve into Microsoft’s recent sanctions enforcement action with OFAC. They explore what went wrong and how to avoid costly compliance failures, from potential red flags to reseller relationships. But it’s not all doom and gloom as they discuss how Microsoft implemented three lines of defense model for sanctions compliance, setting a benchmark for the industry. With Tom and Matt going into the weeds on the importance of centralization and persistent screening technology, this podcast is a must-listen for any compliance officer looking to stay ahead of the curve. Tune in now to find out more!” 

Key Highlights 

·      Sanctions compliance case involving Microsoft

·      Microsoft’s Sanctions Compliance Model

·      Microsoft’s Sanctions Compliance Program Remediation

·      Sanctions Compliance and OFAC Guidance

·      Impact of Russia invasion on Microsoft operations

 Notable Quote:

“It’s well worth giving the case a good look. So it was, I thought, a great lesson on resellers and the way the hardware and software industry did business.”?

 Resources

Matt  on LinkedIn

Matt on Radical Compliance

Tom

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Daily Compliance News

March 18, 2023 – The Corrupt Client Edition

Welcome to the Daily Compliance News. Each day, Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance, brings you compliance-related stories to start your day. Sit back, enjoy a cup of morning coffee, and listen to the Daily Compliance News. All from the Compliance Podcast Network. Each day we consider four stories from the business world, compliance, ethics, risk management, leadership, or general interest for the compliance professional.

Stories we are following in today’s edition of Daily Compliance News:

  • My client is the speaker. (Law360)
  • The US sanctions the former Bosnia Intelligence Chief for corruption. (Balkan Insights)
  • Lessons from the Householder conviction. (Cincinnati Enquirer)
  • Jes Staley to be deposed over Epstein connections. (Reuters)
Categories
Compliance Kitchen

Compliance Kitchen – Navigating OFAC’s Latest Guidance on Russia’s Metals and Mining Sector

The Compliance Kitchen, hosted by Silvia Surman, is a podcast that examines and evaluates the changing legal framework of international compliance. In this episode, Silvia examines OFAC’s brand new determination concerning the metals and mining sector of the Russian Khanate. She provides listeners with an FAQ about the determination and explains that it authorizes certain energy-related transactions or if General Licensed 6C only authorizes those activities. Silvia further elaborates that the license authorizes transactions related to the production, manufacturing, sale, transport, or provision of medicine and medical devices. Tune into Compliance Kitchen to stay updated with the evolving legal framework of international compliance.

Notable Quotes

1. “This February 24 determination authorizes sanctions on any person that the government determines to operate or have operated in the metals and mining sector of the Russian economy.”

2. “OFAC does not intend to target persons for operating in this metals and mining sectors where the provision of their goods and services is solely for safety and care of personnel protection of human life, prevention of accidents or injuries, maintenance, necessary repairs, to avoid significant or environmental damage or activities that are related to environmental mitigation or remediation.”

3. “Non-US persons generally do not risk exposure to US blocking sanctions. Under executive order 14024 for engaging in transactions with black persons, including in the metals and mining sector where those transactions would not require a license if a US person were engaging in the transactions.”

4. “Non-US persons generally do not risk exposure to US blocking sanctions if they engage in transactions in the mining and metals sector. If General License 8F would normally authorize such transactions as in Frank. That 1 authorizes certain energy-related transactions or if General would only authorize those activities Licensed 6C. That license authorizes certain transactions related to the production, manufacturing, sale, transport, or provision of medicine, medical devices, including certain industrial isotopes used in nuclear medicine.”

Categories
Compliance Kitchen

Compliance Kitchen on OFAC and DOJ Developments

The Compliance Kitchen returns with a wrap-up of the week’s top trade and economic sanction issues. In today’s episode, Silvia Surman looks at OFAC issues Russia-related sanctions licenses and allows for limited marine activities on SDN vessels; DOJ obtains a guilty plea for EAR violations due to unlicensed exports of chemicals to a Chinese SOE listed on the Entity List.

Categories
Corruption, Crime and Compliance

Matt Stankiewicz on the Bittrex OFAC and FinCEN Enforcement Action

powered by Sounder

In this episode, cryptocurrency expert Matt Stankiewicz discusses why sanctions and AML compliance need to be taken seriously in the cryptocurrency industry.

Matt Stankiewicz, a Partner at Volkov Law, is a leading industry expert on cryptocurrency. Bittrex, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, suffered twin enforcement actions for AML and Sanctions Compliance deficiencies. Matt takes a deep dive into the enforcement actions and outlines practical compliance steps that every cryptocurrency exchange should implement.

Join us as we discuss the following:

  • The enforcement action on Bittrex led by OFAC and FinCEN
  • Why compliance risks are increasing in the cryptocurrency industry
  • Practical steps that all cryptocurrency exchanges should implement

To reach Matt, email him at: mstankiewicz@volkovlaw.com

Categories
Daily Compliance News

October 14, 2022 The Ascot Rant Edition

In today’s edition of Daily Compliance News:

  • Crypto groups sue Treasury over Tornado cash sanctions. (WSJ)
  • Rant at Ascot ends Deloitte’s career. (FT)
  • Venezuela objects to Citgo sale. (Reuters)
  • When pay-to-play goes local. (The Mercury News)
Categories
Daily Compliance News

May 9, 2022 the Business Travel Rebounds Edition


In today’s edition of Daily Compliance News:
·      A Virtual currency put on sanctions list. (WSJ)
·      Business travel rebounds. (Bloomberg)
·      Feds move to seize Armenian politician mansion in LA.  (LATimes)
·      Twitter shareholders sue to stop Musk purchase.  (Reuters)

Categories
Corruption, Crime and Compliance

Episode 232 – OFAC Settles with S&P Global for $78,750 for violation of Ukraine-Russia Sanctions


OFAC recently announced a settlement with OFAC for $78,750 for violations of the Ukraine-Russia Sanctions Program. The enforcement action provides important reminders relating to compliance with various “deby” maturity restrictions and how OFAC construes this restriction. Michael Volkov reviews OFAC’s enforcement action against S&P Global in this episode.

Categories
Daily Compliance News

April 26, 2022 the Trump Ordered to Comply Edition


In today’s edition of Daily Compliance News:

  • Toll Holdings agrees to sanctions violations. (WSJ)
  • NY state judge holds Trump in contempt. (NYT)
  • Using blockchain to help fight corruption. (YaHooNews)
  • Musk buys twitter. (Bloomberg)
Categories
Compliance Kitchen

Additional Russia Sanctions


OFAC, State Dept. issue further Russia restrictions and General Licenses.