Author: Michael Volkov

5 Oct, 2025

World Economic Forum: Trade Compliance for Leadership

I have written extensively on the importance of trade compliance. The risk landscape has changed rapidly with the Russia-Ukraine war, the Trump Administration’s focus on tariffs, economic nationalism, and sanctions and export control enforcement. Along with these significant trends, companies have increased focus on supply chain risks and management. A new report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) and PWC, Trade Compliance for Leadership, presents...

General

2 Oct, 2025

LRN Report on Code of Conduct Trends

You can always count on LRN as a consistent source of important ethics and compliance program trends and insights. In its latest report, LRN provided important insights on company Codes of Conduct. The last report from LRN on this topic was in 2023. LRN’s Report included a comprehensive review of nearly 200 global Codes and a new survey from over 2,000 employees across 15 countries. ...

General

29 Sep, 2025

NAVEX State of Risk and Compliance Report

Like the annual Presidential State of the Union Address, NAVEX’s yearly State of Risk and Compliance Report provides important insights and benchmarks against which compliance professionals can measure their own accomplishments and upcoming priorities. This year, NAVEX surveyed nearly 1000 risk and compliance professionals. The headline findings are fascinating and impportant to consider. The New Priority of Artificial Intelligence (AI) We are all aware of...

General

17 Sep, 2025

The Ever-Evolving Framework for Third-Party Risk Management

Compliance has its lingo — and one particular one I like, Third-Party Risk Management or “TPRM.” Years ago, everyone cited third-party risks. Now, we use TPRM as if everyone knows exactly what it stands for. The language usually evolves with the substance. And that is certainly true. The coverage of third-party risk has expanded with the years to embrace many new risks, issues and challenges....

Events

15 Sep, 2025

Webinar: DOJ Pushes Aggressive Trade Enforcement Strategy

Webinar: DOJ Pushes Aggressive Trade Enforcement Strategy October 21, 2025, 12 Noon Sign-Up HERE The Trump Administration has warned that DOJ and regulatory agencies (OFAC, BIS and DDTC) intend to seek stiff punishment for violations of tariffs, sanctions and export controls. DOJ’s new initiative has been unveiled in two significant enforcement actions — Cadence Design Systems and Unicat Catalyst — where DOJ organized a comprehensive...

General

11 Sep, 2025

DOJ Settles Two False Claims Act Cases for Evasion of Customs Duties

The Trump Justice Department has fully embraced the False Claims Act, stretching its use to include trade enforcement. DOJ recognizes the power of the FCA, the issues at stake, and the ability to extract large settlements. DOJ has used the FCA to capture companies that evade customs duties. DOJ’s recent actions are a reminder for import companies to carefully scrutinize valuation and customs duties to...

Podcasts

7 Sep, 2025

Episode 385 –Five Strategies to Mitigate a New Risk Environment

What do you do when the headlines shift faster than your risk matrix can keep up? In this episode, Michael Volkov dives into the challenge of adapting compliance programs in the face of volatile and fast-changing global risks—from tariffs and trade controls to supply chain disruptions and third-party exposures. While the pressure to react is constant, the real key is staying anchored in your company’s...

General

2 Sep, 2025

Checking In with Trump’s DOJ On Antitrust Enforcement

The Trump Administration’s handling of antitrust enforcement issues is generally viewed as a wild-card — meaning there are issues of concern or focus that may not fit the “traditional” antitrust enforcement model. Depending on the issue and the players, DOJ’s antitrust interest may surprise various practitioners and commentators. Trump’s nomination of Gail Slater as DOJ’s Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division was universally praised...

Podcasts

2 Sep, 2025

Episode 384 — Third-Party Risks and Sanctions

With the beginning of the aggressive trade enforcement era, companies need to focus on third-party risk and sanctions enforcement. The law, the practice, and the risks are important. As we embark on a new criminal enforcement era surrounding sanctions violations, companies have to address this issue and do it correctly. In this episode, Michael Volkov takes a comprehensive look at third-party risks from the distribution...

General

25 Aug, 2025

Threat Digital Enhances its DiligenAI with Network Report Feature

With all of the hoopla and hysteria focused on AI and information systems, Threat.Digital, a long-time affiliate of The Volkov Law Group, Chris Focacci, CEO of Threat Digital, is a technology leader. Chris has the ability to explain practical application of AI technology, due diligence and information systems. He is a terrific resource and I urge all interested parties to reach out and speak with...