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    Nov. 4, 2026

A Primer on Trade Controls for Compliance Professionals: Building a Stronger Program

As trade controls compliance becomes more complex, the need for rigorous and current compliance programs is increasingly pressing. This final article in a four-part series on trade controls for compliance professionals explores how organizations can strengthen their programs and effectively manage trade-related risks. Part one defined and differentiated the most common trade controls, including sanctions, export controls, customs and tariffs. Part two explored the current enforcement landscape. Part three considered which companies are at greatest risk, what elements of a business influence that risk and the most likely ways companies can run afoul of trade controls. See “Export-Control Compliance Lessons From the BAE and GE ITAR Settlements” (Oct. 21, 2026).

DOJ and FBI Officials Explain Why the Cybercrime Landscape Is Worse Than You Think

Cybercrime threats to organizations continue to multiply and become more damaging, according to Jason Cromartie, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Cincinnati office, and Deputy Assistant AG Josh Goldfoot, who were the keynote speakers at the 25th Annual Compliance & Ethics Institute presented by SCCE. The FBI and DOJ officials discussed the evolving threats to organizations posed by ransomware, social engineering and attacks enabled or augmented by AI; described the roles and successes of the FBI and DOJ in fighting cybercrime; and emphasized how effective cooperation with law enforcement promotes security. This article distills their insights. See “Cybersecurity and AI Are Top Global Business Challenges Identified in Kroll Study” (Jul. 16, 2025).

Southern Glazer’s Settlement Highlights How Compliance Can Mitigate the Risks of Domestic and Commercial Bribery

Many compliance and ethics programs originated as a way to mitigate foreign bribery risk. However, as compliance has demonstrated its effectiveness in preventing and detecting all sorts of crimes, it has become a deciding factor in settlements beyond the FCPA. In September 2026, Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, LLC, was able to settle domestic commercial bribery charges with a non-prosecution agreement in part because of its compliance program. The Anti-Corruption Report spoke with both defense counsel and in-house experts to understand what the settlement indicates about compliance expectations for companies operating within the United States. See “Commercial Bribery: The FCPA’s Forgotten Counterpart” (Jul. 8, 2020).

LOGZONE Marks a First in FCA Cyber Enforcement

A recent DOJ settlement signals that government contractors can face False Claims Act (FCA) liability for cybersecurity compliance failures even without a whistleblower complaint, voluntary self-disclosure or data breach, making accurate compliance assessments more critical than ever. In the DOJ’s settlement with defense contractor LOGZONE, the company agreed to pay $507,144 to resolve claims brought under the FCA alleging that it knowingly failed to comply with cybersecurity requirements in Navy contracts. This article explores the implications of the settlement. See “What to Know (and Do) About the DOJ’s Efforts to Identify and Prosecute Cybersecurity Fraud Under the False Claims Act” (Dec. 4, 2024).

Ideas From Activision Blizzard for Building Trust to Strengthen Training and Investigations

An organization can boost the success of its speak-up program and internal investigations by working creatively to build a trusting, respectful employee experience. Activision Blizzard, a video game holding company responsible for games such as Call of Duty and World of Warcraft, has leveraged its company culture to build a compliance program that puts employees at the center. During a session at SCCE’s annual Compliance & Ethics Institute held in September 2026, Activision Blizzard team members discussed how they have fostered trust across three distinct business units to strengthen their training and investigations programs. This article distills their insights. See “Survey Suggests Seven Practical Tips for Increasing Hotline Effectiveness” (Mar. 25, 2026).

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