As universities navigate an increasingly complex global research landscape, understanding the contours of U.S. export controls has never been more critical. In this event, experts from Akin Gump will spotlight key recent developments and emerging trends—amid regulatory uncertainty—including BIS’s implementation and subsequent suspension of the Affiliates (50%) Rule, as well as industry-informed due diligence practices that can help strengthen campus compliance programs. We will also clarify the scope of the recent loosening of certain Syria-related restrictions, examine how pending IEEPA litigation before the Supreme Court may (or may not) reshape federal authority over export controls, and assess the trajectory of the broader U.S. export control framework as we look toward 2026. Designed for university compliance leaders, this presentation aims to translate complex and shifting regulatory dynamics into practical, actionable guidance to help institutions facilitate and safeguard their research, partnerships, and innovation in a rapidly evolving environment. 

Speakers

Kevin Wolf

Partner, International Trade

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP 

Bio: Kevin Wolf is a partner in Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP’s international trade practice. He provides export control compliance and related advice to a wide variety of industries. He is also a non-Resident Senior Fellow at Georgetown University’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET). He is also a Special Compliance Officer for a State Department consent agreement with a defense contractor regarding alleged violations of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Mr. Wolf served for seven years (2010-2017) as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration in the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) at the Department of Commerce. In this role, his primary responsibility was leading the administration of the export control, licensing, and other functions of BIS. In addition, he was one of the primary architects of the Export Control Reform initiative. He was also a Commerce Department representative to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). His professional focus for more than 30 years has been on all aspects of export controls, investment controls, and other international trade regulatory issues.

Susan Kovarovics

Partner, International Trade

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

Bio: Susan Kovarovics has more than 25 years of experience providing practical solutions for legal and compliance matters. She counsels U.S. and international parties across myriad industries, including aerospace, semiconductor, defense, medtech, higher education, manufacturing, consumer electronics, and national security. Susan focuses her practice on matters involving the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). She counsels clients regarding day-to-day compliance and works with them to understand complex and ever-changing laws and regulations. By working with clients to minimize hurdles, Susan is able to structure compliance programs that integrate seamlessly into the business operations. Susan collaborates with clients to implement best practices through internal audits and investigations and, when needed, strongly advocates on their behalf before government enforcement officials.

Opher Shweiki 

Partner, International Trade

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

Bio: Opher draws on his almost 25 years of experience as a government official, including senior positions at the departments of Commerce and Justice working on high profile national security and cross-border matters, to advise clients on cutting-edge issues. Opher most recently served as Chief Counsel for BIS, managing a team of over 25 attorneys in all aspects of regulatory and enforcement matters, where he played a key role across BIS programs. Prior to joining Commerce, Opher served as the National Security and Cyber Crime Coordinator at the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys. Opher assisted U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country to address a variety of cutting-edge issues in those areas, with a particular focus on matters involving advanced technologies.Leveraging this regulatory and prosecutorial experience, Opher is uniquely qualified to counsel clients on corporate compliance and due diligence efforts pertaining to the statutes and regulations addressing export controls, sanctions, information and communications technology and services (ICTS) supply chain, anti-boycott, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, national security, cybersecurity and other related matters.

**This is a closed session for AUECO Members only. You do not need to register for this event and will only need to use the Teams Link at the bottom of this email on the day of the presentation. Please send any questions you have for the presenters to contact@aueco.org.**