Trade & Sanctions

Diesel Generators Procurement for Ukraine

The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, through the Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine, has published a notice for the supply of diesel generators. The procurement opportunity closes on March 20, 2026.

NIH ICorps Entrepreneurship Training for SBIR/STTR Awardees

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced the ICorps at NIH program, offering entrepreneurship training for Phase I SBIR/STTR awardees. The program aims to help small businesses develop and validate business models for commercialization. Applications are due by March 27, 2026, and April 17, 2026.

NIA Webinar on Expanding Research in AD/ADRD R25 Programs

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) announced a pre-application technical assistance webinar for individuals interested in applying for the NIA Expanding Research in AD/ADRD (ERA) R25 Postbaccalaureate and Summer Research Education Programs. The webinar will be held virtually on April 8, 2026, and aims to provide guidance on the application process.

USITC Launches Investigations into China Trade Relations and Biotech Support

The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has launched two Section 332 investigations: one examining the economic effects of revoking China's permanent normal trade relations status, and another reviewing China's state support and pricing practices in the biotechnology sector. These investigations will provide an analytical record for Congress and the administration regarding future trade and industrial policy measures targeting China.

OFAC Fines IMG Academy for Sanctions Violations

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has fined IMG Academy $XXX,XXX for accepting tuition payments from parents designated under sanctions. The enforcement action highlights the pervasive nature of sanctions risk across various sectors, including educational institutions.

Ninth Circuit Expands Personal Jurisdiction Over Foreign Tech Platforms

The Ninth Circuit expanded personal jurisdiction over foreign tech companies in data breach cases in Freeman v. 3Commas Technologies OÜ. The ruling allows foreign companies with significant digital activities and knowledge of California customers to be sued in California courts, reversing a lower court's dismissal.

OCC GENIUS Act Proposal on Stablecoins

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPR) to implement the GENIUS Act concerning stablecoins. The proposal seeks public comment on regulatory frameworks for permitted payment stablecoin issuers, including rules on yield-bearing features and opt-out provisions for state-approved issuers. Comments are due May 1, 2026.

OFAC Fines Executive $3.77M for Syria Sanctions Violations

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has settled with a real estate executive for $3.77 million for violating U.S. sanctions against Syria. The executive provided managerial services to Syrian real estate companies, which OFAC deemed an 'egregious' violation.

COINS Act Codifies Outbound Investment Security Program

The 2025 COINS Act, signed into law on December 18, 2025, codifies the Outbound Investment Security Program (OISP). While it does not immediately alter existing regulations, it mandates substantive changes to the OISP's scope, with new Treasury Department regulations due by March 2027.

ESMA Final Draft RTS on Clearing Thresholds Under EMIR 3

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published its final report with draft regulatory technical standards (RTS) amending the clearing threshold regime under EMIR 3. The changes shift the focus from ETD vs OTC to uncleared OTC transactions, with revised thresholds for various derivative classes.