With the world economy significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies are struggling to survive and facing an acute need to retain existing business and obtain new business. This puts pressure on their business and marketing teams. As a result, proper management of the anti-corruption risks associated with business hospitality is even more important to avoid possible breach of applicable anti-bribery laws such as the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Business hospitality, including…

As the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues globally, multinational companies and individuals are joining the fight against the virus, donating money and medical supplies, and providing necessary services. However, when making these charitable donations, either domestically or globally, companies should consider appropriate anti-corruption compliance procedures under applicable anti-bribery laws such as the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act to ensure the donation is used for the intended charitable purpose.  Any donation should be carried…

Click here to read the full Client Advisory by Steptoe. Due to COVID-19, we have seen a nationwide shift to remote work arrangements. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recognized the incompatibility of in-person employment-eligibility requirements with public health restrictions, and has therefore issued temporary accommodations to the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) compliance rules. These accommodations address the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) requirement mandating that employers review original employment eligibility verification…

Click here to visit Steptoe’s COVID-19 International Trade Resource Page to learn how COVID-19 is impacting international trade. How is COVID-19 shaping the US-China trade dispute? Will the pandemic affect pending US trade remedy proceedings? What will happen to US international trade negotiations? The global COVID-19 pandemic has had, and will continue to have, significant implications for businesses involved in international commerce. Steptoe’s cross-disciplinary team of lawyers has responded to these and other questions on…

Click here to read the full Client Advisory from Steptoe. On March 4, 2020, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) of the US Treasury Department imposed a $450,000 civil money penalty against the former chief operational risk officer at US Bank National Association (US Bank), for his alleged role in failing to prevent violations of US anti-money laundering (AML) laws and regulations that occurred during his tenure. FinCEN’s unprecedented individual enforcement action is…

Click here to read the full Client Advisory by Steptoe.  The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted immigration with changes to travel bans, visa processing, and immigration interview suspensions. These changes, combined with the need for social distancing to inhibit the spread of COVID-19, have driven employers – voluntarily and involuntarily – to accommodate remote work wherever possible. These work-from-home initiatives, while imperative, may have immigration consequences. As companies respond to workplace issues, it is important to…