Reflections on Two Years of Sanctions+

In this series finale of Sanctions+, hosts Shahrzad Noorbaloochi and Milana Karayanidi close out Season 2 with a heartfelt review of 2025, both professionally and personally. They reflect on the personal milestones that defined their year: from welcoming new family members and nurturing relationships to confronting a scarcity mindset and finding their voices through podcasting. This is the final episode hosted by Milana and Shahrzad for now. Stay compliant, stay curious, and stay out of trouble!

In this episode of Sanctions+, hosts Milana Karayanidi and Shahrzad Noorbaloochi discuss with Dina Hoffman the new “Affiliates Rule” by BIS and what it means for export controls compliance. Drawing on her experience with BIS in Germany and her current work in Kazakhstan with ECS Advisors, Dina explains aggregation across the Entity List and MEU owners, the rule of most restrictiveness, and the practical implications of new Red Flag 29 and BIS’s closer alignment with OFAC’s 50% rule. The discussion touches upon tracing the ownership to the ultimate beneficial owner, recalibrating screening beyond the Consolidated Screening List, document diligence, and preparing for increased licensing and voluntary disclosure decisions. This episode also explores the culture of Kazakhstan – from its nomadic heritage to modern life in Astana and Almaty.  

In this episode of Sanctions+, hosts Shahrzad Noorbaloochi and Milana Karayanidi sit down with Lara Strangways to unpack the fast-evolving intersection of business, human rights, and trade compliance. Drawing on her experience leading Business and Human Rights work, Lara explains what it means to move “beyond compliance,” detailing how frameworks like the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and the forthcoming EU Forced Labor Regulation compare with the US regulatory landscape. Get tactical on integrating human rights into corporate operations: where procurement teams fit, how to structure effective due diligence and supplier onboarding, and what meaningful, fit-for-purpose remediation looks like when harms are identified.

This episode of the Sanctions+ podcast delves into the latest developments in US tariff policy, focusing on the recent federal court ruling against tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the upcoming Supreme Court’s expedited review of the case. Our hosts Milana Karayanidi and Shahrzad Noorbaloochi break down the legal and policy implications for businesses navigating international trade, discussing the unusual use of IEEPA for tariffs, and the evolving landscape of executive orders and trade agreements. Listeners gain insights into the broader context of US trade strategy, and what can be expected in the months to come.

In this episode of Sanctions+, Shahrzad Noorbaloochi is back behind the mic after maternity leave and diving straight into the fast-moving world of US economic sanctions with co-host Milana Karayanidi. They catch up on key developments and trends from the first six months of President Trump’s second term. From slowed Russia designations to increasing focus on China and Iran, they break down what is shaping the sanctions landscape in the first half of 2025. Plus, a few personal reflections on reentering the world of law post-parental leave.

In this episode of Sanctions+, Milana Karayanidi and Shahrzad Noorbaloochi dive into the TikTok saga and the review process by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). As a result of the CFIUS process, a commercial transaction can be blocked due to US national security considerations, which is exactly what happened here. Join us as we unravel the details of this saga and comment on our take on social media in general.

In the latest episode of Sanctions+, Milana and Shahrzad take a reflective journey through the past year, revisiting the insightful conversations, major developments, and memorable moments that shaped the podcast. From thought-provoking discussions with distinguished guests to celebrating key achievements, this episode highlights the lessons learned and the themes that resonated throughout the year. Milana and Shahrzad also share stories from their travels and adventures, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the experiences that enriched their perspectives and informed their conversations. Tune in for an engaging recap that celebrates the milestones of the past year and sets the stage for an exciting new season of Sanctions+ ahead.

Don't miss the new episode of the Sanctions+ Podcast, where Milana Karayanidi and Shahrzad Noorbaloochi talk to two experts in export controls and sanctions: Stephen Wilcox and Thomas Andrukonis. They reveal how they got into this fascinating field and what they learned along the way. You'll also hear about the International Sanctions and Export Control Society (ISECS), a trailblazing organization that helps businesses and professionals navigate the complex world of export controls and sanctions. Find out the myths and realities of complying with different rules and regulations around the world and how the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) agencies differ in their enforcement and compliance approaches and resources.

This is the second part of our episode with export controls and sanctions experts, Thomas Andrukonis and Stephen Wilcox on how they got into this fascinating field, what they learned along the way, and the International Sanctions and Export Control Society (ISECS).

Join us as we interview Annie Wartanian Reisinger, Senior Counsel & CFIUS Co-Lead Counsel in the Office of the General Counsel for International Affairs at the US Department of the Treasury. We discuss her diverse background and reflect on her senior legal roles in private practice, in-house, academia, and the government. Tune in for insights regarding CFIUS’ recent addition of over 50 new military installations to the existing list of installations around which CFIUS has jurisdiction and anticipated effects of the recent overturn of the Chevron doctrine by the US Supreme Court, on CFIUS and Treasury’s work. Stay on for inspiring career advice from Annie and some tips on self-tanning from our hosts at the end. As of the date of this recording, Annie is on detail with the Office of Chief Counsel at OFAC.