The American Conference Institute (ACI) is set to host its 20th Annual Conference on Economic Sanctions Enforcement & Compliance from April 29-30, 2026, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. This landmark event underscores ACI's role as a key gathering point for professionals in sanctions, export controls, and compliance, especially as they navigate today's complex global risk environment.
Since launching, the conference has grown in tandem with the evolving sanctions landscape. It serves as a vital forum for government officials, compliance leaders, financial institutions, multinational firms, and legal experts. The 20th-anniversary program continues this tradition by offering an agenda that focuses on enforcement trends, sanctions evasion, geopolitical issues, emerging technologies, crypto and digital assets, and the operational challenges of maintaining effective compliance programs in real-time.
Future of Sanctions Enforcement and Compliance
The 2026 event will be co-chaired by three distinguished sanctions professionals with extensive governmental and industry experience: Rachel Alpert, Partner at Jenner & Block LLP and former Chief Counsel at OFAC; Claire McCleskey, Co-Founder of Clarity Compliance Consulting and former Head of OFAC Compliance; and Clay Stevenson, Head of Sanctions at Santander US.
Together, they aim to deliver strategic insights, practical advice, and open discussions on the future of sanctions enforcement and compliance practices.
Extensive Networking Opportunities
Past participants often highlight the conference's depth and relevance as significant contributors to its acclaim
In addition to the primary conference sessions, attendees can participate in pre-conference workshops, interactive sessions, and numerous networking events, continuing ACI's tradition of fostering meaningful professional connections across various sectors and regions. Past participants often highlight the conference's depth and relevance as significant contributors to its acclaim.
Jen Maki, Senior Director, Global Trade at Xylem, stated, "ACI's conference delivers top content on today's trade challenges, featuring policy-shaping government officials. With expert panels, small-group discussions, and networking, it's the perfect opportunity to benchmark and connect."
ACI's Flagship Sanctions Conference approaches
Crystal Noe, Head of Global Sanctions & Onchain Product Compliance at Kraken Digital Asset Exchange, emphasized the value of this gathering: "With global instability, it's never been more important to connect with industry experts and regulators. ACI's conference provides invaluable insights, candid discussions, and a strong community of professionals facing similar challenges."
As ACI's Flagship Sanctions Conference approaches its third decade, it stands as a vital annual event for those tasked with understanding, implementing, and influencing sanctions compliance worldwide. The 20th-anniversary edition offers a unique platform to reflect on past progress and prepare for future developments in the field.
The American Conference Institute (ACI) is proud to announce the 20th Annual Flagship Conference on Economic Sanctions Enforcement & Compliance, taking place April 29–30, 2026, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.
Marking two decades of continuous leadership, this milestone event reflects ACI’s long-standing role as the premier forum for sanctions, export controls, and compliance professionals navigating an increasingly complex global risk environment
Effective compliance programs
Since its inception, the conference has evolved alongside the sanctions landscape, serving as a trusted convening ground for government officials, in-house compliance pioneers, financial institutions, multinational companies, and legal experts.
The 20th anniversary program builds on this legacy with a forward-looking agenda focused on enforcement trends, sanctions evasion, geopolitical fragmentation, emerging technologies, crypto and digital assets, export controls, and the practical realities of running effective compliance programs in real time.
Future of sanctions enforcement and compliance
The 2026 conference will be co-chaired by three highly respected sanctions leaders with deep government and industry experience: Rachel Alpert, Partner at Jenner & Block LLP and former Chief Counsel at OFAC; Claire McCleskey, Co-Founder of Clarity Compliance Consulting and former Head of OFAC Compliance at the Office of Terrorism & Financial Intelligence; and Clay Stevenson, Head of Sanctions at Santander US.
Together, they will guide a program designed to deliver strategic insight, practical guidance, and candid discussion on the future of sanctions enforcement and compliance.
Extensive networking opportunities
In addition to the main conference, the event will feature pre-conference workshops, interactive discussions, and extensive networking opportunities, continuing ACI’s tradition of fostering meaningful dialogue and professional connections across sectors and jurisdictions.
Past attendees consistently point to the conference’s depth, relevance, and community as key drivers of its success: “ACI’s conference delivers top content on today’s trade challenges, featuring government officials shaping policy and enforcement. With expert panels, small-group discussions, and networking, it’s the perfect opportunity to benchmark and connect,” Jen Maki, Senior Director, Global Trade, Xylem.
ACI’s Flagship Sanctions Conference
“With global instability, it’s never been more important to connect with industry experts and regulators. ACI’s conference provides invaluable insights, candid discussions, and a strong community of professionals facing the same challenges,” Crystal Noe, Head of Global Sanctions & Onchain Product Compliance, Kraken Digital Asset Exchange.
As it enters its third decade, ACI’s Flagship Sanctions Conference remains the definitive annual gathering for those responsible for understanding, implementing, and shaping sanctions compliance worldwide. The 20th anniversary edition offers a unique opportunity to reflect on how far the field has come and to prepare for what lies ahead. Use promo code D10-999-SS26 at registration to save an additional 10%!
