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Aaron R. Hutman, Counsel

Aaron R. Hutman

Partner
Washington, DC

Partner, Washington, DC

T: +1.202.663.8341
T: +1.202.663.8341

Areas of Focus

Aaron is a valuable resource as we evaluate investments in challenging or destabilized frontier markets. He helps us understand the landscape and risks and is anywhere in the world we need him to be.
—Salman Al-Rashid, Principal, Salmira Investment Fund

Aaron Hutman helps clients to engage in business, banking and trade in the world’s most challenging markets and deal with the most sensitive technologies.

With experience in over 60 countries on six continents, Aaron understands the bigger picture issues of international business and is an established authority in some of the most important issues affecting trade, banking and investment, where companies and investors face a business landscape with ever-evolving sanctions, anti-money laundering, anticorruption, cybersecurity, trade disputes and investment rules that must be understood, anticipated and managed. His clients include defense companies, private equity and hedge funds, banks, multinational corporations, energy industry participants, social media and technology leaders, startups and governments around the world.

Representative Experience

  • Engaged for extended projects inside one of Europe’s largest aerospace and defense companies and separately one of the world’s largest social media and technology companies to develop compliance, export control and sanctions capacities.
  • Advised multiple global energy companies on projects in challenging markets including Russia, Iran and Venezuela.
  • Conducted extensive internal investigation on Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and Brazilian anti-corruption law compliance for a Japanese company investing in the Brazilian shipbuilding industry.

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  • Anti-Money Laundering
    • Providing advice to multiple banks in European country regarding ongoing improvements to AML and sanctions compliance programs.
    • Provided advice to Middle Eastern free trade zone regarding improvement of their AML and sanctions compliance programs, including a review of best practices among "off-shore" and entity-forming jurisdictions in the wake of the Panama Papers revelations.
    • Advised cruise line with gambling operations on various aspects of U.S. anti-money laundering rules, including casino AML programs, currency transfer, money services business, customer due diligence and other matters.
    • Helped one of the world’s largest financial institutions prepare AML compliance policies to address foreign currency controls and clients efforts to circumvent them.
  • Economic Sanctions & Embargoes
    • Advised global technology company on the complex sanctions and embargo rules for virtual reality software and hardware in Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Syria.
    • Advised Japanese industrial and energy services companies on Russia and Iran sanctions matters.
    • Advised multiple Russian companies in the banking, energy and investment sectors on U.S. and EU sanctions and export controls.
    • Advised private equity fund with European portfolio affiliates proposing work with Iran; provided compliance and strategic advice under U.S. and EU sanctions law.
    • Conducted internal investigation on printer manufacturer and its subsidiaries concerning Iran and Syria transactions, prepared disclosures to OFAC and BIS and responded to OFAC Administrative Subpoenas.
  • Export & Technology Transfer Controls
    • Led internal export compliance and technology control plan review and update for global 100 technology company.
    • Conducted extensive internal investigation related to alleged ITAR and EAR criminal and civil violations for a private security contractor and preparing comprehensive voluntary disclosures to DDTC, BIS and Census regarding exports of controlled items and provision of potential defense services.
    • Provided on-the-ground support for export control compliance internal audits in the U.S., UK and Saudi Arabia for multiple global defense and aerospace companies.
    • Advised on cutting edge applications for licenses, commodity jurisdiction (CJ) and CCATS with DDTC and BIS.
  • Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and Global Anti-Corruption
    • Organized anticorruption crisis management effort in Africa for Japanese company in response to report of potential bribery; included travel to Ghana and Nigeria to instruct local counsel, local business leads and potential new agents and personnel.
    • Conducted investigation in Mexico relating to complex anticorruption and government-finance issues.
    • Conducted anticorruption training and prepared compliance materials for defense contractor active in the Middle East.
    • Regulation of Foreign Investment & National Security
    • Advised global hedge fund on how CFIUS review and U.S. policy could impact sensitive mergers and acquisitions.
    • Assessed compliance with DSCA / NISPOM of target companies in support of an acquisition in the defense industry.
  • Trade Remedy Proceedings
    • Represented U.S. fabricator in Department of Commerce administrative reviews and changed circumstances review related to an antidumping duty order’s certification and reexport requirements involving impact of Japanese tsunami on reexport requirements.
    • Advised clients in CVD, NAFTA and WTO elements relating to Softwood Lumber Products from Canada, one of the largest trade cases in history.
    • Represented uranium fabricator in Uranium from Russia (AD) and advised on compliance with the Russian Suspension Agreement.
  • Customs Compliance & Enforcement
    • Conducted internal reviews and prepared prior disclosures to Customs & Border Protection concerning compliance with an antidumping duty order.
    • Conducted investigation of AES and Foreign Trade Regulation compliance for government contractor and advised on corrections to records.
  • CFIUS and Investment
    • Represented U.S. defense company in filings under CFIUS and FIRRMA relating to foreign acquisition in the course of a successfully completed transaction.
    • Advised Japanese global energy company in relation to CFIUS and FIRRMA in U.S. shale project purchase.
    • Advised Japanese semiconductor manufacturer in relation to CFIUS, FIRRMA and NDAA 2019 implications for business in the United States, telecommunications supply chain and government contracts.
    • Conducted CFIUS-related due diligence and analysis for Korean government client for the purchase of U.S. assets in the energy space.
  • Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
    • Advised defense and commercial companies on cybersecurity attacks and guiding them on voluntary disclosures resulting from potential export control violations.
    • Advised multinational telecommunications company on USA PATRIOT Act, online data security and Electronic Communications Privacy Act issues.
    • Frontier and Emerging Market Transactions
    • Advised international media company on entry into Myanmar market, including coordinating advice from local counsel on structuring, providing strategic advice on sanctions, anticorruption, banking, tax, IP and AML challenges, and supporting acquisition of local Myanmar company.
    • Supported restructuring and fundraise in Hong Kong by U.S. private equity group for transportation company in Mongolia.
    • Advised investors on anticorruption, sanctions and other compliance considerations in relation to an investment in a Sierra Leone transportation company.
    • Coordinated review of technology reseller and distribution agreement for U.S.-owned company in Saudi Arabia.

Professional Highlights

  • Recognized by Chambers USA in International Trade: Export Controls & Economic Sanctions (2023)
  • Recognized by The Legal 500 U.S., International Trade (2019 – 2023) and Government Relations (2020).
  • A sanctions and anti-money laundering authority with op-eds and frequent quotes with the Financial Times, Nikkei Asian Review and Reuters.

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  • Aaron serves on the steering committee for the Cambridge Forum on Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Compliance. The Forum’s Steering Committee welcomes a select group of up to 48 leading lawyers, consultants and compliance experts from global financial institutions and multinationals with integrated financial services, to meet and discuss the most pressing issues regarding economic sanctions and AML.
  • “Proposed Regulations: FinCEN Increases AML Scrutiny of the U.S. Real Estate Sector,” Pillsbury/Guidehouse Webinar (May 17, 2022).
  • Quoted extensively in the Financier Worldwide article “Cleaning Up: Tackling Bribery and Corruption in a Changing World,” October 2020.
  • PLI Faculty
    • USMCA: Insights, Perspectives and What to Expect (2020) (Webinar)
    • Basics of Export Control, Coping with U.S. Export Controls and Sanctions, (2016 – 2019) (Washington, DC).
  • JD Supra 2018 International Law Readers Choice Award
  • Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll (2018)
  • Founder and co-leader of conference on “Cybersecurity in the Global Energy Sector.”
  • Profiled in the 2017 WorldECR Awards, which recognizes the achievements of export controls and sanctions professionals.
  • Global Trade & Sanctions Blog Posts
    • Implementing the CTA: FinCEN Requires U.S. Companies to Report Beneficial Ownership Information and Protect Against Shell Company Misuse, Authors: Aaron R. Hutman, Deborah S. Thoren-Peden, Daniel C. Wood, Moushami P. Joshi and Megan L. Jones, 10/6/2022
    • New Sanctions and Export Controls in Global Response to the Attempted Annexation of Ukrainian Territory, Authors: Stephan E. Becker, Aaron R. Hutman, Steven P. Farmer, Mark Booth, Ata Akiner and Samantha Franks, 10/4/2022
    • G7 Agrees on Price Cap for Russian-Origin Oil and Related Products – What Companies Need to Know, Authors: Aaron R. Hutman, Stephan E. Becker, Toochi L. Ngwangwa and Samantha Franks, 9/2/2022
    • U.S. Commerce Department Implements Export Controls on Four New Emerging and Foundational Technologies, Authors: Stephan E. Becker, Aaron R. Hutman and Toochi L. Ngwangwa, 8/17/2022
    • Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Goes into Effect: What Companies Need to Know about U.S. Guidance on Implementation and Enforcement, Authors: Stephan E. Becker, Aaron R. Hutman, Benjamin J. Cote, Moushami P. Joshi and Samantha Franks, 6/21/2022.
    • Further Sanctions Issued Against Russia: Services, Export Controls and Visa Restrictions, Authors: Nancy A. Fischer, Stephan E. Becker, Aaron R. Hutman, Matthew R. Rabinowitz, Roya Motazedi and Samantha Franks, 5/17/2022.
    • Recent U.S. Sanctions and Export Control Measures Imposed Against Russia, Authors: Stephan E. Becker, Nancy A. Fischer, Aaron R. Hutman, Benjamin J. Cote, Moushami P. Joshi, Roya Motazedi and Samantha Franks, 4/8/2022.
    • Making Sense of Sanctions Versus SWIFT Delisting, Authors: Aaron R. Hutman, Deborah S. Thoren-Peden, Zachary C. Rozen, Mark Booth and Samantha Franks, 3/7/2022.
    • BIS Hits Russia and Belarus with Sweeping New Export Control Restrictions, Authors: By Christopher R. Wall, Stephan E. Becker, Nancy A. Fischer, Aaron R. Hutman, Matthew R. Rabinowitz, Roya Motazedi, Zachary C. Rozen and Samantha Franks, 3/3/2022.
    • European and UK Sanctions Update – Further Measures Imposed, Authors: By Steven P. Farmer, Aaron R. Hutman and Mark Booth, 2/25/2022.
    • Expanded U.S. Sanctions Targeting Russia’s Financial Sector, Authors: By Nancy A. Fischer, Aaron R. Hutman, Matthew R. Rabinowitz, Roya Motazedi, Zachary C. Rozen and Samantha Franks, 2/24/2022.
    • Russia Invades and the West Reacts: U.S. Government Intensifies Sanctions and Export Controls Against Russia, Authors: By Stephan E. Becker, Nancy A. Fischer, Aaron R. Hutman, Benjamin J. Cote, Matthew R. Rabinowitz, Roya Motazedi, Zachary C. Rozen, Toochi L. Ngwangwa and Samantha Franks, 2/24/2022.
    • Further Sanctions Issued by the U.S. Government and Global Allies, Authors: Nancy A. Fischer, Aaron R. Hutman, Matthew R. Rabinowitz, Zachary C. Rozen and Samantha Franks, 2/23/2022.
    • Initial Global Sanctions on Russia in Response to Events in Eastern Ukraine, Authors: Christopher R. Wall, Nancy A. Fischer, Aaron R. Hutman, Steven P. Farmer, Benjamin J. Cote, Matthew R. Rabinowitz, Toochi L. Ngwangwa, Scott Morton and Samantha Franks, 2/22/2022.
    • U.S. Government Takes First Steps Under Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act – Comment Period Opens and Published Questions Provide Initial Insights, Authors: Aaron R. Hutman, Benjamin J. Cote, Moushami P. Joshi, Toochi L. Ngwangwa and Samantha Franks, 1/24/2022.
    • Commerce Imposes New Export Controls on Cybersecurity Items and Adds a Corresponding License Exception, Authors: Christopher R. Wall, Stephan E. Becker, Nancy A. Fischer, Aaron R. Hutman, Benjamin J. Cote, Matthew R. Rabinowitz and Zachary C. Rozen, 10/21/2021.
    • Saudi Arabia Launches New Committee to Examine Foreign Investments, Authors: Aaron R. Hutman and Khalid R. Kamal, 9/27/2021.
    • A Broadening Effort for Belarus — U.S. Expands Sanctions on the Belarusian Regime, Coordinating with the EU, UK and Canada, Authors: Aaron R. Hutman and Stephan E. Becker, 8/16/2021.
    • Biden Administration Targets Global Corruption and Demonstrates Expansive Use of Magnitsky Sanctions, Authors: Stephan E. Becker, Aaron R. Hutman and Toochi L. Ngwangwa, 7/29/2021.
    • Biden Administration Updates Framework for China-Related Investment Prohibitions and Expands the Scope of Restricted Chinese Companies, Authors: Nancy A. Fischer, Aaron R. Hutman, Matthew R. Rabinowitz and Toochi L. Ngwangwa, 7/7/2021.
    • Myanmar Update: U.S., UK and EU Continue to Expand Sanctions for Companies with Ties to the Military, Authors: Aaron R. Hutman, Steven P. Farmer and Zachary C. Rozen, 4/26/2021.
    • U.S. Announces Broad Array of New Russia Sanctions, Authors: Nancy A. Fischer, Christopher R. Wall, Aaron R. Hutman, Benjamin J. Cote, Matthew R. Rabinowitz, Zachary C. Rozen and Toochi L. Ngwangwa, 4/21/2021.
    • European Union Issues Sanctions Against Myanmar Military and Coup Officials as U.S. Announces Additional Sanctions, Authors: Steven P. Farmer and Aaron R. Hutman, 3/22/2021.
    • U.S. Government Continues to Ratchet Up Pressure Against Myanmar – The Latest Steps, Authors: Christopher R. Wall, Stephan E. Becker, Aaron R. Hutman, Roya Motazedi and Zachary C. Rozen, 3/12/2021.
    • The United States and United Nations Issue Sanctions for Houthi (Ansarallah in Yemen) Leaders, Authors: Aaron R. Hutman and Khalid R. Kamal, 3/4/2021.
    • BitPay Inc. Enforcement Action Highlights Sanctions Compliance Risks for Virtual Currency Service Providers, Authors: Aaron R. Hutman, Christopher R. Wall and Moushami P. Joshi, 2/22/2021.
    • The Coup in Myanmar — U.S. Announces Initial Response with Targeted Sanctions and Export Controls, Authors: Stephan E. Becker, Nancy A. Fischer, Aaron R. Hutman and Toochi L. Ngwangwa, 2/12/2021.
    • CBP’s Region-Wide WRO Escalates Pressure in China’s Xinjiang Region, Authors: Stephan E. Becker, Nancy A. Fischer, Aaron R. Hutman, Benjamin J. Cote, Toochi L. Ngwangwa and Crystal Fomba, 1/21/2021.
    • The United States Designates the Houthis (Ansarallah in Yemen) as a Terrorist Group, Authors: Aaron R. Hutman, Matthew Oresman and Khalid R. Kamal, 1/21/2021.
    • Commerce Department’s New ICTS Rule Raises Additional Considerations for Cross-Border Transactions, Authors: Stephan E. Becker, Nancy A. Fischer, Aaron R. Hutman, Glenn S. Richards, Lee G. Petro, Matthew R. Rabinowitz, Zachary C. Rozen and Toochi L. Ngwangwa, 1/20/2021.
    • U.S. Commerce Department Publishes Lists of Military End Users in China and Russia Subject to Export License Requirements, Authors: Christopher R. Wall, Stephan E. Becker, Nancy A. Fischer, Aaron R. Hutman, Matthew R. Rabinowitz and Oscar Theblin, 12/23/2020.
    • New U.S. Sanctions Target Turkey’s Defense Sector, Authors: y Christopher R. Wall, Nancy A. Fischer, Aaron R. Hutman and Oscar Theblin, 12/18/2020.
    • U.S. Expands WROs in Xinjiang, Targeting Major Cotton Producer with Implications for Global Supply Chains, Authors: Stephan E. Becker, Aaron R. Hutman, Toochi L. Ngwangwa and Crystal Fomba, 12/14/2020.
    • U.S. Government Issues Human Rights Policy for Export Licensing and Guidance to Prevent Misuse of Surveillance Tools, Authors: Aaron R. Hutman, Benjamin J. Cote, Sahar J. Hafeez, Stephanie T. Rosenberg, 10/21/2020.
    • U.S. Steps Up Pressure on Iran with Sanctions on Additional Financial Institutions and Continuation of Arms Embargo, Authors: Christopher R. Wall, Nancy A. Fischer, Stephan E. Becker, Aaron R. Hutman, Matthew R. Rabinowitz, Sahar J. Hafeez, Roya Motazedi, Toochi L. Ngwangwa, 10/12/2020.
    • U.S. Government Moves to Block Imports from Xinjiang, Triggering Due Diligence Challenges for Companies, Authors: Stephan E. Becker, Aaron R. Hutman, Sahar J. Hafeez, Mario A. Torrico, 9/24/2020.
    • U.S. Commerce Department Announces Prohibited Transactions Related to WeChat and TikTok but Implementation Is Delayed, Authors: Nancy A. Fischer, Christopher R. Wall, Stephan E. Becker, Aaron R. Hutman, Matthew R. Rabinowitz, Toochi L. Ngwangwa, 9/20/2020.
    • Sudan Update: OFAC Issues Guidance Clarifying Status of U.S. Sanctions and Export Controls, Authors: Christopher R. Wall, Aaron R. Hutman, Toochi L. Ngwangwa, 9/4/2020.
    • Department of Commerce Proposes Changes to AD/CVD Regulations with a Heightened Focus on Enforcement, Authors: Stephan E. Becker, Aaron R. Hutman, Moushami P. Joshi, Mario A. Torrico, 8/31/2020.
    • U.S. Commerce Department Imposes New Restrictions on Huawei, Authors: Stephan E. Becker, Christopher R. Wall, Aaron R. Hutman, Matthew R. Rabinowitz, 8/18/2020.
    • Executive Orders Target TikTok and WeChat Application Makers, Authors: Nancy A. Fischer, Christopher R. Wall, Aaron R. Hutman, Matthew R. Rabinowitz, Zachary C. Rozen, 8/10/2020.
    • The USMCA’s Rapid Response Mechanism for Labor Complaints: What to Expect Starting July 1, 2020, Authors: Aaron R. Hutman, Sahar J. Hafeez, Mario A. Torrico, 7/1/2020.
    • The United States No Longer Considers Hong Kong Autonomous from China, Setting the Stage for Rule Changes That Could Disrupt Trade and Economic Relations, Authors: Christopher R. Wall, Stephen E. Becker, Aaron R. Hutman, Benjamin J. Cote, Sahar J. Hafeez, Roya Motazedi, 5/29/2020.
    • BIS Adds 33 Chinese Entities to Entity List, Authors: Nancy A. Fischer, Stephen E. Becker, Aaron R. Hutman, Matthew R. Rabinowitz, Roya Motazedi, 5/23/2020.
    • FinCEN Renews Geographic Targeting Orders for 12 Metropolitan Areas around the United States, Authors: Aaron R. Hutman, Stephanie Rosenberg, 5/15/2020.
    • USMCA Slated to Enter into Force on July 1: Recent Actions, Authors: Stephen E. Becker, Aaron R. Hutman, Mario A. Torrico, 5/4/2020.
    • New Export Control Rules Confront Integration of Civilian and Military Technology Development in China, Russia and Venezuela, Authors: Christopher R. Wall, Stephan E. Becker, Nancy A. Fischer, Aaron R. Hutman, Benjamin J. Cote, Matthew R. Rabinowitz, Zachary C. Rozen, Mario A. Torrico, 4/29/2020.
    • The U.S. Department of State Designates an International White Supremacist Group as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) for the First Time, Authors: Aaron R. Hutman, Matthew Oresman, Khalid Kamal, 4/13/2020.
    • Temporary FEMA Rule: Export Approvals Required for Certain Personal Protective Equipment, Authors: Nancy A. Fischer, Stephan E. Becker, Aaron R. Hutman, Matthew R. Rabinowitz, Sahar J. Hafeez, Mario A. Torrico, 4/10/2020.
    • OFAC Issues Sanctions against Additional Rosneft Subsidiary and Amends Venezuelan General Licenses, Authors: Aaron R. Hutman, Stephanie Rosenberg, Zachary C. Rozen, 3/18/2020.
    • U.S. Expands Secondary Sanctions to Iran’s Industrial Sectors, Authors: Christopher R. Wall, Nancy A. Fischer, Aaron R. Hutman, Moushami P. Joshi, Matthew R. Rabinowitz, Zachary C. Rozen, Roya Motazedi, 01/17/2020.
    • District Court Overturns OFAC Fine against Exxon, Authors: Christopher R. Wall, Nancy A. Fischer, Stephan E. Becker, Aaron R. Hutman, Matthew R. Rabinowitz, Zachary C. Rozen, 1/13/2020.
    • Commerce Department Issues New Proposed Rules on Telecommunications Supply Chain, Authors: Christopher R. Wall, Stephan E. Becker, Nancy A. Fischer, Glenn S. Richards, Aaron R. Hutman, Benjamin J. Cote, Matthew R. Rabinowitz, 11/27/2019.
    • U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Turkey – The Economic Fallout from Events in Syria, Authors: Elina Teplinsky, Christopher R. Wall, Stephan E. Becker, Aaron R. Hutman, 10/14/2019.
    • New Proposed CFIUS Regulations Implementing FIRRMA, Authors: Christopher R. Wall, Nancy A. Fischer, Aaron R. Hutman, Matthew R. Rabinowitz, Jorge Vera, Roya Motazedi, 9/23/2019.
    • Huawei Remains on the BIS Entity List but Senior Officials Suggest Export Licenses May Be Considered, Authors: Christopher R. Wall, Nancy A. Fischer, Aaron R. Hutman, Matthew R. Rabinowitz, Stephanie Rosenberg, 7/16/2019.
    • Cuba Travel Update: U.S. Regulators Amend Key Rules, Authors: Stephan E. Becker, Nancy A. Fischer, Aaron R. Hutman, Jorge Vera, 6/04/2019.
    • Temporary General License Grants Huawei Limited Relief from Restrictions Imposed by Entity List Restrictions, Authors: Stephan E. Becker, Christopher R. Wall, Nancy A. Fischer, Aaron R. Hutman, Benjamin J. Cote, Sahar J. Hafeez, Stephanie Rosenberg, 5/23/2019.
    • U.S. Commerce Department Releases Proposed Rulemaking for Export Controls on Emerging Technologies, Authors: Christopher R. Wall, Nancy A. Fischer, Stephan E. Becker, Aaron R. Hutman and Matthew R. Rabinowitz, 11/20/2018.
    • OFAC Announces Sanctions against Saudi Arabian Government Officials Pursuant to Global Magnitsky Act, Authors: Christopher R. Wall, Nancy A. Fischer, Stephan E. Becker, Aaron R. Hutman and Matthew R. Rabinowitz, 11/15/2018.
    • Reinstatement of Iran Sanctions, Authors: Christopher R. Wall, Stephan E. Becker, Nancy A. Fischer, Aaron R. Hutman, Matthew R. Rabinowitz, Moushami P. Joshi and Jorge Vera, 11/5/2018.
    • State Department Imposes Chemical Weapons Sanctions on Russia, Authors: Christopher R. Wall, Nancy A. Fischer, Aaron R. Hutman, Benjamin J. Cote and Jorge Vera, 8/17/2018.
    • U.S. Formalizes Snap-Back of Sanctions with New Executive Order, Authors: Christopher R. Wall, Stephan E. Becker, Nancy A. Fischer, Aaron R. Hutman and Matthew R. Rabinowitz, 8/8/2018.
    • United States Announces Withdrawal from JCPOA, Authors: Christopher R. Wall, Stephan E. Becker, Nancy A. Fischer, Aaron R. Hutman and Matthew R. Rabinowitz, 5/8/2018.

Education

  • J.D., Harvard Law School, 2001

    B.S., Cornell University, 1997
    with Honors

Admissions

  • District of Columbia

    Maryland

Courts

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

    Court of International Trade

    U.S. Supreme Court

Aaron's Insights

Article 03.01.23

Tug of War: Impact of Western Sanctions and Russian Counter-Measures on the Energy Sector

Source: Energy Institute

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