Fatema Merchant

Photo of Fatema Merchant Fatema Merchant is a partner in the Government Contracts, Investigations and International Trade and White Collar Defense and Corporate Investigations Practice Groups in the firm's Washington, D.C. office.

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Does Your Trade Policy Support Your Company’s Values?

If your company is like many, your board of directors may be demanding that you put more effort into environmental, social, and governance issues, which have become known by the now-ubiquitous acronym “ESG.” Those demands don’t come from nowhere: consumers are demanding transparency and social responsibility. In addition, if your company does business internationally, regulators … Continue Reading

Negotiation By Tweet: The Uncertain Future of U.S.-Cuba Relations

By J. Scott Maberry and Fatema Merchant on December 7, 2016 Posted in Sanctions

After the announcement of Fidel Castro’s death on November 26, 2016, President Barack Obama sent a message to the Cuban people highlighting his administration’s efforts to improve relations between the United States and Cuba. “History will record and judge the enormous impact of this singular figure on the people and world around him…[T]he Cuban people … Continue Reading

Obama’s Not Slowing Down On Cuba: New Steps Forward Open Doors (and Humidors!) for Collaboration

By Fatema Merchant and Lisa Mays on November 28, 2016 Posted in Export Controls, Sanctions

With fewer than 100 days left in office, President Obama is not slowing down on his efforts to normalize relations between the United States and Cuba. Today, several changes to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) go into effect. Those changes build on the plan President Obama laid out in … Continue Reading

Hotels and Hospitality in Cuba: OFAC and Obama Paving the Way

By Fatema Merchant and Lisa Mays on April 21, 2016 Posted in Commerce

With more flights, relaxing regulations, a historic presidential trip to Cuba, and news of hospitality services expanding into Cuba, the pathway into Cuba for hotels and hospitality companies seems smooth. But businesses should look out for the potential hurdles and compliance risks. Don’t fret – we can help you welcome your guests.… Continue Reading

A New Latitude: Charting a Course for Cuba

By J. Scott Maberry, Fatema Merchant and Reid Whitten on December 17, 2014 Posted in Other

Today President Barack Obama made a stunning speech announcing steps the United States will take to reduce U.S. sanctions against Cuba. The announcement followed the release of two U.S. citizens held by the Cuban government. Alan Gross was detained by Cuban authorities in 2009 while working as a USAID subcontractor. Separately, a U.S. intelligence officer, … Continue Reading