Partner Matthew Axelrod Interviewed About the Ties Between the Bureau of Industry and Security’s Mission and Its Budget

In the Media  |  May 6, 2025

Export Compliance Manager

Washington, D.C. partner Matthew Axelrod recently spoke with Export Compliance Manager about how the ability of the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) to deliver on leadership’s desire for increased export controls enforcement is tied to its budget. “There is tension between two things: folks in the administration wanting aggressive enforcement and a real focus on cost containment and budget,” says Matt, who served as BIS Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement before joining Gibson Dunn. Companies should maintain their long-term compliance objectives, he adds, while ensuring that trade compliance programs are “ready to meet the moment.”

Matthew is Co-Chair of our firm’s Sanctions and Export Enforcement Practice Group, where he works closely with clients to conduct internal investigations, evaluate compliance programs, advise on voluntary self-disclosures, and defend against government-facing investigations.

Read the article, “Mixed Messaging or Mission Pivot?” in Export Compliance Manager [PDF].