AmCham Estonia, in collaboration with its Charter Gold Member LexisNexis Risk Solutions, hosted an insightful and well-attended Sanctions Compliance Breakfast at the Hilton Tallinn Park Hotel. The event brought together a diverse mix of compliance professionals, legal experts, banking leaders, and regional executives for a timely and focused discussion on sanctions, export controls, and the evolving challenges of operating under the U.S. nexus in 2025 and beyond.
The morning began with a lively registration and breakfast session, offering participants the opportunity to network and connect over coffee and light bites.
AmCham Estonia opened the event with welcoming remarks by AmCham President Indrek Laul, setting the tone for a strategic conversation around regulatory resilience and cross-border compliance. This was followed by a compelling keynote presentation from Anna Schnitzerova, Senior Solutions Consultant for Financial Crime Compliance at LexisNexis® Risk Solutions. Anna outlined key trends and developments in sanctions and export controls for 2025/2026, offering a forward-looking analysis. Her presentation highlighted not only global enforcement dynamics but also their localized implications, particularly for businesses operating in or connected to the U.S. market.
Navigating the U.S. Nexus – Panel Discussion
The heart of the event was a dynamic panel discussion titled “Navigating the U.S. Nexus: Local Perspectives,” expertly moderated by Anna Schnitzerova. The panel featured seasoned professionals who brought unique insights from different sectors:
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Viktor Tkatšenko, Head of AML and Security at Citadele Bank, shared perspectives from the banking sector, emphasizing risk mitigation strategies and the need for agile compliance frameworks.
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Carl Pucci, Founder & CEO of EO59, offered a strategic viewpoint on operational decision-making and the broader geopolitical implications of sanctions compliance.
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Kirsti Pent, Partner and Head of the Banking & Finance Practice Group at TEGOS Legal, provided legal context and addressed the complexities of cross-border regulatory interpretation.
The discussion was both practical and candid, delving into the nuances of managing U.S.-linked transactions, navigating secondary sanctions risks, and preparing for tightening regulatory scrutiny. Real-world case studies added depth to the session, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and lessons learned.
The event concluded with a relaxed networking coffee session, where attendees continued the conversation and exchanged contact details. The informal setting allowed for deeper discussions, collaborative thinking, and new professional connections—all critical components for strengthening the region’s compliance community.
Key Takeaways:
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The U.S. nexus continues to exert significant regulatory pressure on regional operations.
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A proactive, informed, and collaborative approach is essential to managing sanctions and export control risks.
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Peer exchange remains a powerful tool for staying ahead in an increasingly complex compliance landscape.
AmCham Estonia extends its sincere thanks to LexisNexis Risk Solutions for co-hosting the event and to all speakers and participants for contributing to a highly engaging and valuable morning. We look forward to continuing the conversation and supporting our members as they navigate the evolving global regulatory terrain.
Stay tuned for future events focused on compliance, governance, and risk management.
Photo credit: Rasmus Pitkänen