Home - Blank Rome LLP

Register to receive insights and analyses on breaking news and trends across varying industries.
<a class="link-primary mt-4" href="/subscribe">Subscribe</a>

Philadelphia, PA

New York, NY

Wilmington, DE

Cincinnati, OH

Princeton, NJ

Los Angeles, CA

Houston, TX

Tampa, FL

Shanghai

South Florida

Pittsburgh, PA

Washington, D.C.

Chicago, IL

Orange County, CA

Dallas, TX

Boston, MA

Main

CO-CHAIR, INTERNATIONAL TRADE PRACTICE GROUPAnthony Rapa is co-chair of Blank Rome’s International Trade practice group. A dual U.S./UK-qualified practitioner, he counsels companies and private equity sponsors regarding cross-border trade, operations, and investments, drawing from on-the-ground experience spanning four continents.Anthony is a trusted adviser to clients on matters involving export controls, economic sanctions, and investment screening involving the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (“CFIUS”). Global Investigations Review and Lexology Index (formerly Who’s Who Legal) have recognized him as a leading practitioner, and he is a former member of the Law360 International Trade Editorial Advisory Board.Anthony has advised clients across a broad range of industries, including aerospace and defense, manufacturing, automotive, aviation and aviation services, technology/software, semiconductors, emerging technologies, telecommunications, financial, freight forwarding and logistics, energy, and gaming.Economic SanctionsAnthony advises on the full range of issues arising under economic sanctions regulations administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), including sanctions regarding Russia, China, Iran, Cuba, and Venezuela, among others.Export ControlsAnthony advises on all aspects of export controls, including dual-use export controls administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) under the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”), and military export controls administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (“DDTC”) under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”).Foreign Investment Review / CFIUSAnthony advises clients on CFIUS requirements in the context of foreign investment in U.S. businesses and real estate. This includes advice regarding the extent of CFIUS jurisdiction, the intersection of the CFIUS rules and export controls, whether a CFIUS filing is required or warranted under the circumstances, and the preparation and submission of CFIUS filings.Mergers and AcquisitionsAnthony has led trade and national security diligence on hundreds of transactions, valued in the tens of billions of dollars total.&nbsp;This includes advising on sanctions and export control risks related to the target company and its operations, negotiating transaction documents, interfacing with lenders and underwriters, and advising on CFIUS issues.Internal InvestigationsAnthony has led dozens of internal investigations around the world, including in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.&nbsp;This includes preparation and submission of voluntary disclosures to the relevant agencies (OFAC, BIS, DDTC), responding to government requests for information, and negotiation of settlements.License RequestsAnthony assists clients in obtaining licenses from regulators to engage in activities requiring specific authorization, including OFAC, BIS, and DDTC licenses.&nbsp;Counseling Regarding Transactions/Operational MattersAnthony advises clients on day-to-day counseling matters, covering all sanctions and export control issues that may arise for a company in the ordinary course of business.&nbsp;This includes advice regarding potential acceptance of new orders, shipments, entry into new markets, and counterparty due diligence.Development of Compliance ProgramsAnthony advises clients across many industries in the implementation of trade compliance programs, including the development of policies and procedures, and related training.Compliance AuditsAnthony has led compliance audits for companies seeking to evaluate their trade compliance functions, including through transaction testing, gap analysis, and domestic and international site visits.Export Control ClassificationAnthony assists clients in classifying their products (hardware and software) against relevant export control lists under the EAR and ITAR, including through self-classification and, as warranted, submission of classification requests to regulators.&nbsp;Information and Communications Technology and Services (“ICTS”) RulesAnthony has advised clients regarding the ICTS rules administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce.Supply Chain DiligenceAnthony assists clients in conducting supply chain diligence and is familiar with compliance issues presented under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.Thought LeadershipAnthony actively engages in the marketplace of ideas regarding international trade and national security issues.&nbsp;He has been quoted by the&nbsp;Associated Press,&nbsp;CNBC, The Wall Street Journal,&nbsp;Compliance Week,&nbsp;Law360, National Law Journal, and others, and has contributed articles to publications including&nbsp;Reuters Legal,&nbsp;Bloomberg Law,&nbsp;New York Law Journal, Law360, and TechCrunch.&nbsp;Anthony currently serves on the Board of Editors of The Global Trade Law Journal. He also actively participates in speaking engagements, including webinars organized by the Practising Law Institute and the American Conference Institute.

core/freeform

District of Columbia

New York

England and Wales

United States Court of Federal Claims

Financial Services

Investment Management

Private Equity

Technology

ADG M&A

Aerospace, Defense & Government Services

ADG National Security

Retail & E-Commerce

Luxury Brands

Sanctions Seminar with a Focus on the EU and the US

Trade Enforcement Update – May 2026

The BR International Trade Report: April 2026

The BR Investigations and Enforcement Forum: March 2026

Trade Rules: Trump Administration Revises Export Restrictions on Advanced Semiconductors While Levying Additional Tariffs

The BR International Trade Report: March 2026

Blank Rome Represents HieFo in Presidentially Ordered CFIUS Divestment

Blank Rome Represents Victor Capital Partners in Its Investment in Specialty Fenestration Group

DOJ Selects Chicago U.S. Attorney's Office as Leading Prosecutorial Partner on Trade Fraud Task Force

Making the Toughest Export Compliance Calls: Executives Discuss the Newest Pressures, C-Suite Questions, and Dilemmas Affecting Decision-Making

OFAC Issues Several New General Licenses Regarding Oil Trade with Venezuela

The BR International Trade Report: February 2026

The U.S. Outbound Investment Rule: Impacts on Global Business Strategy

Blank Rome Represents J.F. Lehman & Company in Its Acquisition of Wellman Dynamics

The BR International Trade Report: January 2026

U.S. Sanctions Targeting Russia’s Oil Giants Heighten Biz Risks

Blank Rome Represents Balmoral Affiliate Trecora in Acquisition of Deltech Monomers OpCo Assets

“Red Flag Rising”: DOJ’s Trade-Fraud and Tariff-Evasion Pipeline—and What Asia-Facing Companies Must Do Now

The BR International Trade Report: December 2025

Blank Rome Advises Beaulieu International Group on Strategic Acquisition of Congoleum Flooring

The BR International Trade Report: November 2025

BIS Suspends "Affiliates Rule" for One Year, Effective November 10

International Bar Association Annual Conference 2025

USDA to Beef Up Security Plan for Foreign Agriculture Investment

New Russia Oil Sanctions Leave Little Room for Interpretation

Oil Futures Rally as U.S. Sanctions Russian Producers

Navigating the BIS “Affiliate Rule”: What Exporters Need to Know

The BR International Trade Report: October 2025

BIS Rescinds 2024 Firearms Export Controls, Reduces Regulatory Burdens on U.S. Firearms Industry

BIS Adopts Long-Awaited "Affiliate Rule"

U.S. Department of State Eases Military Drone Export Review Policy

The BR International Trade Report: September 2025

BIS Amends the Export Administration Regulations to Authorize Certain Exports to Syria, Following OFAC’s Termination of the Syria Sanctions Program

DOJ and DHS Launch Cross-Agency Trade Fraud Task Force

Blank Rome Represents Balmoral Funds LLC in the Acquisition of Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition, LLC

Court of Appeals Rules That President Lacks Authority for Broad Tariffs

Key Takeaways from the CFIUS 2024 Annual Report

Evaluating Trump’s Trade Wars: What Has the U.S. Gained and What Are the Economic Costs?

The BR International Trade Report: August 2025

What is a 'Golden Share' — the American Government's Ownership Stake in U.S. Steel?

Blank Rome Represents Gladstone Investment Corporation in Acquisition of Global GRAB Technologies, Inc.

New U.S. Tariff Rates Set to Take Effect on August 7, as Negotiations Continue

Blank Rome Assembles Cross-Practice Trade Enforcement Team Amid Increasing Government Investigations

The Frontline is Everywhere: What General Counsel Need to Know About the Department of Justice’s Strategic Pivot Toward Customs Fraud and Tariff Evasion

New U.S. Tariff Rates Set to Take Effect on August 1, as Negotiations Continue

Oil Gains on U.S.-EU Trade Deal, Russia Sanction Threats

Innovation Over Regulation—Trump Unveils America’s AI Action Plan

The BR International Trade Report: July 2025

The New Third Rail in Silicon Valley: Investing In Chinese AI

The Current State of U.S./Canada Trade Relations

180 Days of the Trump Administration—Quick Hits on Executive Orders, Actions, and Policies

Tariffs, Treble Damages, and Trade Enforcement: Surviving the New Era of Customs Crackdown

Blank Rome Represents ZS Fund L.P. in Its Acquisition of Thornton Carpet, LLC

Nippon Steel Finalizes $15B Takeover of US Steel After Sealing National Security Agreement

Dealmakers Fear Trump Has Set Precedent with ‘Golden Share’ in US Steel

Trump’s Tariffs Have Yet to Force Down Any Major Trade Barriers

The BR International Trade Report: June 2025

US-China Trade Talks Go on for Second Day: Here’s What’s at Stake

Tariff-Related Risks in M&A: Impact on Deal Activity, Valuation, and Due Diligence; Negotiating Key Deal Terms

Blank Rome Attorneys and Practices Highly Ranked in The Legal 500 United States 2025

Law School for the CFO

Transportation Industry Discussion and Networking Reception

A New World: Adjusting Your Supply Chain to Rising Tariffs and Protectionism

Oil Futures Post Second Straight Weekly Gain

The BR International Trade Report: May 2025

BIS Issues Four Key Updates on Advanced Computing and AI Export Controls

Connected Vehicles Rule: New Auto Industry Supply Chain Compliance Requirements Could Signal More ICTS Actions Under Trump’s “America First” Policy

Trade Finance and Payment Processing: Managing Financial Crime Risks to Support Your Business

Hybrid Event: Export Controls Amid Evolving Trump 2.0 Trade Dynamics: Policy Updates and Best Practices

Disrupting Global Supply Chains: Will U.S. Export Controls Prevail?

The Changing Landscape of Tariffs: An Update on Tariffs and Their Impact on Commercial Contracts, M&A, and Negotiations

The BR International Trade Report: April 2025

Tariffs and Trade: Navigating a New World

Interview: Export Enforcement Priorities for Encryption, AI, Cloud & Cyber Products and Services

Border Crisis? Avoiding Trouble in Cross-Border Transfers of Personal Data

The Essentials to an Effective Global Sanctions Compliance Program: Lessons Learned from Key and Recent Enforcement Actions

Tariffs, Trade Controls, and Foreign Investment: President Trump’s “America First” Agenda Takes Shape

The BR International Trade Report: March 2025

Navigating Supply Chain Challenges in 2025: Key Insights on New Import & Export Rules for U.S. Businesses

President Trump’s “America First” Investment Policy Memorandum

Anthony Rapa Publishes Export Administration Regulations Toolkit with Bloomberg Law

Export Controls Practitioners Discuss Compliance Best Practices Amid Evolving Trump 2.0 Trade Dynamics

Navigating Global Trade: Critical Insights for the Evolving Supply Chain 2025

The BR International Trade Report: February 2025

Japanese Leader Arrives in Washington

Blank Rome Advises Gladstone Investment Corporation on Acquisition of Ricardo US Holdings, Inc.

Blank Rome Advises Gladstone Investment Corporation on Acquisition of Nielsen-Kellerman, Co.

Blank Rome Advises Gladstone Investment Corporation on Acquisition of Pyrotek Special Effects, Inc.

President Trump Issues “America First Trade Policy”: Five Things to Know About Tariffs and More

Blank Rome Represents Oddball, Inc. in Its Sale to Falfurrias Management Partners

Blank Rome Represents Black Spoke, LLC in Its Sale to Crimson Phoenix

Anthony Rapa Appointed to International Trade Council’s Board of Directors

Supreme Court Unanimously Upholds Forced Sale of TikTok from Chinese Parent Company

The BR International Trade Report: January 2025

Anthony Rapa Joins Wharton Business Daily

Nippon Steel Chief Warns Trump That Tariffs Alone Will Not Strengthen US Industry

Anthony Rapa Joins NYSE TV Live

The BR International Trade Report: December 2024

BIS Issues Significant New Round of Semiconductor Export Controls: Six Notable Changes

TikTok Lost a Major Legal Bid to Avoid a U.S. Ban. Now What?

White Collar Defense & Investigations

International Trade

Government Contracts

Regulatory Compliance

Cross Border / International

Internal Investigations

Cross Border M&A

Anti-Money Laundering & Economic Sanctions

CFIUS & Foreign Investment

Economic Sanctions

Export Controls

Trade Enforcement

<ul>
<li>Conducted a cross-border sanctions internal investigation for a global logistics provider.</li>
<li>Conducted a cross-border sanctions internal investigation for a large French company.</li>
<li>Conducted a sanctions internal investigation for a large European manufacturer.</li>
<li>Conducted internal investigations for the UK and Italian subsidiaries of a large aerospace and defense company.</li>
<li>Conducted internal investigations for a large aerospace and defense company under a consent agreement.</li>
<li>Conducted an export controls internal investigation for a U.S. cybersecurity company.</li>
<li>Conducted export controls compliance audits in Saudi Arabia and Spain for a large aerospace and defense company.</li>
<li>Conducted a comprehensive export controls compliance audit across the three subsidiaries of a U.S. aerospace and defense company.</li>
<li>Conducted comprehensive compliance policy review, export control classification exercise, and supply chain review for a large European manufacturer.</li>
<li>Conducted a sanctions risk assessment for an Australian mining company.</li>
<li>Conducted a sanctions risk assessment for a Norwegian energy company.</li>
<li>Advised a semiconductor developer / government contractor with respect to export control and CFIUS issues identified in the course of its sale to a European investor, including an internal investigation of compliance issues, preparation and submission to DDTC of a voluntary disclosure, and review of a CFIUS mitigation agreement, resulting in closeout of DDTC matter without penalty and clearance of transaction by CFIUS.</li>
<li>Advised semiconductor foundry / government contractor in acquisition by an investor, conducting comprehensive export control classification assessment of the company’s products and liaising with buyer’s counsel.</li>
<li>Advised private equity sponsor on ten-figure acquisition of large cybersecurity company / government contractor, leading international trade due diligence, identifying material compliance issues, negotiating a special indemnity in the purchase agreement, driving remediation of the compliance issues, and taking the transaction through closing and successful closeout of enforcement matter by authorities.</li>
<li>Advised private equity sponsor in acquisition of Israeli defense contractor, leading international trade due diligence.</li>
<li>Advised private equity sponsor in acquisition of assets of defense contractor, assisting buyer in obtaining an ITAR registration and implementing compliance policies and procedures pursuant to transition services agreement.</li>
<li>Advised Japanese electronics company on its entry into U.S. defense business, including with regard to strategic planning, obtaining an ITAR registration, and implementing compliance policies and procedures.</li>
<li>Developed sanctions and export control compliance policies for implementation at portfolio companies of large private equity sponsors.</li>
<li>Developed a comprehensive sanctions compliance policy for a Singapore-based bank.</li>
<li>Conducted export control jurisdiction and classification assessment for aerospace and defense company.</li>
<li>Advised aerospace and defense company in preparation and submission of export license requests.</li>
<li>Conducted review of Bank Secrecy Act / Anti-Money Laundering (“BSA/AML”) program for casino.</li>
</ul>

Trump Administration Resource Hub

Anthony Rapa

Anthony Rapa

Offices

Stay Connected

Slide Menu

Slide Search

Offices

Stay Connected