Understanding the United States for International Decision Makers
U.S. Regulation
& Compliance
U.S. regulation is characterized by a complex interaction between federal law, agency rules, and state-level requirements.
This section provides an overview of how regulatory changes occur and why they often have extraterritorial effects.
Overview of U.S. Regulatory System
U.S. regulation is shaped by statutes passed by Congress and detailed rules issued by federal agencies. Regulations can apply to foreign companies with U.S. operations or transactions. Regulatory updates and enforcement-related developments are covered in dedicated USA Executive Briefings.
Federal vs. State Regulation
Some regulatory areas are exclusively federal, while others fall under state jurisdiction. Compliance may require adhering to both levels, which can vary significantly across states.
Role of Regulatory Agencies
Agencies create, implement, and enforce rules. Key agencies affecting international business include the SEC, FTC, Treasury, and Department of Commerce.
Rulemaking and Enforcement
Agencies follow formal rulemaking procedures, including public notice and comment. Enforcement actions can include fines, restrictions, or mandatory compliance programs.
Extraterritorial Effects
Certain U.S. regulations apply globally, including anti-corruption rules, trade sanctions, and securities law. International companies must understand these obligations to remain compliant.
Executive Briefings
USA.country publishes regular executive briefings on current U.S. developments with international relevance.
These briefings provide factual summaries of recent policy, regulatory, economic, and legal developments, based on official U.S. sources.