The Illicit Trade & Geopolitics Executive Institute at James Madison University serves as a premier professional development and networking opportunity, equipping financial professionals, corporate leaders, and policymakers with critical insights into the evolving landscape of illicit financial flows, regulatory challenges, and geopolitical risks.
Illicit trade—ranging from money laundering and counterfeit goods to sanctions evasion and terrorist financing—undermines financial stability, disrupts legitimate commerce, and exposes businesses to regulatory and reputational risks. As governments and financial institutions face increasing scrutiny, staying ahead of these challenges is imperative for professionals in the field of risk, intelligence, compliance and geopolitics.
Join leaders on the cutting edge of fighting illicit trade.
Attend The Illicit Trade & Geopolitics Executive Institute.
This exciting one-week residential executive course teaches illicit trade in a holistic and practical manner, combining both essential theoretical knowledge with real-world practitioner insights and contemporary investigation skills.Topics covered include:
- how criminals set up offshore companies and bank accounts;
- they obscure the beneficial ownership of assets;
- they exploit the loopholes of dual-use goods legal systems;
- and how to identify vulnerabilities in particular jurisdictions.
The program also includes a field trip to relevant institutions in and around Washington, D.C., providing participants with firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities associated with combating illicit trade.
Course Details
Course Dates:
Oct. 13-17, 2025
Location:
JMU Washington Center
1400 16th Street, NW, Suite 320
Washington, DC 20036
Cost:
Students/NGO Affliates: $3,500
Corporate Clients: $5,000
Register Now:
Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants will:
- Have foundational knowledge of key concepts associated with illicit trade.
- Be able to utilize important contemporary investigative techniques, such as Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and Network Analysis.
- Have practical insight on best practice for local, national, and international institutions and stakeholders in their efforts to combat illicit trade.
- Have access to a network of fellow peers, experts, and practitioners active in the field of illicit trade.
Course Outline
- Day 1: Overview Day
- Day 2: Goods Day - Trade and Trafficking
- Day 3: Money Day - Financial Crime & ML/TF
- Day 4: Field Trip
- Day 5: Responses and Exam