CELIS Washington 26 - CELIS Institute - Investment Screening | National Security

CELIS LEADERS DC

Investment Screening and Economic Security in the US and Key International Markets

5-6 May 2026

Washington, DC (USA)

The third edition of Leaders DC will focus on investment screening and economic security in the US and key international markets. The convening on May 6, 2026 will gather senior US government officials, representatives from key foreign jurisdictions, and leaders from business, private practice, and academia. Leaders DC provides a high-level forum for strategic exchange, gathering both practical insights and long-term perspectives on the future of investment screening policy in the US and key foreign jurisdictions.

An evening reception and guest speaker will take place on May 5, kindly hosted by Skadden. The reception will provide an opportunity for participants to connect and exchange views in an informal setting ahead of the programme.

Participation will be limited to 50 senior stakeholders (invitation only), and discussions will be conducted under the Chatham House Rule to facilitate candid and constructive dialogue in a high-trust environment.

Attendance is free of charge but requires prior registration and confirmation by CELIS. Applications are reviewed to ensure a balanced representation of perspectives across government, industry, legal practice, and academia.

Topics

This year’s edition focuses on two technical key issues in contemporary investment screening.

Topic 1: As cross-border transactions increasingly undergo parallel screening in multiple jurisdictions, differences in legal frameworks, risk thresholds, procedures, and mitigation expectations can create significant uncertainty for investors and authorities alike. The session examines how these divergences affect transaction planning and outcomes in practice, and where and how greater coordination across jurisdictions may help reduce regulatory risk.

Topic 2: Access to sensitive data has become a central factor in screening decisions, shaping risk assessments and mitigation measures, while also affecting the commercial viability and integration of investments. Discussions will examine how authorities assess data-related national security risks, how mitigation measures are designed and implemented, and how companies can structure data governance and cybersecurity frameworks to address these concerns.

What sets Leaders DC apart

A Trusted Transatlantic Network
Over time, DC Leaders has built a lasting transatlantic network of economic security and investment screening experts across disciplines.

Best Practice Exchange
Leaders DC provides a place for regulators, practitioners, and industry leaders to exchange emerging best practices in the design and implementation of investment screening and economic security policy.

Independent, Non-Partisan Platform
Leaders DC is an independent platform not owned by any single stakeholder group, ensuring balanced perspectives and an open, trusted environment for dialogue.