AmCham Azerbaijan Successfully Hosted th ...

AmCham Azerbaijan successfully hosted the 6th Annual Conference on “Ethics and Compliance in Azerbaijan” on February 19, 2026. With the generous support of bp, Baker Hughes, and Dentons, the event brought together key business leaders, government officials, and compliance professionals to discuss corporate ethics, transparency, and regulatory compliance.

Mr. Dayanat Sadullayev, President of AmCham Azerbaijan, opened the Conference by welcoming distinguished speakers, government representatives, and members of the business community. He emphasized AmCham’s long-standing tradition of convening high-level platforms on ethics and compliance, noting that the Conference has become one of the Chamber’s flagship initiatives. Highlighting the growing importance of integrity, transparency, and accountability in today’s complex business environment, he reaffirmed AmCham’s commitment to these principles, guided by its Code of Ethics. He emphasized that strengthening ethical standards and fostering a strong compliance culture remain strategic priorities for the Chamber and its members. In his remarks, Mr. Sadullayev also expressed sincere appreciation to the Conference sponsors — bp, Baker Hughes, and Dentons — for their generous support and partnership, noting that their continued engagement plays an important role in advancing dialogue and promoting high standards of business integrity in Azerbaijan.

Mr. Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, bp’s vice president for the Caspian region, reflected on the evolution of AmCham’s Legal and Compliance Working Group into a full Committee, noting that this development demonstrated the increasing recognition of ethics and compliance as core elements of corporate governance. He underscored the role of such conferences in institutionalizing best practices through dialogue and peer exchange. Referring to the AmCham ESG Governance Book as a practical example of collaborative guidance aligned with international standards, he suggested that AmCham could consider developing a dedicated Ethics and Compliance Guidance Book for companies operating in Azerbaijan. He also reaffirmed bp’s long-standing partnership with AmCham and its continued support for initiatives that strengthen governance and business integrity.

Mr. Natig Eyvazov, Head of the Department of Preventive Measures and Inquiry at the Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan, outlined the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the regulatory and enforcement framework in the field of compliance and anti-corruption. He highlighted preventive mechanisms aimed at increasing transparency and corporate responsibility, emphasizing the importance of proactive compliance culture and effective public–private cooperation.

In his address, Mr. Zaur Allhavedizade focused on the practical implementation of ethics and compliance within companies, stressing that effective governance requires more than formal adherence to regulations. He emphasized the need for actionable tools, internal capacity-building, and structured guidance to ensure sustainable compliance systems. Reaffirming AmCham’s role as a platform for expert dialogue and knowledge-sharing, he highlighted the Chamber’s commitment to translating ethical principles into measurable corporate practices and long-term institutional trust.

Throughout the event, two engaging panel discussions took place, addressing crucial topics in compliance and business ethics.

The first panel, titled “Building a Compliance Management Function from Scratch,” focused on the practical and strategic aspects of establishing effective compliance systems within organizations. The discussions explored when and how companies should initiate compliance structures, how to allocate responsibilities, prioritize risks, and embed a strong ethical culture from the outset. Panelists also examined the role of technology, resource allocation, internal communication, and performance measurement in ensuring that compliance functions operate not merely as formal requirements, but as value-adding and sustainable components of corporate governance. The session provided practical insights relevant both for companies at the early stages of building compliance systems and for those seeking to strengthen existing frameworks.

The panel featured notable industry leaders:

• Mr. Vagif Ahmadov - Ethics & compliance manager, bp, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Türkiye region
• Ms. Aytaj Gasimova - PhD, Head of Legal and Government Relations Department, PASHA Holding
• Ms. Togrul Valiyev - Head of Legal, Azerbaijan Coca-Cola Bottlers
• Ms. Aysel Karimli - Deputy Head of the Compliance Department, the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR)
• Mr. Nicolas Marinier - CAMS, Partner, Deloitte Luxembourg

The panel was moderated by Ms. Bahar Kavuzova, Senior Manager at Deloitte and Chairperson of AmCham Azerbaijan’s Legal & Compliance Committee, who guided the discussion and facilitated an engaging and insightful exchange among the speakers.

The second panel session, titled “International Trade Compliance: Managing Sanctions Risk,” examined the increasing complexity of global sanctions regimes and the challenges companies face when operating across multiple jurisdictions. The discussion addressed key issues such as negotiating sanctions clauses in international contracts, detecting and preventing sanctions circumvention, and ensuring compliance with U.S. and EU regulatory frameworks. Panelists also explored practical risk management approaches, including effective screening mechanisms, internal controls, voluntary self-disclosure considerations, and the role of technology in strengthening sanctions compliance programs. The session provided valuable insights for multinational and internationally active Azerbaijani companies navigating today’s evolving sanctions landscape.

The discussion showcased insights from leading industry experts: 

• Ms. Afag Mammadova, Deputy Vice President, Legal and Compliance, SOCAR 
• Mr. Joydeep Sengupta, Head of Global Compliance and Investigations, Dentons 
• Mr. Antonio Ciavatta, Executive Compliance Counsel, Baker Hughes 
• Mr. Nicola Passariello, Director, Moody’s
• Mr. Zaur Nagiyev, Management Board Member/ Head of Legal ASCO 

The session was moderated by Ms. Leyla Hasanova Shahingoz, Head of Legal at NEQSOL Holding and representative of AmCham Azerbaijan, who led a focused and engaging discussion among the panelists.

The Conference concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Kamil Valiyev, Board Member of AmCham Azerbaijan, who reflected on the key themes and insights shared throughout the day. In his address, he emphasized that ethics and compliance are not merely regulatory obligations, but strategic pillars that strengthen corporate resilience, investor confidence, and long-term economic sustainability. He noted that fostering a culture of integrity requires continuous dialogue, leadership commitment, and collective responsibility from both the public and private sectors. Mr. Valiyev underscored the importance of maintaining momentum beyond the Conference and translating discussions into practical action within organizations.

At the conclusion of the event, appreciation awards were presented to all speakers and sponsors in recognition of their valuable contributions and partnership.

The Conference was made possible through the generous sponsorship of bp, Baker Hughes, and Dentons. AmCham Azerbaijan extends its sincere appreciation to its valued partners for their continued trust, commitment, and meaningful support.