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What are Primary And Secondary Sanctions?
Sanctions are a powerful tool of foreign policy, used to limit the economic activity of certain countries, companies, or individuals. The primary body that regulates sanctions in the USA is the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). It establishes and ensures compliance with sa Read more »
What are Trade Sanctions?
Trade sanctions always attract attention due to their ability to change the balance of power on the international stage. They impact global trade, forcing companies to revise their strategies and nations to forge new alliances. But behind every decision to impose sanctions lie co Read more »
What are Economic Sanctions and How They Work?
Sanctions have become a significant tool in modern politics, influencing economies, markets, and international relations. They are implemented to pressure governments, companies, or individuals, changing their actions or strategies. Economic sanctions hold a special place among s Read more »
Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Travel Rule: A Complete Guide
With the rapid development of financial technologies and cryptocurrencies, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for governments to regulate digital assets. One of the most significant regulatory initiatives in recent years has been the FATF Travel Rule, aimed to combat mone Read more »
FATF Grey List and Blacklist Countries [2026] — Complete Guide
Quick Answer: What Are the FATF Grey List and Blacklist Countries (2026)? As of February 2026, the FATF blacklist (High-Risk Jurisdictions subject to Call for Action) contains 3 countries: Iran, North Korea, and Myanmar. The FATF grey list (Jurisdictions under Increased Monitorin Read more »
What is Watchlist Screening?
Watchlist Screening process is a procedure for checking individuals, organisations, and transactions against special lists that contain information on suspicious and prohibited persons and companies. This method is an important part of the AML/CFT strategy, as it helps to identif Read more »
Sanctions Watch Blog – Sanctions on Iran, Iraq and Syria: International Policy and Law Enforcement
Review From 2018 to 2022, there was an independent blog in the English-language segment dedicated to the analysis and monitoring of international sanctions againstIran, Iraq and Syria. This project has filled an important gap in English-language coverage of Middle East sanctions Read more »
Export Controls in Germany
Export controls play a pivotal role in ensuring security and compliance with Germany’s international obligations. This system is regulated by the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) and aims to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destructi Read more »
What is OFAC Clearance?
Quick Answer: What Is OFAC Clearance? OFAC clearance is the process of verifying that parties, assets, and transactions are not subject to US sanctions before proceeding with a cross-border deal. Required by banks, financial institutions, importers, and exporters, it involves scr Read more »
Who Must Comply With OFAC Sanctions Regulations?
As the global economy develops and international relations become stronger, more and more organizations and individuals are faced with the need to comply with OFAC sanctions and various international regulations. The main regulator is the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC Read more »
What is the Difference Between OFAC and FinCEN?
In the landscape of financial oversight, two key U.S. government agencies hold significant sway: the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Despite both residing under the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s umbrella and Read more »
What Does it Mean to be Sanctioned?
Quick Answer Being sanctioned means being subject to legal penalties or restrictions imposed by a government or international body. Sanctions can include asset freezes, travel bans, trade restrictions, and financial prohibitions. In the U.S., OFAC administers sanctions that preve Read more »