OFAC SDN List Removal Lawyer
Sanctions are a powerful legal instrument applied to states, organizations, and individuals. Being designated on the OFAC SDN list can have devastating consequences. Our lawyers specialize in SDN list removal and have resolved over 100 cases.
OFAC SDN list removal is the formal process of submitting a petition to the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control requesting reconsideration of a sanctions designation. The SDN (Specially Designated Nationals) list contains over 12,000 entries. Designation results in all assets being frozen and U.S. persons being prohibited from any dealings. The Collegium of International Lawyers has successfully achieved SDN list removal for clients in over 100 cases across 40+ countries.
Consequences of OFAC SDN Designation
| Area | Consequences of SDN Designation |
|---|---|
| Bank accounts | Immediate freeze at all banks with U.S. correspondent relationships |
| International payments | All U.S. dollar payments blocked |
| Business relationships | U.S. persons and companies prohibited from dealings |
| Reputation | Public listing on a searchable U.S. government database |
| Real estate in U.S. | Any U.S.-jurisdiction property frozen |
| Cryptocurrency | OFAC-identified wallets blocked |
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), operating under the U.S. Department of the Treasury, is a key agency responsible for implementing and enforcing economic and trade sanctions aimed at supporting U.S. national security and foreign policy.
Despite the stringent nature of the sanctions, our sanctions attorneys successfully handle any OFAC delisting to get you off the SDN List, offering you the best solutions through the expertise of our experienced sanctions lawyers.
What is the OFAC SDN List?
Published by the OFAC, a specially designated national list is a comprehensive registry that contains names of people, entities, and groups that are deemed to be involved in actions that threaten or undermine the US government, its foreign policies, or national security objectives.
Individuals, entities, organizations, or governments appearing on the OFAC sanctions list can face significant and far-reaching consequences that can impact their social and economic lives. That’s because US citizens, businesses, and financial institutions are prohibited from engaging in any business or financial transactions with any person blocked by the OFAC. That also applies to any business entity where the listed person’s controlling interest exceeds 50%.
That means any funds, assets, or bank accounts within the U.S. territories or those that go through American-based financial systems will be blocked (frozen in an interest-bearing account) as long as you’re on the SDN list. Additionally, OFAC provides individuals, businesses, and financial institutions with resources to confirm whether any person or entity is on the SDN List.
Remember, the strength of the OFAC sanctions list lies in the effectiveness of automated systems that screen for any blocked entity or person, making enforcement highly efficient. That highlights the importance of adhering to OFAC economic regulations for every major financial institution globally to avoid the hefty financial, criminal, and social obligations that non-compliance may impose.
The SDN List Removal Process
The OFAC delisting procedure is a lengthy and complex legal process that may take anywhere from six months to years. The process involves a submission from a person seeking an OFAC delisting or representation from OFAC attorney with a clear understanding of the proceduresи governing delisting from the Office of Foreign Assets Control list.
Nonetheless, the OFAC delisting process involves some degree of data disclosure that will be crucial in building a strong case. That includes information on your current business processes, financial transactions, and corporate changes while ensuring confidentiality.
According to CFR 501.807, the OFAC procedures governing delisting involve several key steps that must be executed accurately and sequentially. Our experienced lawyers provide professional assistance ranging from submitting a detailed request to the OFAC review process and legal defense, ensuring the protection of clients’ interests and maximizing the chances of success.
Here is what the whole process entails with the help of our international attorneys:
1. Identifying Grounds for Removal from the OFAC sanctions List
The first step is a detailed analysis of OFAC regulations and identification of the reasons for the decision to include you in the Sanctioned Persons List. This process is followed by determining the grounds for exclusion based on the analysis of the provided information.
Our sanctions attorneys work with three main OFAC’s determination categories for possible removal from the SDN List strictly in compliance with 31 CFR 501.807. That includes:
- Mistaken Identity
- Change in Circumstances
- Implementation of Corrective Actions
2. Preparing the SDN List Removal Application
Ensuring that you have grounds for administrative review, our sanctions attorneys will compile a strong personal case and prepare a detailed application for removal or designation from the SDN List to OFAC, ensuring that all arguments are clearly presented and supported by relevant regulations, procedures and precedents — this is a critical stage requiring a professional perspective and meticulous elaboration of all details involved.
3. Communication with OFAC representation
We manage all interactions with OFAC on your behalf, submitting the official application to OFAC via email at [email protected]. We provide complete documentation in accordance with established requirements.
In compliance with 31 CFR 501.807(b)(1), we handle all inquiries related to requests OFAC may make in the form of questionnaires, containing a list of questions regarding changes that have occurred that OFAC wants to clarify, additional evidence, or explanations, considering the confidentiality of your business activities, and we are ready to prepare and respond to them in the most favorable form and in the shortest possible time.
4. Conducting OFAC Hearing or OFAC Interview
Although a meeting with OFAC is not mandatory, parties to the subject may request it for a personal discussion of case details. However, OFAC reserves the right to refuse a meeting until the case analysis is complete (31 CFR 501.807(b)(2)).
After completing the review, OFAC provides a written decision on the outcome of the petition review and removal from the SDN List. This decision will be based on the analysis of all submitted evidence and legal arguments (31 CFR 501.807(b)(3)), so it is crucial to have an experienced sanctions attorney accompany you.
Grounds for Removal from OFAC’s SDN List
OFAC meticulously examines each individual included in the SDN List and cannot simply remove you from this list without considering compliance with sanctions‘ special requirements. Therefore, sanctions attorneys will present compelling arguments for your removal from the SDN List based on three available grounds:
Mistaken Identity
If there are grounds, we will build your case to correctly argue that you were included in the list due to insufficient or incorrect information or mistaken identity, when you were confused with another person, due to name similarities, or other errors related to “soft alias” or “soft aka.”
We also handle erroneous asset blocking based on 31 CFR 501.603. Our sanctions attorneys submit a request for the release of assets blocked by mistake.
Change in Circumstances
Sanctions programs and releases regarding inclusion in sanctions lists contain sufficient information that OFAC refers to when including you in sanctions lists, which may undoubtedly cause you to disagree. However, if a person believes that there are changes in the circumstances resulting to the sanction, they can petition the OFAC for a removal from the list.
Implementation of Corrective Actions
We will submit a statement to OFAC, considering specific corrective actions taken to address the issues that led to sanctions, such as corporate reorganization, the resignation of individuals holding positions of ownership in the blocked organization, and the sale of blocked property on the condition that funds are credited to a blocked interest-bearing account.
OFAC SDN List Removal Lawyer
The attorneys in our Sanctions law firm have many years of experience and an impeccable reputation in international law, offers highly specialized services for removal from the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List) of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
We understand that being on the SDN List can have serious consequences for a company, business and reputation, so our approach is based on a detailed study of each client’s individual circumstances. We offer comprehensive support, including the preparation of necessary documents, representation in negotiations with regulatory authorities, and, if necessary, legal representation in court.
We are confident in our ability to provide you with qualified assistance and help achieve a positive result. To discuss your needs and receive personalized consultation, please contact our lawyers. We are ready to offer you our experience and professionalism for the successful resolution of your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get removed from the OFAC SDN list?
SDN list removal requires filing a formal administrative petition with OFAC under 31 C.F.R. Part 501. The petition must present evidence that the designation basis no longer applies or was factually incorrect, demonstrate that the petitioner does not engage in sanctionable conduct, and address any ongoing concerns. Our attorneys prepare comprehensive delisting submissions with legal memoranda, factual declarations, third-party evidence, and compliance commitments that give your petition the strongest possible foundation.
How long does SDN list removal take?
OFAC SDN delisting typically takes 6 to 18 months from submission of a complete petition. Cases involving strong evidentiary records and clear legal arguments may resolve faster. Politically sensitive designations linked to foreign policy priorities may take longer. Our lawyers maintain active communication with OFAC throughout the process and respond promptly to any requests for supplemental information to prevent unnecessary delays.
Can a company challenge OFAC SDN designation?
Yes. Both individuals and entities designated to the SDN list have the right to petition OFAC for administrative reconsideration. Foreign persons may also seek judicial review in U.S. federal courts under the Administrative Procedure Act. Our attorneys evaluate the factual and legal basis of your designation and recommend the most effective challenge strategy — administrative petition, court proceedings, or diplomatic channels depending on your circumstances.
What evidence is needed for OFAC SDN delisting?
An effective OFAC delisting petition requires: documented evidence refuting the stated grounds for designation, a detailed account of business activities and corporate structure showing no sanctionable conduct, information on beneficial ownership and financial relationships, compliance program documentation, and supporting statements from credible third parties. Our attorneys conduct a full factual investigation to identify and present the strongest available evidence.
What happens to my assets while I am on the SDN list?
All assets within U.S. jurisdiction are frozen immediately upon SDN designation. This includes bank accounts, real estate, securities, and any other property that U.S. persons or financial institutions control. U.S. persons are prohibited from conducting any transactions with you. Blocked assets remain frozen until OFAC grants a license for their release or removes you from the SDN list. Our attorneys can pursue parallel tracks — challenging the designation while simultaneously applying for a specific license to release critical assets.