OFACSanctions / OFACMay 14, 2026

OFAC Adds New Names to SDN Blocked Persons List

OFAC has designated additional individuals or entities to the SDN List, triggering an immediate obligation for all U.S. persons and businesses to block any property interests and cease transactions with the listed parties. Firms in crypto and fintech must ensure their screening systems are updated promptly to remain compliant with U.S. sanctions law.

What to do

Update sanctions screening databases immediately with the new SDN designations and conduct a look-back review of recent transactions to identify any exposure to the newly listed parties.

Who this affects

Crypto ExchangeCrypto CustodianWallet ProviderMoney Services BusinessPayments CompanyFintech / NeobankBank / Credit Union

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Source

Read the official publication

This radar entry is educational and does not constitute legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and grounded in the linked official source; always verify against the primary source and consult qualified legal counsel for jurisdiction-specific guidance.

Related developments

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OFAC Adds New Names to SDN Sanctions Blacklist

OFAC has designated one or more individuals or entities as Specially Designated Nationals, blocking all property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction and prohibiting U.S. persons from transacting with them. Crypto and fintech firms must screen all customers, counterparties, and wallet addresses against the updated SDN list immediately, as any transaction with a newly listed party could constitute a sanctions violation regardless of asset type or platform.

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OFAC Updates Contact Info and Swaps Legal-Fee Reporting for Recordkeeping

OFAC is finalizing administrative updates to several CFR parts, including refreshed website and contact information and a notable change to general licenses covering payments for legal services from funds originating outside the United States — replacing a reporting requirement with a recordkeeping requirement. Firms that rely on these general licenses (e.g., when a sanctioned-country counterparty pays legal fees) now need to maintain records rather than file reports. Compliance teams should update their sanctions compliance procedures to reflect the recordkeeping obligation.

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OFAC Removes Some Hong Kong SDNs, Moves Others to Non-SDN Menu-Based List

OFAC has delisted certain individuals and entities from the SDN List under Hong Kong sanctions authorities, while transferring others who remain sanctioned under the Hong Kong Autonomy Act to the Non-SDN Menu-Based Sanctions List (NS-MBS List). Compliance teams must update their screening systems to reflect both the removals and the new list placement, as NS-MBS List designations carry different — but still legally significant — restrictions compared to full SDN blocking. Firms that transact with or custody assets for any of the affected persons need to re-evaluate their obligations immediately.

OFAC

OFAC Adds New Individuals or Entities to the SDN List

OFAC has designated one or more persons to its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List, meaning all property and interests in property of those persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from transacting with them. Crypto exchanges, custodians, and payment processors must screen these newly added names immediately to avoid sanctions violations. Failure to block transactions involving SDN-listed parties can result in significant civil and criminal penalties.

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