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OFACSanctions / OFACMay 11, 2026

OFAC Adds New Names to SDN Blocked Persons List

OFAC has designated one or more persons to the SDN List, requiring all U.S. persons to block their property and prohibiting any transactions with them. Crypto and fintech firms must update screening systems and check existing customer and counterparty relationships against the revised list without delay.

What to do

  • Refresh your SDN screening lists and run an immediate re-screen of current customers, counterparties, and associated wallet addresses against the updated designations.

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

OFAC

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.

OFAC

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.

OFAC

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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