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OFACSanctions / OFACAugust 6, 2026

OFAC Adds New Names to SDN Sanctions Blacklist

OFAC has designated one or more additional persons on its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List, meaning all U.S. persons are prohibited from transacting with them and any property they hold under U.S. jurisdiction must be blocked. Crypto and fintech firms must screen against the updated SDN List immediately, as facilitating transactions with newly listed parties — including through digital asset transfers — can result in severe civil and criminal penalties.

What to do

  • Pull the latest SDN List from OFAC's website today, update your sanctions screening tool or watchlist feed, and re-screen existing customers and pending transactions against the new designations.

Who this affects

Crypto ExchangeCrypto CustodianWallet ProviderMoney Services BusinessPayments CompanyFintech / NeobankBank / Credit UnionTrust CompanyBroker-Dealer / RIA

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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.

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