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OFACSanctions / OFACMay 27, 2026

OFAC Adds New Persons to the SDN Blocked Persons List

OFAC has designated additional individuals or entities to the SDN List, blocking all property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction and prohibiting U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with them. For crypto and fintech firms, this requires immediate rescreening of customer and transaction data, as digital asset transfers to or from SDNs carry the same strict-liability exposure as traditional financial transactions. Failure to screen promptly can result in significant civil penalties regardless of intent.

What to do

  • Download the updated OFAC SDN List, run a full rescan of your customer, wallet address, and counterparty databases against the new designations, and freeze or block any matching accounts or pending transactions without delay.

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.

Related developments

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OFAC Removes One or More Individuals from the SDN List

OFAC has unblocked the property and interests of one or more persons and removed them from the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List. Compliance officers must update their sanctions screening systems promptly to reflect these removals, as continuing to block transactions or assets for delisted parties can create legal and operational issues. All firms with OFAC screening obligations should treat SDN List updates as time-sensitive compliance events.

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OFAC Removes One or More Persons from the SDN List

OFAC has formally delisted one or more individuals or entities from the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List, meaning any transaction blocks or asset freezes tied to those names must be updated accordingly. Compliance teams need to refresh their screening lists immediately to avoid false positives that could delay or reject legitimate transactions. Failing to update promptly can create both operational friction and regulatory exposure.

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OFAC Adds New Individuals/Entities to SDN List, Blocks Vessels

OFAC has added one or more persons and associated vessels to the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List, meaning all U.S. persons and entities are prohibited from transacting with them and must block any property or interests subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Crypto exchanges, custodians, and payment processors must screen these new designations immediately, as facilitating transactions with SDNs — including through digital assets — carries severe civil and criminal penalties.

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OFAC Publishes Updated Iran Sector Determination Under 2020 Executive Order

OFAC has formally published in the Federal Register a sector determination under the January 2020 Iran-related Executive Order, which authorizes broad secondary sanctions on designated sectors of the Iranian economy. Compliance officers should review the determination to confirm whether any newly covered sectors affect their customers, counterparties, or transaction flows. Crypto firms are particularly exposed given Iran's documented use of digital assets to evade sanctions.

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