OFACSanctions / OFACJuly 22, 2026

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.

What to do

Update sanctions screening tools and watchlist databases to remove delisted names from the SDN List and add transferred names to NS-MBS List screening workflows, then review any existing customer or counterparty relationships against the updated lists.

Who this affects

Crypto ExchangeCrypto CustodianBank / Credit UnionMoney Services BusinessTrust CompanyBroker-Dealer / RIAPayments Company

Does this affect your program?

Pick your institution type for an instant read on whether you're in scope — then see exactly which sections of your own policies this changes.

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 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.

OFAC

OFAC Updates Identifying Information for SDN List Entry

OFAC has revised the identifying information for a person already on the SDN List, which may include updated names, aliases, addresses, or other identifiers. Firms relying on static or infrequently refreshed screening data could miss a match if their records do not reflect the updated details. Compliance teams should ensure their screening tools ingest OFAC's full consolidated SDN List, including all alias and identifier updates.

Stay ahead of every rule change

PliOS monitors FinCEN, OCC, OFAC, the SEC and CFTC and tells you which of your policies each new rule affects — with the edit already drafted. Start free.

Run My Free Assessment