Frequently Asked Questions

Featured FAQs

401. OFAC’s 50 Percent Rule states that the property and interests in property of entities directly or indirectly owned 50 percent or more in the aggregate by one or more blocked persons are considered blocked. How does OFAC interpret indirect ownership as it relates to certain complex ownership structures?

"Indirectly," as used in OFAC’s 50 Percent Rule, refers to one or more blocked persons' ownership of shares of an entity through another entity or entities that are 50 percent or more owned in the aggregate by the blocked person(s). OFAC urges persons consider ... Read more

5. When screening for sanctions, how do I determine if I have a valid match to a name on one of OFAC's lists?

When attempting to verify or disqualify potential matches to individuals or entities on OFAC's sanctions lists, organizations should follow their own sanctions compliance policies and procedures for investigating potential matches.  OFAC recommends that s ... Read more

Recently Added FAQs

1276. On October 15, 2026, the Department of State designated the Banco Internacional de Comercio, S.A. (BICSA) pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14404. Are foreign persons, including foreign financial institutions (FFIs), subject to sanctions risk for transacting with BICSA?

The U.S. government does not intend to target foreign persons, including FFIs, pursuant to E.O. 14404 for engaging in transactions ordinarily incident and necessary to the divestment from or the wind down of transactions involving BICSA, or any entity in which ... Read more

1271. How does the September 30, 2026 amendment to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR) affect prohibitions related to the U.S. Department of State's List of Restricted Entities and Subentities Associated with Cuba (Cuba Restricted List or CRL)?

Simultaneous Publish Test Effective September 30, 2026, OFAC amended § 515.209 to reflect the expanded scope of activities for which the Secretary of State, as directed by the 2025 National Security Presidential Memorandum-5 (NSPM-5), may add entities or suben ... Read more

Featured FAQs

5. When screening for sanctions, how do I determine if I have a valid match to a name on one of OFAC's lists?

Recently Added FAQs

1276. On October 15, 2026, the Department of State designated the Banco Internacional de Comercio, S.A. (BICSA) pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14404. Are foreign persons, including foreign financial institutions (FFIs), subject to sanctions risk for transacting with BICSA?

1271. How does the September 30, 2026 amendment to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR) affect prohibitions related to the U.S. Department of State's List of Restricted Entities and Subentities Associated with Cuba (Cuba Restricted List or CRL)?

General Questions

Sanctions Programs

Sanctions Compliance

Sanctions Lists and Files

Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence

Frequently Asked Questions

Featured FAQs

5. When screening for sanctions, how do I determine if I have a valid match to a name on one of OFAC's lists?

Recently Added FAQs

1276. On October 15, 2026, the Department of State designated the Banco Internacional de Comercio, S.A. (BICSA) pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14404. Are foreign persons, including foreign financial institutions (FFIs), subject to sanctions risk for transacting with BICSA?

1271. How does the September 30, 2026 amendment to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR) affect prohibitions related to the U.S. Department of State's List of Restricted Entities and Subentities Associated with Cuba (Cuba Restricted List or CRL)?

General Questions

Sanctions Programs

Sanctions Compliance

Sanctions Lists and Files

Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence

1276. On October 15, 2026, the Department of State designated the Banco Internacional de Comercio, S.A. (BICSA) pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14404. Are foreign persons, including foreign financial institutions (FFIs), subject to sanctions risk for transacting with BICSA?