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Russia Sanctions: Persons Subject to Financial Restrictions

The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation have updated guidance on persons subject to financial and investment restrictions under the Russia sanctions regime. The guidance lists entities like GAZPROM NEFT, PJSC SBERBANK, and VTB BANK, detailing restrictions on transferable securities and loans.

UK Financial Sanctions FAQs

The UK's Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has updated its Financial Sanctions FAQs. These updates provide technical guidance and information on various sanctions regimes, including specific country measures and licensing. The latest updates include amendments and additions to existing FAQs, with the most recent changes noted on February 25, 2026.

UK Sanctions Enforcement Action Case Studies and Lessons

The UK government has published a collection of case studies and lessons learned from sanctions enforcement actions taken by various bodies, including OFSI, NCA, OTSI, and HMRC. This resource aims to inform industry stakeholders about compliance requirements and potential penalties under UK sanctions regulations.

UK Sanctions List Consolidation and OFSI List Closure

The UK's Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) Consolidated List of Asset Freeze Targets closed on January 28, 2026. All UK sanctions designations are now consolidated under the UK Sanctions List. This change aims to streamline sanctions information for regulated entities.

Guidance on Belarus Sanctions Trade Licence Considerations

The UK Department for Business and Trade has published guidance on considerations for granting trade sanctions licences related to Belarus. This guidance details specific conditions under which licences may be granted for military goods, technology, and related services, as well as for hydrazine imports.

Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) Annual Report

The Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) has published its first-year operational report, detailing activities from 2024 to 2025. The report outlines OTSI's powers, capabilities, operational functions, and engagement efforts, while also looking ahead to future priorities such as enhanced business support and proactive enforcement.

UK Sanctions Guidance for Businesses

The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and HM Treasury have published new guidance for businesses and organisations on understanding and complying with UK sanctions. The guide outlines various types of sanctions and reporting obligations for regulated firms.

OFAC Designates Rwanda Defence Force and Officials; Issues General License

The US Treasury's OFAC has designated the Rwanda Defence Force and four Rwandan officials under its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List for actions related to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. OFAC also issued DRC-related General License 1 to authorize the wind-down of transactions involving the Rwanda Defence Force.

Switzerland Updates ISIL and Al-Qaida Sanctions List

Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) announced an update to its sanctions list concerning individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities associated with ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida. The update reflects amendments made by the UN sanctions committee, entering into force in Switzerland without delay.

US Imposes Export Controls on AI Chips to China, Tariffs

The US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued a final rule on January 15, 2026, revising its export licensing review policy for advanced computing items to China. This change shifts from a presumption of denial to a case-by-case review for certain AI chips, while also imposing a 25% fee on such sales. Concurrently, a Section 232 Proclamation targets semiconductor imports with tariffs, offering exceptions for domestic use.