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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. How do I determine if I have a valid OFAC match?

If you are calling about a wire transfer or other “live” transaction:Step 1. Is the “hit” or “match” against OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list, one of its other sanctions lists, or targeted countries, or is it “hitting” for some other reason (i. ... Read more

Recently Added FAQs

The IT and Software Services Determination includes an exception for services related to software subject to the EAR, where: the export to Russia of such software is authorized or licensed by the Department of Commerce (Commerce); or where such software is not ... Read more
Yes. Although transactions or other dealings involving Ly and L.Y.P. Group are prohibited as a result of OFAC's designation, OFAC concurrently issued Global Magnitsky General License (GL) 8 authorizing U.S. persons to engage in all transactions with any entity ... Read more