Frequently Asked Questions

252 … Only the name field uses the fuzzy searching logic. … What fields use fuzzy logic? …

287. Who may use Sanctions List Search? Can we configure our automated system to utilize Sanctions List Search on a continual basis?

287 … Sanctions List Search is a free tool provided by OFAC to assist the public in complying with sanctions programs. It is intended to be used by individual users that are looking for potential matches on OFAC's sanctions lists. It should not be utilized by automated systems that are configured… Read more

369. Does Sanctions List Search look for potential matches on all of the various sanctions lists that OFAC has published on its website?

369 … Sanctions List Search will look for and return potential matches from the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) and Consolidated Sanctions Lists . The user can look under the List column to see which list(s) a potential match is on. Please see the Consolidated List page for more detailed… Read more

467. Does the Sanctions List Search tool show historic information? For example, does it show names that have been removed from one of OFAC's sanctions lists?

467 … OFAC's Sanctions List Search is updated frequently and always contains the latest versions of OFAC's sanctions lists. Like OFAC's other list-related publications, Sanctions List Search does not contain historical information. Names that have been removed from OFAC's Specially Designated… Read more

253. When conducting a search using the ID field, does Sanctions List Search account for variations in non-alphanumeric characters?

253 … Sanctions List Search’s ID field uses exact character matching to provide users with a result. In order to receive the broadest number of results, users should conduct ID field searches both with and without any non-alphanumeric characters. … When conducting a search using the ID field, does… Read more

79. Does OFAC provide its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List in a format that can be easily imported into a database?

79 … Yes. OFAC's SDN list is available in XML, fixed-field and delimited formats that can be imported into a variety of software programs. … Does OFAC provide its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List in a format that can be easily imported into a …

80. Does OFAC provide its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List in a spreadsheet format?

80 … OFAC publishes the SDN data in a comma separated values format (CSV). This format is recognized by Excel and other spreadsheet programs and can be imported into spreadsheet format by simply opening the file in your default spreadsheet application. … Does OFAC provide its Specially Designated… Read more

44. Is there a dollar limit on which transactions are subject to OFAC regulations?

44 … There is no minimum or maximum amount subject to the regulations. … Is there a dollar limit on which transactions are subject to OFAC regulations? …

45. Does my bank need to check the OFAC list when selling cashier's checks and money orders? In the case of cashier's checks, do I need to check both the purchaser and the payee? As a mortgage lender, do I need to check both the purchaser and the seller's name against the Specially Designated Nationals list? Do I need to check their names against all of OFAC's other sanctions lists?

45 … Every transaction that a U.S. financial institution engages in is subject to OFAC regulations. If a bank knows or has reason to know that a target is party to a transaction, the bank's processing of the transaction would be unlawful. … Does my bank need to check the OFAC list when selling… Read more

46. If a loan meets underwriting standards but is a true "hit" on OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list, what do we use as a denial reason on the adverse action notice?

46 … If you have confirmed with OFAC that you have a "good hit" on the SDN list or one of OFAC's other sanctions lists , there is no reason not to explain that to the customer. The customer can contact OFAC directly for further information. … If a loan meets underwriting standards but is a true "… Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence