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Questions on Virtual Currency

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Questions on Virtual Currency

559. For purposes of OFAC sanctions programs, what do the terms "digital currency," "digital currency wallet," "digital currency address," and "virtual currency" mean?

Digital currency includes sovereign cryptocurrency, virtual currency (non-fiat), and a digital representation of fiat currency.

A digital currency wallet is a software application (or other mechanism) that provides a means for holding, storing, and transferring digital currency. A wallet holds the user's digital currency addresses, which allow the user to receive digital currency, and private keys, which allow the user to transfer digital currency. The wallet also maintains the user’s digital currency balance. A wallet provider is a person (individual or entity) that provides the software to create and manage wallets, which users can download. A hosted wallet provider is a business that creates and stores a digital currency wallet on behalf of a customer. Most hosted wallets also offer exchange and payments services to facilitate participation in a digital currency system by users.

A digital currency address is an alphanumeric identifier that represents a potential destination for a digital currency transfer. A digital currency address is associated with a digital currency wallet.

Virtual currency is a digital representation of value that functions as (i) a medium of exchange; (ii) a unit of account; and/or (iii) a store of value; and is neither issued nor guaranteed by any jurisdiction.

Released on October 15, 2021

560. Are my OFAC compliance obligations the same, regardless of whether a transaction is denominated in digital currency or traditional fiat currency?

Yes, the obligations are the same. U.S. persons (and persons otherwise subject to OFAC jurisdiction) must ensure that they block the property and interests in property of persons named on OFAC’s SDN List or any entity owned in the aggregate, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons, and that they do not engage in trade or other transactions with such persons.

As a general matter, U.S. persons and persons otherwise subject to OFAC jurisdiction, including firms that facilitate or engage in online commerce or process transactions using digital currency, are responsible for ensuring that they do not engage in unauthorized transactions prohibited by OFAC sanctions, such as dealings with blocked persons or property, or engaging in prohibited trade or investment-related transactions. Prohibited transactions include transactions that evade or avoid, have the purpose of evading or avoiding, cause a violation of, or attempt to violate prohibitions imposed by OFAC under various sanctions authorities. Additionally, persons that provide financial, material, or technological support for or to a designated person may be designated by OFAC under the relevant sanctions authority.

Persons including technology companies; administrators, exchangers, and users of digital currencies; and other payment processors should develop a tailored, risk-based compliance program, which generally should include sanctions list screening and other appropriate measures. An adequate compliance solution will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of business involved. There is no single compliance program or solution suitable for every circumstance.

Released on March 19, 2018

561. How will OFAC use its existing authorities to sanction those who use digital currencies for illicit purposes?

The United States’ whole-of-government strategies to combat global threats such as terrorism, transnational organized crime, malicious cyber activity, narcotics trafficking, weapons of mass destruction (WMD) proliferation, and human rights abuses include targeting an array of activities, including the use of digital currencies or other emerging payment systems to conduct proscribed financial transactions and evade U.S. sanctions. The strategies draw from a broad range of tools and authorities to respond to the growing and evolving threat posed by malicious actors using new payment mechanisms. OFAC will use sanctions in the fight against criminal and other malicious actors abusing digital currencies and emerging payment systems as a complement to existing tools, including diplomatic outreach and law enforcement authorities. To strengthen our efforts to combat the illicit use of digital currency transactions under our existing authorities, OFAC may include as identifiers on the SDN List specific digital currency addresses associated with blocked persons.

Released on March 19, 2018

562. How will OFAC identify digital currency-related information on the SDN List?

OFAC may add digital currency addresses to the SDN List to alert the public of specific digital currency identifiers associated with a blocked person. OFAC’s digital currency address listings are not likely to be exhaustive. Parties who identify digital currency identifiers or wallets that they believe are owned by, or otherwise associated with, an SDN and hold such property should take the necessary steps to block the relevant digital currency and file a report with OFAC that includes information about the wallet’s or address’s ownership, and any other relevant details.

Released on March 19, 2018

563. What is the structure of a digital currency address on OFAC’s SDN List?

Digital currency addresses listed on the SDN List include their unique alphanumeric identifier (up to 256 characters) and identify the digital currency to which the address corresponds (e.g., Bitcoin (XBT), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Neo (NEO), Dash (DASH), Ripple (XRP), Iota (MIOTA), Monero (XMR), and Petro (PTR)). Each digital currency address listed on the SDN list will have its own field: the structure will always begin with “Digital Currency Address”, followed by a dash and the digital currency’s symbol (e.g., “Digital Currency Address - XBT”, “Digital Currency Address - ETH”). This information is followed by the unique alphanumeric identifier of the specific address.

Released on June 6, 2018

594. Is it possible to query a digital currency address using OFAC’s Sanctions List Search tool?

Yes, it is possible to query for digital currency addresses using OFAC’s Sanctions List Search tool. Users of the tool may search for digital currency addresses by inputting the hash value into the "ID #" field and then clicking "Search." The ID # field does not use fuzzy logic, so only exact matches will be returned when searching for digital currency addresses with the Sanctions List Search tool.

Alternatively, OFAC’s SDN List and other OFAC sanctions lists are available in a number of file formats and downloads, which can be used to identify and screen for listed digital currency addresses. Additional information on OFAC's list file formats and downloads, can be accessed by visiting the FAQ Topic titled "Information on list file formats and downloads."

Released on May 18, 2021

646. How do I block digital currency?

Once a U.S. person determines that they hold virtual currency that is required to be blocked pursuant to OFAC's regulations, the U.S. person must deny all parties access to that virtual currency, ensure that they comply with OFAC regulations related to the holding and reporting of blocked assets, and implement controls that align with a risk-based approach. (See 31 C.F.R. 501.603 for reporting requirements related to blocked and unblocked property.)

For example, a U.S. virtual currency company that maintains multiple virtual currency wallets in which a blocked person has an interest may choose to block each virtual currency wallet or opt to consolidate wallets that contain blocked virtual currency (similar to an omnibus account).  Each of these solutions is consistent with OFAC requirements for holding blocked property, so long as there are controls that will allow the virtual currency to be unblocked and returned to its owner only pursuant to an OFAC authorization or when the legal prohibition requiring the blocking of the virtual currency ceases to apply.  For those with questions about blocking funds related to traditional funds transfers, see FAQ 32.

U.S. persons are not obligated to convert the blocked virtual currency into traditional fiat currency (e.g., U.S. dollars), and are not required to hold such blocked property in an interest-bearing account.  Blocked virtual currency must be reported to OFAC within 10 business days, and thereafter on an annual basis, so long as the virtual currency remains blocked.  Questions about whether a transaction should be blocked may be directed to OFAC at 202-622-2490 or OFAC_Feedback@treasury.gov.  Owners of blocked virtual currency may also contact OFAC regarding the treatment of their virtual currency pursuant to this guidance.
 

Released on October 15, 2021

647. Should an institution tell its customer that it blocked access to their digital currency and, if so, how does the institution explain it to the customer?

An institution may notify its customer that it has blocked digital currency pursuant to OFAC regulations. The customer has the right to apply for the unblocking and release of the digital currency.

To apply online to have the virtual currency released, please go to OFAC’s online application page.

Released on November 28, 2018