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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. 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

Effective September 30, 2026, OFAC amended § 515.564 to eliminate the authorization related to the attendance at, or organization of, professional meetings or conferences in Cuba. Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction are no longer authorized to attend or organ ... Read more
Effective September 30, 2026, OFAC amended § 515.584(h) to remove the authorization for banking institutions subject to U.S. jurisdiction to open and maintain accounts solely in the name of a Cuban national who is an independent private sector entrepreneur, as ... Read more