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Frequently Asked Questions

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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

As a general matter, U.S. sanctions under E.O. 14404 are not focused on disrupting the delivery of food, medicine, or medical devices to Cuba. The U.S. government does not intend to target non-U.S. persons under E.O. 14404 for engaging in transactions related ... Read more
No. GL 60 authorizes all transactions related to earthquake relief efforts in Venezuela under the Venezuela Sanctions Regulations, which includes payment of taxes, tolls, and fees to the Government of Venezuela connected with such relief efforts. Payments rela ... Read more