Data Dictionary: Sanctions and Compliance
Sanctions and Compliance data refers to regulatory information on individuals, entities, and organizations subject to restrictions or enforcement actions by regulatory authorities. It includes details on sanctioned parties, prohibited transactions, penalties, and compliance obligations, helping institutions manage risk, maintain AML/CTF compliance, and avoid legal or reputational exposure.
| Field Name | Data Definition |
|---|---|
| U.S. OFAC Sanctions Data | The Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC") of the US Department of the Treasury administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions based on US foreign policy and national security goals against targeted foreign countries and regimes, terrorists, international narcotics traffickers, those engaged in activities related to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and other threats to the national security, foreign policy or economy of the United States. OFAC administers a number of different sanctions programs. The sanctions can be either comprehensive or selective, using the blocking of assets and trade restrictions to accomplish foreign policy and national security goals. |
| European Union (EU) Sanctions | Restrictive measures, or sanctions, are one of the EU's tools to promote the objectives of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). These include safe-guarding the EU's values, its fundamental interests and security; consolidating and supporting democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the principles of international law; preserving peace; preventing conflicts and strengthening international security. EU sanctions do not target a country or population, but are always targeted at specific policies or activities, the means to conduct them and those responsible for them. Moreover, the EU makes every effort to minimise adverse consequences for the civilian population or for non-sanctioned activities or persons. They always form part of a wider, comprehensive policy approach involving political dialogue and complementary efforts. They are not punitive. Restrictive measures imposed by the EU may target governments of third countries, or non-state entities (e.g. companies) and individuals (such as terrorist groups and terrorists). For a majority of sanctions regimes, measures are targeted at individuals and entities and consist of asset freezes and travel bans. The EU can also adopt sectoral measures, such as economic and financial measures (e.g. import and export restrictions, restrictions on banking services) or arms embargoes (prohibition on exporting goods set out in the EU`s common military list). |
| UK Sanctions | New UK sanctions regimes came fully into force under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (the Sanctions Act) at 11pm on 31 December 2020. The regulations establishing these regimes apply in the whole of the UK, including in Northern Ireland. Some of these regimes contain sanctions measures (for instance asset-freezes or travel bans) which apply in respect of persons or ships which have been designated or specified. The UK government publishes the UK Sanctions List, which provides details of those designated under regulations made under the Sanctions Act. The list also details which sanctions measures apply to these persons or ships, and in the case of UK designations, provides a statement of reasons for the designation. HM Treasury’s Office for Financial Sanctions Implementation provides a consolidated list of persons and organisations under financial sanctions, including those under the Sanctions Act and other UK legislation. |
| Canada Sanctions | Canada has sanctions and related measures in place against a number of countries, as well as sanctions against specific individuals and entities identified as being: (i) responsible for, or complicit in, extrajudicial killings, torture or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights; (ii) responsible for, or complicit in ordering, controlling or otherwise directing significant acts of corruption; or (iii) associated with terrorist activities, including with the Taliban, ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida. Canadian sanctions are imposed under the United Nations Act (UNA), the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) or the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (JVCFOA). |
| Australia DFAT Sanctions | Sanctions are measures not involving the use of armed force that are imposed in situations of international concern. They may be designed to bring a situation of international concern to an end by influencing those responsible; to limit the adverse impacts of a situation; or to penalise those responsible. Australia implements two types of sanctions: 1. United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions, which Australia must impose as a member of the UN. 2. Australian autonomous sanctions, which are imposed as a matter of Australian foreign policy. In response to a situation of international concern, Australia and/or the UNSC may impose what is referred to as a sanctions ‘regime’. Each regime is usually described by reference to a country or group. Changes are regularly made to sanctions regimes. |
| Switzerland (SECO) Sanctions | The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) is Switzerland’s federal government agency responsible for economic policy, foreign trade, and labor market oversight. Within the area of sanctions enforcement, SECO administers and monitors the implementation of international sanctions adopted by Switzerland, often aligning with measures from the United Nations, European Union, or key trading partners. Its role includes maintaining official sanctions lists, ensuring compliance by Swiss companies and financial institutions, and providing guidance on restrictions related to trade, finance, and asset management. |