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OFAC SDN Update: Additions and Removals

Created by SwapED in Anti-money laundering (AML) 4 Jan 2026

On 30 December 2025, OFAC updated the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List, reflecting both new designations and removals across multiple sanctions themes. The changes include additions tied to non-proliferation and Iran-related activity, alongside removals associated with cyber-related and Russia-related designations.

What changed

The SDN List update introduces newly designated individuals and entities connected to non-proliferation and Iran-related sanctions programs. These additions expand the set of names that organisations must screen against when assessing customers, counterparties, beneficial owners, vendors, and transaction parties.

In parallel, the update removes several entries linked to cyber-related sanctions and at least one entry linked to Russia-related sanctions. Removals matter operationally because they can reduce false-positive alerts and prevent unnecessary escalation steps—provided that internal screening data is updated promptly.

Why it matters for compliance and operations

Sanctions compliance is highly dependent on the current list data. Even small changes to designation status can affect onboarding decisions, transaction interdiction, ongoing monitoring, and reporting workflows. This SDN update reinforces three practical priorities:

Refresh screening lists immediately to capture additions and removals.
Re-screen relevant populations (customers, counterparties, and key third parties) where policy requires periodic or event-driven checks.
Align alert handling so teams can distinguish genuinely new risk exposures from legacy matches tied to entries that have been removed.

This SDN update is a clear reminder that sanctions risk management is dynamic: designations can be added and removed at any time, and effective compliance depends on timely screening updates and well-governed response processes.

Source: Non Proliferation and Iran-related Designations; Cyber-related and Russia-related Designations Removals | Office of Foreign Assets Control