Monthly highlights (archive)

OFSI issues three General Licences for shipping and trading entities

The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has issued three General Licences under regulation 64 of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, SI 2019/855. General Licence INT/2025/6403704 permits the continuation of business operations for vessels owned or operated by, or on behalf of, the Government of the Gabonese Republic. General Licences INT/2025/6488808 and INT/2025/6397444 allow persons to wind down transactions involving Litasco Middle East DMCC and Intershipping Services LLC, respectively.

OFSI publishes threat assessment on cryptoasset sanctions compliance risks

The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has published a threat assessment examining sanctions compliance risks in the UK cryptoasset sector from January 2022 to May 2025. Key developments include the March 2025 disruption of designated Russian exchange Garantex, resulting in the seizure of US$26m in illicit assets, and the February 2025 North Korean cyber attack on Bybit exchange that resulted in the theft of US$1.5bn in cryptoassets. The assessment outlines compliance vulnerabilities and provides detailed guidance for UK cryptoasset firms on reporting obligations.

FCDO announces world's first sanctions regime targeting irregular migration gangs

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has introduced a new sanctions regime targeting people smuggling and irregular migration, effective from 23 July 2025. The regime, created under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act, enables asset freezes, UK travel bans and director disqualifications for those involved in facilitating irregular migration. Secondary legislation establishing the Global Irregular Migration and Trafficking in Persons sanctions regime has been laid before Parliament, with the first wave of sanctions to be imposed immediately. The regime will complement new powers being introduced in the Border, Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill.

FCDO updates guidance on Russia sanctions

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its statutory guidance on the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, SI 2019/855, to reflect new licensing regulations 46Z34–46Z, introduced by the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, SI 2025/504.