Sanctions

Sanctions

Raiffeisen Mulls Sberbank Cash Swap to Reduce Russia Exposure

By Editors | 19/03/2023

The deal involves Sberbank receiving roubles in Moscow from Raiffeisen’s Russian subsidiary, and Raiffeisen receiving euros in Vienna from Sberbank’s former European arm.

Market Infrastructure

Cuban Banks Have Adopted Russia’s Mir Card Scheme

By Editors | 14/03/2023

ATMs now display the logo of the Mir payment system and provide an option to withdraw funds in Cuban pesos from cards issued by Russian banks.

Sanctions

Citi Warns of Potential for Russia to Weaponise Metal Exports

By Mark Johnston | 10/03/2023

Analysts worry that Russia could retaliate to new US tariffs on imports of Russian aluminium by banning nickel and palladium shipments.

Enforcement

OFAC Cracks Down on Entities Helping Iran Evade Sanctions

By Editors | 10/03/2023

The sanctions target entities in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and elsewhere for helping Iran evade sanctions and supplying critical components for its drones.

AML / KYC

REPO Task Force Has Immobilised $58b of Russian Assets

By Editors | 10/03/2023

The REPO Task Force has released a statement and a joint global advisory to help the private sector spot and prevent sanctions evasion.

Sanctions

Russia Extends Restrictions on FX Withdrawals, Overseas Transfers

By Editors | 08/03/2023

The restrictions are being preserved due to the sanctions that prohibit Russian financial institutions from buying western countries’ cash, the central bank said.

AML / KYC

US Authorities to Target Those Who Facilitate Sanctions Evasion

By Editors | 06/03/2023

China (incl. HK and Macau), Armenia, Turkey and Uzbekistan are named as “transshipment points commonly used to illegally redirect restricted items to Russia or Belarus”.

Sanctions

US Commerce Department Adds 3 Dozen Entities to Trade Blacklist

By Editors | 06/03/2023

Of the 37 companies added to the list, 28 are Chinese entities including those involved in advanced technologies and genetic data collection.

Enforcement

OFAC Penalises Indian Tobacco-maker for Sanctions Violations

By Editors | 06/03/2023

Godfrey Phillips India exported tobacco to North Korea through a Thai intermediary, saying they were going to China. Hong Kong intermediaries were used to make the payments.