In the latest edition of our Sanctions Watch weekly digest, we present significant updates on sanction watchlists and regulatory developments.

In a recent move, the United States enacted an executive order empowering the Treasury Secretary to oversee American investments in concerning nations, beginning with a focus on China. This order’s scope includes the regulation of transactions involving sensitive technologies—like semiconductors, quantum tech, and AI—with provisions for banned and pre-notified transactions.

Shifting to the United Kingdom, government action has expanded sanctions to British territories, excluding Bermuda and Gibraltar. This expansion comes via the 2023 Russia Sanctions Order Amendment, which addresses export violations in Ukrainian regions, relevant imports from Russia, and business services provisions.

In Russia, notable developments involve the authorization for banks to freeze assets of sanctioned foreign entities under “special economic measures.” This enables the freezing of funds and property, coupled with restrictions on transactions benefiting these entities. Non-compliance entails penalties, while the Russia Central Bank wields authority to impose six-month restrictions on financial institutions.

On the global stage, the United Nations Special Rapporteur introduced the Sanctions Research Platform. Serving as a dedicated online hub, its mission encompasses heightened awareness, research promotion, and advocacy for sanctions’ impact. The platform’s primary focus revolves around human rights and humanitarian concerns linked to sanctions.