Staying Compliant: A Guide to Sanctions Law

In today’s global economy, sanctions are a powerful tool used by governments and international bodies to promote peace, security, and human rights.  Whilst they pursue political objectives, they create a headache for businesses which are compelled to ensure compliance or risk protracted investigations and stringent penalties.

Sanctions measures restrict financial dealings and trade with certain countries, individuals, or entities involved in activities such as terrorism, nuclear proliferation, or serious human rights abuses. In recent years, we have increasingly been assisting clients in navigating the torturous landscape of financial sanctions.

Drawing on this experience, we have created a sanctions booklet to help businesses and professionals navigate the complex world of sanctions compliance. Sanctions regulations are constantly evolving, and failing to comply, even unintentionally, can lead to crippling fines, criminal liability, and severe reputational damage. Our goal is to provide clear, practical guidance so you can meet your legal obligations and protect your organisation.

What’s inside the booklet?

• An Overview of Sanctions
  What sanctions are, why they exist, and who enforces them in the UK and internationally.
• Legal Framework
  Key legislation such as the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 and the role of OFSI.
• Types of Sanctions
  Financial, trade, and sectoral restrictions explained in simple terms.
• Compliance Essentials
  How to screen clients and transactions, conduct due diligence, and apply for licences.
• Reporting Obligations
  When and how to report frozen assets or suspected breaches.
• Penalties and Risks
  Civil and criminal consequences of non-compliance.
• Practical Tips
  Steps to build a robust sanctions compliance program within your business.

This resource is designed to be practical, easy to follow, and actionable, giving you the confidence to operate within the law while supporting ethical business practices.   You can access it free of charge here.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Paul Henty, Deen Taj and Charlie Bayliss.