Sanctions

Explore the complexities of sanctions through nuanced perspectives and comprehensive analyses on varying sanctions topics and their global impact and implications, including global sanctions programs, case studies, and evasion tactics.

July 2025 Sanctions and Export Controls Update

Explore this month’s Sanctions and Export Controls Update, highlighting IFI’s take on key developments from July 2025.

Out of the Shadows

Iran’s shadow banking system has laundered billions of dollars for the regime. In this article, we detail how the system works and how financial institutions can identify red flags associated with Iran’s oil smuggling and concealed payment networks.

June 2025 Sanctions & Export Controls Update

Explore this month’s Sanctions and Export Controls Update, highlighting IFI’s take on key developments from June 2025.

May 2025 Sanctions & Export Controls Update

Explore this month’s Sanctions and Export Controls Update, highlighting IFI’s take on key developments from the U.S., EU and UK in May 2025.

Lessons From Russia & Iran – What EU Sanctions Teach Us About Policy in Action

The EU’s Russia and Iran sanctions programs demonstrate using sanctions as strategic tools of influence, while also exposing the challenges in enforcement and importance of global coordination.

April 2025 Sanctions & Export Controls Update

Explore this month’s Sanctions and Export Controls Update, highlighting IFI’s take on key developments from the U.S., EU and UK in April 2025.

Syndicates of Terror

Eight Latin American drug cartels were recently designated by the United States as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists. The U.S. designation enhances compliance risks for financial institutions and other companies transacting in Latin America.

Lifting Sanctions on Syria

Human rights activists have been advocating for the lifting of sanctions to help Syria rebuild after nearly 14 years of destruction. What would U.S. sanctions relief for Syria entail? What changes will likely be required?

False Flags, Fake Docs, and Fraudulent Routes

Russia continues to evade the $60 per-barrel price cap on its seaborne oil shipments. What can financial institutions engaged in documentary trade in the energy sector and other industry stakeholders do to mitigate their risks?

Untangling the Threads of Global Economic Tools

Ever wonder how export controls, sanctions, and proliferation finance differ—and why it matters? This article breaks down these essential tools, explains their unique purposes, and highlights how they often overlap in the real world.