Sanctions Compliance 101

Sanctions touch nearly every aspect of financial services, and understanding them is essential for compliance. This introductory course breaks down the basics of sanctions regimes, screening, and risk management. It’s the perfect starting point for anyone new to sanctions compliance or looking to refresh their knowledge.

10 - 12 minutes

No Certificate Included

Global

Description

This introductory course provides a concise overview of how sanctions work and why they are vital to global financial integrity. Learners will explore who enforces sanctions, how financial institutions identify and monitor high-risk entities, and why compliance is essential to prevent misuse of the financial system. It’s the perfect starting point for those beginning a career in compliance or financial crime prevention.

What will you learn?

Single Module Course

Section 1 – Understanding Sanctions
Learn what sanctions are, why governments impose them, and how they help maintain global peace, security, and financial stability.
Section 2 – Who Makes and Enforces Sanctions
Explore the key global authorities — including OFAC, OFSI, DFAT, Global Affairs Canada, the EU Council, and the UN — and how they design, implement, and enforce sanctions.
Section 3 – The Role of Financial Institutions
Understand how financial institutions prevent sanctioned individuals and entities from accessing the financial system through screening, KYC checks, and reporting.
Section 4 – The Compliance Process
Review the four essential steps institutions follow to enforce sanctions: verifying customer identity, monitoring transactions, screening for matches, and reporting and freezing assets.
Section 5 – Case Study: Russia–Ukraine Sanctions
Examine how sanctions were applied in response to the Russia–Ukraine conflict and the lessons learned about maintaining vigilance and regulatory awareness.

Course Content

Understanding Sanctions
Who Makes and Enforces Sanctions
The Role of Financial Institutions
The Compliance Process
Case Study: Russia–Ukraine Sanctions