NCUA Warns CUs to Monitor OFAC's SDN List

ALEXANDRIA, Va.-NCUA recently issued a regulatory alert urging credit unions to keep up-to-date on the Office of Foreign Assets Control’s Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) and Blocked Persons list. “All credit unions remain responsible for ongoing review of the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) list, which includes both individuals and countries.” NCUA Chairman JoAnn Johnson reminded in Regulatory Alert 04-RA-14. “During 2004, OFAC fined several credit unions for improper transmission of funds to persons or countries listed on the SDN list; it is important for credit unions to check the SDN list frequently for updates.” The current SDN list and all the changes since 1994 are available at http://www.treas.gov/offices/eotffc/ofac/sdn/index.html or through fax-on-demand at (202) 622-0077. NCUA also suggested that credit unions look over the frequently asked questions at OFAC’s Web site at http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/faq/, which explains how to contact OFAC, when to block transactions, the difference between blocked and rejected transactions, and other compliance issues with OFAC regulations. OFAC is an office of the Treasury Department.