Sanctions Screening
First-pass screening against OFAC SDN and EU Consolidated lists. Fuzzy substring match on primary names. This is a screening aid, not legal advice - always corroborate a hit against the official source and consult counsel.
What this sanctions screening tool does
This free tool runs fuzzy-name matching of your trade counterparties against the US OFAC SDN list and the EU Consolidated financial sanctions list. Results are a first-pass compliance aid only. Any possible hit must be verified against the official list entry before you make a decision on the transaction or counterparty.
Screening is server-side against the last cached snapshot.
Screening Results
Enter a party name to screen against SDN lists.
Overview & methodology
Lists screened and what they are
| List | Issued by | What it covers | Where to verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| OFAC SDN list | US Treasury, OFAC | Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons: individuals, entities and vessels whose assets are blocked | OFAC Sanctions List Search |
| OFAC Consolidated (non-SDN) lists | US Treasury, OFAC | Sectoral (SSI), foreign sanctions evaders and other non-SDN programmes | OFAC non-SDN lists |
| EU Consolidated Financial Sanctions list | European Commission | Persons, groups and entities subject to EU asset freezes and financial restrictions | EU Financial Sanctions Database |
The UN Security Council Consolidated List and UK OFSI list are not currently screened here. Check them directly for relevant counterparties.
How to read a fuzzy match
- A name match is not a designation. It only means the name looks similar to a listed party.
- False positives are expected: transliterated names (for example Arabic, Cyrillic or Chinese into Latin script) and common names often match people or companies that are not listed.
- Compare secondary identifiers: date of birth, nationality, address, registration number, IMO number for vessels.
- If the identifiers match, treat it as a true match: stop the transaction, do not tip off the counterparty, document the check and escalate to your compliance officer or legal counsel, who will decide on blocking and reporting to the relevant authority.
Numerical Example: OFAC SDN Check Scenario
Fuzzy matching helps identify aliases or slight spelling variations used to circumvent sanctions.
Method note: calculations run in your browser using the formulas and published rule books cited on this page. Results are free estimates for planning, with no login required, and should be confirmed with your bank, broker or the official source before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Which sanctions lists does this tool screen against?
It screens counterparty names and known aliases against the US OFAC SDN list, the OFAC Consolidated (non-SDN) lists and the EU Consolidated Financial Sanctions list, refreshed on a schedule from the official publications. UK OFSI and UN lists are not currently screened.
Is a name match the same as a sanctions designation?
No. A fuzzy name match only means a name looks similar to a listed party. Common names and transliterations produce false positives. Confirm date of birth, nationality, address or registration details against the official list entry before treating it as a true match.
Does screening here satisfy a compliance obligation?
No, it is a first-pass aid and not a substitute for your own screening programme and legal advice.
Does a clear result mean the deal is safe?
No. A clear name screen does not cover ownership (the OFAC 50% rule), vessels, ports, goods-based export controls or country embargoes. Check those separately before signing.