Sanctions in Crypto Explained

Description

Sanctions risk is no longer theoretical in crypto. It is structural. This module provides a deep, executive-level analysis of how international sanctions frameworks apply to digital assets, exchanges, DeFi protocols, stablecoins, and cross-border crypto activity. From OFAC enforcement actions to EU regulatory exposure, this session examines how sanctions obligations intersect with AML programs, operational design, governance structures, and personal liability. This is not a surface-level overview. It is a strategic breakdown of: • US vs EU sanctions frameworks • OFAC enforcement mechanics • The 50% Rule and ownership complexity • Wallet screening vs entity screening • VPN evasion and geo-blocking limitations • Tornado Cash and smart contract sanctions • DPRK, Lazarus Group, and state-linked actors • Stablecoin freezing mechanics • Travel Rule collision risks • Secondary sanctions exposure • Extraterritorial reach and US person risk • Independent monitoring and post-settlement consequences • Correspondent banking pressure and systemic de-risking • Lessons from major enforcement actions This module also analyzes real cases involving major crypto exchanges and the strategic failures that led to regulatory intervention. Sanctions compliance is no longer optional for crypto businesses. It is existential. By the end of this module, participants will understand: How sanctions risk differs from AML risk Why screening tools alone are insufficient How governance failures trigger enforcement How to design sanctions-resilient crypto operations What regulators are signaling about the next enforcement cycle This session is part of the Advanced Professional Certification in Crypto Financial Crime, Risk & Regulatory Architecture. For compliance officers, MLROs, risk leaders, legal professionals, regulators, and crypto executives who need more than theory — this module delivers structural clarity.