Sanctions Round-Up: Iran Developments, First OFSI Settlement, and Export Control Changes

BCL’s latest Sanctions Fortnightly Summary highlights key developments across UK and international sanctions and export controls.

This edition explores rising geopolitical tensions involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, including coordinated diplomatic efforts by the UK and its allies and evolving US policy responses. It also examines shifts in Russian maritime activity in response to UK enforcement measures, as well as structural changes within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, including the integration of its sanctions function.

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Sanctions compliance – John Binns speaks to The Law Society Gazette

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has thrust sanctions compliance up the agenda for law firms of all sizes. BCL’s John Binns spoke to Katharine Freeland

”UK sanctions—a year in review” John Binns writes for LexisNexis

To say that this has been a game-changing year in UK sanctions would be an understatement. Almost a year since the start of the conflict in Ukraine

Chambers and Partners Sanctions 2024 Guide

The new Chambers and Partners UK Chapter of the Sanctions 2024 Guide, written by Partner John Binns, covers key jurisdictions, providing the latest information on regulatory and legal updates, delisting challenges, trade and export restrictions, litigation and arbitration and designation, compliance and circumvention.

Russia Sanctions and Legal Advice: Some Much-Needed Clarity

The UK Government has introduced key changes to the sanctions provisions regarding legal advisory services in the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (“ Russia Regulations ”).

The UK has sanctioned 7 Israeli settler outposts and organisations in the West Bank

On 15 October 2024, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (“ FCDO ”) sanctioned three settler outposts and four Israeli organisations that it says “have supported and violence against communities in the West Bank”, under the UK’s global human rights sanctions regime.

Secondary Sanctions, De-Risking, and More: How UK Sanctions Aim for Global Reach

On 26 June 2025, the FCDO published new guidance on UK sanctions compliance for non-UK companies, including businesses in Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

UK Sanctions Round-Up: Enforcement Tightens

BCL’s latest sanctions round-up highlights key UK and international developments in sanctions law, enforcement, and policy.

Sanctions Fortnightly Summary: Key UK and Global Developments

This edition of our sanctions round-up covers key UK and international developments.

Fortnightly Sanctions Summary: New Licences, Designations and Enforcement

BCL’s latest sanctions and export controls round-up reviews significant developments in UK and international sanctions law and enforcement over the past fortnight.

Sanctions Round-Up: OFSI Annual Review, Russian Designations, and Policy Shifts

Our latest Sanctions and Export Controls Fortnightly Round-Up reviews key UK and international developments from 6th to 17th October 2025.

Global Sanctions Tighten: New OFSI Licences, EU’s 19th Russia Package, and Lifting of UK Arms Embargo on Armenia and Azerbaijan

This edition covers key UK, US, and EU sanctions and export control developments over the past two weeks.

Fortnightly Sanctions Round-Up: Lukoil Licences, Cyber Designations & Parliamentary Updates

This fortnight’s update highlights significant UK and international developments in sanctions and export controls, including new OFSI General Licences connected to Lukoil, fresh designations under the UK’s Russia and Cyber regimes, and parliamentary scrutiny concerning the use of interest accrued on the frozen proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club.

Sanctions & Export Controls Round-Up: December Update

BCL’s latest sanctions and export controls round-up highlights key UK and international developments in sanctions law and compliance.

BCL Sanctions Round-Up: Key UK and Global Developments

This first 2026 edition considers evolving UK sanctions enforcement practice, government policy responses to sanctions evasion, and Parliamentary scrutiny of the UK’s Magnitsky-style regimes. It also examines developments relating to Venezuela, shadow fleet activity, crypto-assets and humanitarian licensing.

John Binns on OFSI’s Sanctions Enforcement Overhaul

John Binns, Partner at BCL, has commented on major reforms announced by the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), including new settlement incentives that could reshape enforcement strategy.

UK and International Sanctions: Key Developments – February 2026

This edition highlights key developments in UK and international sanctions and export controls, including enforcement reforms, new designations, and emerging compliance risks.

UK Tightens Sanctions on Russia: BCLs John Binns Warns of Rising Business Impacts

ImpactsThe UK has unveiled nearly 300 new sanctions against Russia, its largest package since the early months of the Ukraine war, targeting oil exports, financial services, military supply chains and energy sectors.

BCL Sanctions Update: Key UK Enforcement, Policy and Compliance Trends

This update highlights major UK and international sanctions developments, with a particular focus on the UK’s expanded Russia sanctions regime, evolving designation strategies, and key enforcement, policy and compliance considerations for businesses.

Sanctions and Export Controls Round-Up: Latest Enforcement and Policy Updates

BCLs latest sanctions round-up highlights key developments across UK and international sanctions regimes, including updates to the UK sanctions list, US oil-related sanctions measures, enforcement activity, and new UK guidance on sanctions compliance.

BCL Authors Chapter in UK Sanctions Law and Practice

John Binns and Mohamed Naleemudeen have co-authored the chapter on Director Disqualification Sanctions in the recently published book, UK Sanctions Law and Practice .

Sanctions Round-Up: Key UK Legal Developments and Enforcement Trends March 2026

BCL’s latest sanctions round-up highlights significant developments in UK sanctions law, policy, and enforcement.

Hypothetical Control’ in UK Sanctions: Nonsense on Stilts?

One of the most difficult issues in UK sanctions is their application to companies that are ‘owned or controlled’ by a designated person. In BCL’s response to the government’s call for evidence on an aspect of these provisions, John Binns makes the case for a broader review.