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Specially Designated Nationals

Definition

Specially Designated Nationals, or SDNs, are individuals and entities identified by government agencies, such as the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), as posing a threat to national security or foreign policy. These designations result in sanctions, including asset freezes and prohibitions on transactions with them. Financial institutions are legally bound to block funds and report dealings involving SDNs. This list is a critical tool in combating illicit finance.