By · · last updated 2026-08-06
The designation mechanics: who gets designated, the legal authorities, what happens when a name lands on the list, and how the list grows.
A designation is how OFAC adds a person, entity, or address to the SDN list. Understanding the mechanics explains why screening must run against the live list.
Designations flow from Executive Orders, statutes (like the Magnitsky Act), and UN Security Council resolutions. Each program has its own authority - EO 13224 for terrorism, EO 14024 for Russia, and so on.
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The listed party becomes a blocked person: US persons may not transact with them, and their property is blocked. For crypto, the designation includes wallet addresses - which is why the wallet list grows.
Designations land between releases, at any time. The update-frequency FAQ covers why hourly sync matters: a wallet designated this morning should be blocked this afternoon.
Your screen is only as good as list freshness. Designation mechanics are exactly why the screen must run against the live list, every payment.
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