On 28 January 2026, UK sanctions compliance underwent a significant transformation as the government consolidated all designations into a single, unified sanction framework: the UK Sanctions List (UKSL). This reform aims to streamline oversight and ensure clarity for regulated entities. 

Previously, the UK had two main sanction lists: the UK Sanctions List (UKSL), managed by the Foreign Office and the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) Consolidated List, managed by the Treasury. These lists often overlapped, causing confusion for compliance teams.  

This update represents a fundamental shift in how asset managers, corporations and ultra-high-net-worth individuals manage risk and meet compliance requirements.

UK Sanctions List 2026: What has changed?

The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) Consolidated List (specifically used for financial asset freezes) is no longer being updated. Managed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the UK Sanctions List (UKSL) is now the only list being updated and the sole authoritative source for all UK sanctions designations. It consolidates all categories of restrictions, including financial and asset freezes, trade and transport restrictions and immigration sanctions. 

Key technical shifts

With this transition, several operational changes emerged in how sanctions data is managed and screened:  

• Retirement of “OFSI Group IDs”: For any new designations made after 28 January 2026, the government will no longer issue an OFSI Group ID. Instead, systems must now adopt the UKSL “Unique ID” as the primary identifier. Meanwhile, for entities designated before 28 January 2026, their historical group OFSI IDs remain valid for reference purposes to ensure continuity in reporting and license applications.  

• Static URLs: The UKSL now uses static URLs for its data formats, enabling automated screening tools to pull the latest data without the need for manual link updates.  

• Expanded Formats: The UKSL mirrors OFSI’s legacy formats, now providing CSV, TXT and PDF in addition to the original XML and HTML versions.  

• Upgraded Search Tool: The government has introduced an enhanced search tool, replacing the former OFSI search interface. The new tool features fuzzy logic, ranked results and advanced filters for asset‑freeze targets.  

• Unified Notices: OFSI will no longer issue separate financial sanctions notices. The FCDO will now publish unified notices covering all sanction types into one accessible source.  

 The “Russia List” Exception 

Although the UKSL now covers most sanctions, the “Russia: list of persons named in relation to financial and investment restrictions” remains outside its scope. There are 11 specific entities (major banks and energy/defense giants) subject to sectoral restrictions under Schedule 2 of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, and must still be monitored via their specific GOV.UK page.  

Navigate regulatory changes with Bolder

The consolidation into the UK Sanctions List marks a significant improvement in terms of compliance operations. It eliminates duplication, streamlining the screening process for asset managers and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and reducing the risk of errors when cross-referencing multiple datasets.  

As a global service provider, we stay ahead of these administrative shifts to maintain global governance standards. Whether your work involves complex corporate structures, financial services, or support for international private clients, your compliance framework must incorporate the latest UK sanctions regime changes wherever they apply to your services and engagements, ensuring that in scope activities remain protected and resilient over the long term. 

Contact our team today for more information, and let’s explore how our governance and compliance services can support your goals.  

Bolder Group does not provide financial, tax or legal advice and the information contained herein is meant for general information purposes only. We strongly recommend that before acting on any of the information contained herein, readers should consult with their professional advisers. The Bolder Group accepts no liability for any errors or omissions in the information, or the consequences resulting from any action taken by a reader based on the information provided herein.

Bolder Group refers to the global network of independent subsidiaries of Bolder Group Holding BV. Bolder Group Holding BV provides no client services. Such services are provided solely by the independent companies within the Bolder Group which are each legally distinct and separate entities and have no authority (actual, apparent, implied or otherwise) to obligate or bind Bolder Group Holding BV in any manner whatsoever. The operations of the Bolder Group are conducted independently and have no affiliation with third party financial, tax or legal advisory firms or corporations.