Live Updates

Aktualisierte Sanktionsmeldung: Venezuela

AI Analysis

Executive Summary

On January 13, 2026, Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) updated Annex 1 of the Ordinance on Measures against Venezuela (SR 946.231.178.5), reflecting changes to the list of designated persons and entities subject to Swiss asset freezing measures. This update is critical for Swiss financial institutions and regulated entities as it directly impacts sanctions compliance obligations and requires immediate verification of client and counterparty lists against the revised designations.

What Changed

  • The regulatory update modifies the designated persons list under Switzerland's unilateral freezing measures against Venezuela. While the search results reference a separate FINMA ordinance (RS 196.127.85) adopted on January 5, 2026, which froze asset
  • Update their sanctions screening systems with revised designations
  • Identify any existing relationships with newly designated or de-designated persons/entities
  • Implement immediate asset freezing for any newly added designations
  • Cease all transactions with blocked parties unless specifically authorized

Suggested Considerations

  • *Immediate Screening: Conduct comprehensive screening of all client and counterparty databases against the updated Annex 1 designations within 24-48 hours of publication.
  • *Asset Identification: Identify and document any assets, accounts, or positions held by or on behalf of newly designated persons/entities.
  • *Freeze Implementation: Immediately freeze all identified assets and block all transactions involving designated parties.
  • *Notification: Report any blocked assets to SECO as required under Swiss sanctions legislation (typically within 10 business days).
  • *Transaction Review: Suspend all pending transactions with Venezuela-related counterparties pending compliance verification.
  • *Systems Update: Update sanctions screening software and watchlists to reflect the revised designations.

Key Dates

January 5, 2026
- FINMA ordinance on asset freezing (RS 196.127.85) enters into force at 11 a.m., freezing assets of 37 designated persons
January 13, 2026
- SECO publishes updated Annex 1 to SR 946.231.178.5 (the update referenced in your query)
Immediate DEADLINE
- Compliance obligations commence upon publication; no grace period for implementation

Compliance Impact

Urgency: CRITICAL

Who is Affected

*Primary stakeholders:Swiss banks and financial institutionsAsset managers and wealth managers operating in SwitzerlandPayment service providers and money transmittersInsurance companies with Venezuelan exposureAny Swiss entity holding assets or conducting transactions involving Venezuela-related parties*Secondary stakeholders:Multinational firms with Swiss subsidiaries or operations

AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions โ€” verify with the original FINMA source before acting. Full disclaimer.

Summary

Das Eidgenรถssische Departement fรผr Wirtschaft, Bildung und Forschung WBF hat ร„nderungen des Anhangs 1 der Verordnung vom 28. Mรคrz 2018 รผber Massnahmen gegenรผber Venezuela (SR 946.231.178.5) publiziert.

Relevant Firm Types

BankWealth ManagerAsset ManagerAll Firms
View Original on FINMA Back to Feed

Share this update