Daily · Global Sanctions & Market Infrastructure · July 20, 2026

Sanctions and Trade Restrictions

The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has updated its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list, blocking all assets of the newly listed persons within U.S. jurisdiction and generally prohibiting U.S. persons from conducting any business with them. Simultaneously, Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) amended its sanctions regime regarding the Democratic Republic of Congo. For businesses, these updates require an immediate refresh of compliance screening lists to avoid the severe legal and financial penalties associated with prohibited transactions.

Crypto and Digital Assets

In the U.S., NYSE Arca has increased the position and exercise limits for options on the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF. This change is significant for institutional traders and fund managers, as it allows for larger exposure and increased liquidity in Bitcoin-linked derivative products, facilitating more complex hedging and investment strategies.

Banking and Financial Supervision

European and U.S. regulators are pushing for significant operational updates. ESMA has warned firms to accelerate preparations for the transition to a T+1 settlement cycle, marking December 7, 2026, as a critical first deadline for allocation and confirmation processes. Firms must audit their entire trading ecosystem now to avoid settlement failures when the full transition hits in 2027. In the U.S., FINRA has extended its Trade Reporting Facilities operating hours to 23 hours a day, providing greater flexibility for global trading desks.

Additionally, ESMA released a report confirming improved supervisory convergence for cross-border investment services across several EU member states, including Germany and Luxembourg, which suggests a more predictable regulatory environment for firms scaling across the Single Market. In the UK, the liquidation of Prosper Capital LLP, an authorized alternative investment fund manager, serves as a reminder for partners and clients to review their counterparty risk and claims processes.

General Markets and Trade

Various technical updates were issued regarding EU trade, including new authorizations for U.S. poultry imports and a new cooperation agreement between Eurojust and Lebanon on criminal judicial matters. In the UK, new regulations have been introduced to limit wholesale mobile roaming rates.

This overview is informational, not legal or compliance advice. Consult your lawyer or compliance specialist on specific decisions.

Sources

This overview is based on official regulator publications for the period: