Sanctions are imposed to advance the foreign policy and national security objectives of a single country or group of countries

Our sanctions team offers clients an international perspective on the legal impact and practical consequences of these sanctions on their operations around the world.

We advise on issues such as:

  • What companies can and can’t do under sanctions regulations and the consequences of any sanctions violations, including investigations and criminal prosecutions.
  • The consequences of sanctions on a company’s investments in a sanctioned country, for example claims of 'force majeure' under existing contracts.
  • Crisis management, for example getting staff out of a country and communicating with stakeholders.
  • Due diligence – analysing potential target companies and their assets to ensure they are not affected by sanctions and drafting the appropriate contractual caveats.

Our teams in the US, UK, Middle East and throughout the EU are vastly experienced and located close to the decision makers, regulators and prosecutors. We offer an international view with people who can advise on local issues.

Our thinking

13 Feb 2025
Freshfields Geopolitical Monitor
Geopolitical risks are a significant concern for businesses and investors in the current global landscape. Understanding these risks is...
31 Jan 2025
Sanctions Enforcement in the EU: 2024 Milestones & What to Expect in 2025
While the EU has long been viewed as less active in sanctions enforcement compared to other global actors, such as the US, recent...
15 Jan 2025
EU Refines Measures to Protect European Parties from Legal Actions in Russia
On 16 December 2024, the EU adopted the 15th package of sanctions against Russia. In addition to imposing the first comprehensive...
2 Dec 2024
Final U.S. Outbound Investment Rule: Overview and Key Takeaways for Investors
The Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”) issued its Final Rule (“Rule”) to implement President Biden’s Outbound Investment Executive...
29 Nov 2024
The EBA’s New Guidelines: Integrating Sanctions Compliance into Governance and Risk Management Frameworks of EU Financial Institutions
Key Takeaways for Financial Institutions Harmonised Standards for Sanctions Compliance:The European Banking Authority (EBA)’s new...
14 Oct 2024
New BIS Guidance Raises the Stakes for Financial Institutions: Safeguarding Against Export Control Violations
On October 9, 2024, the US Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published guidance (the Guidance) outlining export...
8 Oct 2024
US Signals Expanded AI Export Regulations in Forthcoming Reporting Requirements
On September 11, 2024, the Biden administration released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (the Proposed Rule) that would establish...