2025-12-07
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has issued the Rules for the Implementation of Targeted Financial Sanctions to establish mandatory minimum obligations for supervised financial institutions concerning counter-terrorism and non-proliferation measures. The Rules replace previous circulars, require financial institutions to present the framework to their boards while clearly delineating responsibilities for senior management and administrative units, and mandate prompt electronic reporting of compliance matters. Effective upon publication on SAMA’s official website, the framework governs sanctions list management, alert escalation, freezing and unfreezing procedures, record keeping, and ongoing staff training.
Reference No.: 472035766 Saudi Central Bank Unit Date: 1447/06/16 AH Attachments: 22 pages (Arabic)
To: Respected Financial Institutions, Circular
Greetings,
Subject: Rules for the Implementation of Targeted Financial Sanctions.
Reference is made to SAMA Circular No. (391000014326) dated 6/2/1447 AH, supplementary to Circular No. (381000077863) dated 22/7/1441 AH, regarding the preparation of a guide for implementing mechanisms for applying UN Security Council resolutions related to counter-terrorism and countering the financing of terrorism; reference is also made to SAMA Circular No. (391000054107) dated 21/5/1441 AH, regarding the mechanism for applying UN Security Council resolutions related to non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and countering financing thereof; SAMA Circular No. (130885/486) dated 4/9/1441 AH, supplementary to Circular No. (391000077627) dated 9/7/1441 AH, regarding the update of the guide for implementing mechanisms for applying UN Security Council resolutions related to non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and countering financing thereof; reference is also made to the General Security Administration telegram No. (103215) dated 8/5/1447 AH, regarding the third update of mechanisms for applying UN Security Council resolutions related to counter-terrorism and countering financing thereof by the Standing Committee for Counter-Terrorism and Countering Financing of Terrorism; and reference is made to Royal Order No. (10130) dated 1/3/1441 AH, approving the mechanism for applying UN Security Council resolutions issued under Chapter VII of the UN Charter related to non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and countering financing thereof.
Attached are the Rules for the Implementation of Targeted Financial Sanctions, which aim to establish minimum obligations related to applying targeted financial sanctions concerning counter-terrorism and countering financing of terrorism, as well as non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and countering financing thereof. The provisions of the Rules apply mandatorily to financial institutions under SAMA's supervision and regulation, replacing the aforementioned SAMA circulars. Each financial institution must present the Rules to its Board of Directors (or equivalent for non-joint-stock institutions), specifying their responsibilities, senior management's responsibilities, and the responsibilities of relevant administrative units regarding these Rules. Financial institutions may contact SAMA to report promptly on any compliance matters or inquiries related to these Rules via email at SA.GOV.SAMA@FIGD-TFS. Please take note and implement the Rules effective from their publication date on SAMA's official website.
Yours sincerely,
Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Humaid Deputy Governor for Financial Conduct
Distribution Scope: All financial institutions supervised by SAMA. P.O. Box 2992, Riyadh 11169, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia | Tel: +966 11 463 3000
Saudi Central Bank Rules for the Implementation of Targeted Financial Sanctions First Edition - Jumada II / 1447 AH - December / 2025 CE
Important Note: To keep pace with updates and amendments regarding SAMA directives, the Bank emphasizes always relying on the version published on its official website: www.sa.gov.sama.
Saudi Central Bank Saudi Central Bank
Page Numbers: 3, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 21 Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Definitions and General Provisions Chapter 2: Governance and Financial Institution Responsibilities Chapter 3: Inspection Procedures and Controls Chapter 4: Sanctions List Management Chapter 5: Alert Handling and Escalation Chapter 6: Freezing and Unfreezing Procedures Chapter 7: Record Keeping Chapter 8: Training and Awareness Chapter 9: Final Provisions
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