Rules for the Implementation of Targeted Financial Sanctions

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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