🚨 Global Sanctions Lists
Official, regularly updated sanctions lists from the world's primary regulatory bodies. Essential for AML/CFT compliance professionals and CAMS candidates.
🌐
United Nations
UN SC Consolidated Sanctions ListLive
The definitive list of all individuals and entities subject to UN Security Council sanctions — asset freezes, travel bans, arms embargoes. Updated regularly.
main.un.org/securitycouncil
🔍
United Nations
UN Sanctions Search PortalLive
Official UN search tool to check individuals and entities against the consolidated UNSC sanctions list by name, nationality, or identifier.
search.sanctions.un.org
⚠️
United Nations
ISIL (Da'esh) & Al-Qaida Sanctions List
Dedicated UNSC list for individuals and entities associated with ISIL, Al-Qaida, and affiliated groups — updated following each Committee decision.
main.un.org/securitycouncil
🇺🇸
US Treasury — OFAC
SDN List Search — OFACLive
Office of Foreign Assets Control Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list. The most comprehensive US sanctions database — search by name, country, or program.
sanctionssearch.ofac.treas.gov
📄
US Treasury — OFAC
SDN List — Full PDF Download
Complete downloadable Specially Designated Nationals list in PDF format. Includes all names, addresses, aliases, and sanction program references.
treasury.gov/ofac
🏛️
US Treasury — OFAC
OFAC Sanctions Programs & Countries
Overview of all active US sanctions programs by country and topic — Iran, Russia, North Korea, Cuba, Syria, and more. Essential CAMS reference.
home.treasury.gov/ofac
🇪🇺
European Union
EU Sanctions MapLive
Interactive map of all EU restrictive measures by country and entity. Comprehensive overview of EU autonomous and UN-aligned sanctions regimes.
sanctionsmap.eu
📋
European Union
EU Consolidated Financial Sanctions List
Complete EU list of sanctioned persons and entities subject to asset freezes. Updated whenever the Council adopts new restrictive measures.
eeas.europa.eu
💾
European Union
EU Sanctions — Open Data Download
Machine-readable EU sanctions data in XML, CSV, and PDF formats. Ideal for compliance teams integrating sanctions screening into internal systems.
data.europa.eu
🇬🇧
United Kingdom — OFSI
UK Sanctions List (OFSI)Live
Post-Brexit UK autonomous sanctions list maintained by the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI). Includes financial sanctions targets.
gov.uk/government/publications
🇧🇩
Bangladesh — BFIU
BFIU — Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit
AML/CFT circulars, targeted financial sanctions, and blacklists issued by Bangladesh Bank's Financial Intelligence Unit under MLPA 2012.
bfiu.org.bd
🏦
World Bank Group
World Bank Debarred Firms List
Firms and individuals debarred and sanctioned by the World Bank Group for fraud, corruption, and misconduct in development projects.
worldbank.org/debarred-firms
🛡️ AML/CFT Regulatory Resources
Authoritative sources for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing compliance — essential for CAMS candidates and banking professionals.
🌍 International Standards & Bodies
FATF 40 Recommendations
The global AML/CFT standard — the cornerstone of every CAMS exam. Covers risk-based approach, CDD, beneficial ownership, STRs, and more.
fatf-gafi.org
Egmont Group of FIUs
International network of 170+ FIUs. Typology papers, best practices, and information-sharing frameworks for financial intelligence units worldwide.
egmontgroup.org
Wolfsberg Group Principles
Global AML principles for correspondent banking, trade finance, private banking, and payment transparency. Key CAMS reference material.
wolfsberg-principles.com
UNODC — Money Laundering & Financial Crimes
UN Office on Drugs and Crime resources on money laundering, proceeds of crime, international conventions, and typology studies.
unodc.org
ACAMS — Official CAMS Body
Primary source for CAMS exam syllabus, study guides, candidate handbooks, and AML/CFT thought leadership from the global standard-setter.
acams.org
BCBS — Basel Committee on Banking Supervision
AML/CFT guidelines, CDD standards, sound risk management publications, and correspondent banking guidance from the Basel Committee.
bis.org/bcbs
🔍 Transparency & Financial Crime Research
Tax Justice Network (TJN)
Research on offshore finance, financial secrecy, tax havens, illicit financial flows, and the Financial Secrecy Index — essential for understanding TBML and tax evasion.
taxjustice.net
Transparency International (TI)
Global anti-corruption authority. Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), PEP research, and country-level corruption risk — key CAMS reference for enhanced due diligence.
transparency.org
Global Financial Integrity (GFI)
Research on illicit financial flows, trade misinvoicing, money laundering through trade, and policy recommendations for financial transparency.
globalfinancialintegrity.org
OCCRP — Organized Crime & Corruption
Award-winning investigative journalism on financial crime, money laundering typologies, and corruption. The Pandora Papers, FinCEN Files source.
occrp.org
📜 Data Privacy & GDPR Compliance
GDPR.eu — EU General Data Protection Regulation
Comprehensive GDPR resource — full regulation text, compliance guides, and practical tools. Critical for AML professionals handling personal data across borders.
gdpr.eu
European Data Protection Board (EDPB)
Official EU data protection guidance, opinions, and guidelines — including the intersection of GDPR with AML/CFT data requirements and PEP screening.
edpb.europa.eu
🇧🇩 Bangladesh Regulatory Framework
BFIU — Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit
All AML/CFT circulars, ML/TF risk assessments, STR/CTR guidelines, and MLPA 2012 implementation guidance for Bangladesh's financial sector.
bfiu.org.bd
Bangladesh Bank — Regulatory Guidance
BB circulars, BRPD guidelines, and FEPD directives relevant to AML/CFT compliance for banks and NBFIs operating under Bangladesh Bank supervision.
bb.org.bd
FinCEN — US Treasury Financial Crimes
SAR filing data, financial crime advisories, AML typology studies, and BSA guidance — key CAMS reference for US regulatory frameworks.
fincen.gov
INTERPOL — Financial Crime Division
INTERPOL's financial crime resources including money laundering, cybercrime, asset recovery operations, and the Red Notice system for fugitives.
interpol.int
📋 Trade Finance Resources
Official publications, rules, and references for CDCS candidates and trade finance professionals — UCP 600, ISBP, Incoterms, and more.
📜 ICC Rules & Publications
ICC Banking Commission
Official publisher of UCP 600, ISBP 821, ISP98, URR 725, eUCP, and all trade finance rules. The authoritative source for every CDCS candidate.
iccwbo.org
UCP 600 — Uniform Customs & Practice
The central rulebook for documentary credits — 39 articles governing LC operations globally. The single most important CDCS exam document.
academy.iccwbo.org/ucp-600
Incoterms® 2020 — ICC Official
The 11 official international commercial terms governing risk and cost transfer in international trade. Essential for CDCS and trade finance professionals.
iccwbo.org/incoterms-2020
SWIFT Trade Finance Standards
SWIFT messaging standards for LCs, guarantees, and trade finance. MT700 series, SWIFT gpi for trade, and compliance resources for correspondent banking.
swift.com
🎓 CDCS Certification
Official CDCS Qualification Information
Exam structure, candidate resources, study materials and registration information for the CDCS qualification.
Official source
DC-PRO Trade Finance Platform
Specialised trade finance e-learning platform with CDCS-specific case studies, UCP 600 commentary, and practical document examination exercises.
dcpro.com
Trade Finance Global (TFG)
Industry news, practical guides, and explainers on LC operations, guarantees, supply chain finance, and current trade finance developments.
tradefinanceglobal.com
Bangladesh Bank — FEPD Guidelines
BB Foreign Exchange Policy Department guidelines on LC issuance, export documentation, and trade finance operations under Bangladesh foreign exchange regulations.
bb.org.bd
🔍 Trade-Based Money Laundering (TBML)
FATF — Trade-Based Money Laundering Report
FATF's landmark TBML guidance covering misinvoicing, over/under-shipment, phantom shipments, and red flags for trade finance compliance teams.
fatf-gafi.org
Wolfsberg TBML & TF Guidance 2019
Wolfsberg Group's practical guidance on trade finance controls, TBML red flags, correspondent banking risk, and due diligence for trade transactions.
wolfsberg-principles.com
Bangladesh official regulatory references: This tab contains direct links to BFIU, Bangladesh Bank and official law portals. Use these source pages for current regulatory reference. Always verify the latest circular or amendment before relying on it professionally.
🇧🇩 Bangladesh Banking, Finance & Compliance Resources
Official Bangladesh regulatory resources for banking, compliance, trade finance and CAMS/CDCS candidates — covering AML/CFT laws, Bangladesh Bank circulars, and key financial legislation.
⚖️ Bangladesh AML/CFT Acts, Rules & Directives
Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012
Direct BFIU Acts & Rules page for MLPA resources, including Money Laundering Prevention Act 2012 and amendments.
bfiu.org.bd/index.php/actsandrules/mlpa
Anti Terrorism Act, 2009
Direct BFIU Acts & Rules page for Anti Terrorism Act 2009 resources and amendments.
bfiu.org.bd/index.php/actsandrules/ata
Money Laundering Prevention Rules
Direct BFIU page for Money Laundering Prevention Rules and related implementing rules.
bfiu.org.bd/index.php/actsandrules/mlpr
Anti Terrorism Rules
Direct BFIU page for Anti Terrorism Rules and related terrorist-financing compliance references.
bfiu.org.bd/index.php/actsandrules/atr
BFIU Circulars
Direct BFIU circular page for AML/CFT/PF circulars and reporting organization instructions.
bfiu.org.bd/index.php/legislation/circular
BFIU Circular Letters
Direct BFIU circular-letter page for KYC instructions and operational notices.
bfiu.org.bd/index.php/legislation/circularLetter
Bangladesh Bank Official Website
General Bangladesh Bank reference point. Specific AML/CFT Acts, Rules and circulars above use direct BFIU links.
bb.org.bd
🏦 Bangladesh Bank — Circulars & Regulatory Guidelines
Bangladesh Bank — All Circulars (Main Portal)
Central portal for all Bangladesh Bank department-wise circulars — BRPD, DOS, FEPD, MPD, SMESPD and more. Bookmark this as your primary BB regulatory reference.
bb.org.bd/en/index.php/mediaroom/circular
Bangladesh Bank — Circular Letters
BB circular letters issued to banks and financial institutions on operational, compliance and administrative matters. Covers KYC, reporting, and supervisory instructions.
bb.org.bd/en/index.php/mediaroom/circular_letter
Bangladesh Bank — Regulatory Guidelines
Comprehensive regulatory guidelines including Credit Risk Management, Internal Control & Compliance (ICC), Risk-Based Capital Adequacy (Basel III), and AML/CFT Risk Rating Guidelines.
bb.org.bd/en/index.php/regulatoryguidelines
Bangladesh Bank — Guidelines for Foreign Exchange Transactions (GFET)
The principal guidebook governing all foreign exchange transactions in Bangladesh — essential for trade finance professionals handling LC, remittance and export-import operations.
bb.org.bd — GFET Vol. 1 & 2
BB — BRPD Circulars (Banking Regulation & Policy Dept.)
BRPD issues core banking regulation circulars — capital adequacy, provisioning, loan classification, corporate governance, and related prudential requirements for banks.
bb.org.bd — BRPD Department
BB — FEPD Circulars (Foreign Exchange Policy Dept.)
Foreign Exchange Policy Department circulars governing LC operations, export proceeds, outward remittances, AD branch authorisations and related trade finance compliance.
bb.org.bd — FEPD Circulars
BB — DOS Circulars (Dept. of Off-Site Supervision)
Off-site supervision circulars relating to risk-based reporting, CRG, CAMELS ratings, large loan reporting, and bank-level supervisory compliance requirements.
bb.org.bd — DOS Circulars
BB — SMESPD Circulars (SME & Special Programs)
SME and refinance scheme circulars from Bangladesh Bank — relevant for compliance officers and credit professionals handling government-backed lending programs.
bb.org.bd — SMESPD Circulars
⚖️ Important Bangladesh Financial Laws & Legislation
Bank Company Act, 1991 (as amended)
The principal law governing all scheduled banks in Bangladesh — licensing, capital requirements, management, mergers, and dissolution. Heavily amended in 2013, 2018 and 2023. Essential for banking compliance professionals.
bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd
Financial Institutions Act, 1993
Governs Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFIs) licensed by Bangladesh Bank — leasing, housing finance, merchant banking and investment companies. Directly relevant to NBFI compliance officers.
bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd
Bangladesh Bank Order, 1972
The constitutional document of Bangladesh Bank — establishing its mandate, powers, monetary policy authority, and oversight role over the banking system. Foundational reference for all compliance work.
bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd
Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947 (FERA)
Regulates foreign exchange dealings, payments, remittances and holdings in Bangladesh. Authorised Dealer (AD) banks operate under FERA — critical for trade finance and CDCS candidates.
bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd
Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
Governs cheques, bills of exchange, promissory notes and related negotiable instruments — foundational law for trade finance, LC operations and general banking practice.
bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd
Artha Rin Adalat Ain, 2003 (Money Loan Court Act)
Establishes special Money Loan Courts for expedited recovery of bank dues — governs suit procedures, decree execution and bank credit recovery. Essential for credit administration professionals.
bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd
Companies Act, 1994
Principal corporate law of Bangladesh governing incorporation, directors' duties, shareholding, accounts and winding up. Key for understanding corporate KYC, beneficial ownership, and CDD on corporate clients.
bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd
Income Tax Act, 2023
Bangladesh's new comprehensive income tax legislation replacing the 1984 Ordinance — covers TDS obligations for banks, withholding tax on interest income, and financial institution reporting requirements.
bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd
VAT & Supplementary Duty Act, 2012
Governs VAT obligations of financial institutions — bank charges, LC commissions, service fees and other financial services attract VAT. Compliance professionals need working knowledge of this Act.
bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd
Securities Act, 2020 & BSEC Laws
Bangladesh Securities & Exchange Commission (BSEC) laws — Securities Act 2020, Securities Exchange Ordinance 1969, and related capital market legislation. Relevant for investment banking and compliance.
sec.gov.bd/slc/section/1/acts
Customs Act, 1969 & Import/Export Laws
Customs Act 1969, Import Policy Order and Export Policy — essential for CDCS candidates and trade finance compliance officers handling documentary credits and customs documentation requirements.
customs.gov.bd
Bangladesh Laws Portal — Full Legislative Database
Official Ministry of Law repository for all Acts, Ordinances and Rules of Bangladesh in English and Bangla. Search any legislation by name, year or subject for primary legal reference.
bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd
📝 Expert Articles
Practitioner-written articles on AML/CFT and Trade Finance — bridging global standards with Bangladesh's banking reality. Written by our co-founders.
AML/CFT
Understanding the FATF 40 Recommendations: A Practical Guide for Bangladesh Banking Professionals
The FATF 40 Recommendations form the bedrock of every AML/CFT compliance framework worldwide — including Bangladesh's MLPA 2012. This article breaks down what each pillar means in practice for bankers at the frontline.
Sanctions
UN, EU & OFAC Sanctions: What Every Bangladesh Compliance Officer Must Know
Sanctions compliance is no longer optional for Bangladeshi banks with correspondent banking relationships. This article explains the three major sanctions regimes, their differences, and your obligations under each.
Trade Finance
UCP 600 Article 14 Demystified: The Five Banking Day Rule and Document Examination
Article 14 of UCP 600 is the heart of documentary credit operations — and the most tested topic in the CDCS exam. This deep-dive explains the five banking day rule, the examination standard, and the preclusion principle with real examples.
AML/CFT
Trade-Based Money Laundering (TBML): Red Flags Every Trade Finance Banker Must Recognise
TBML is the largest and most complex form of money laundering globally — estimated at $1–2 trillion annually. This article explains the four primary techniques: over/under-invoicing, over/under-shipment, multiple invoicing, and phantom shipments.
Trade Finance
Bill of Lading vs Sea Waybill: Key Differences Every CDCS Candidate Must Know
The distinction between a negotiable bill of lading and a non-negotiable sea waybill is one of the most fundamental — and frequently misunderstood — concepts in trade finance. This article clarifies the differences with practical examples.
AML/CFT
KYC, CDD & EDD: Building a Robust Customer Due Diligence Framework Under MLPA 2012
Bangladesh's Money Laundering Prevention Act 2012 mandates KYC and CDD for all financial institutions. This article explains the three-tier framework — standard CDD, simplified CDD, and Enhanced Due Diligence — with Bangladesh Bank's requirements.
Trade Finance
Incoterms 2020: Understanding Risk Transfer in International Trade Transactions
Incoterms 2020 define who bears risk and cost at each stage of an international shipment. This article walks through all 11 terms — EXW through DDP — with practical examples and their implications for documentary credit operations.
Compliance
Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs): Identification, Risk Assessment & Enhanced Due Diligence
PEP management is one of the highest-risk areas in AML compliance — and a guaranteed CAMS exam topic. This article covers FATF's definition of PEPs, domestic vs foreign PEPs, the risk-based approach to EDD, and Bangladesh's specific requirements.
Trade Finance
Transferable vs Back-to-Back Letters of Credit: Structures, Uses & Key Differences
When a middleman is involved in a trade transaction, two LC structures come into play: transferable LCs under UCP 600 Art 38, and back-to-back LCs. This article explains both structures, their legal frameworks, and when each is appropriate.
AML/CFT
Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) in Bangladesh: Filing Obligations, Thresholds & Best Practices
Filing accurate, timely STRs to the BFIU is a core legal obligation for all Reporting Organisations under MLPA 2012. This article covers the legal framework, red flag indicators, the STR filing process in Bangladesh, and what happens after you file.