Aktualisierte Sanktionsmeldung: Moldau
AI Analysis
The Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (WBF) published an update to Annex of the Ordinance on Measures concerning Moldova (SR 946.231.156.5) on August 11, 2025, expanding the sanctions list for Moldova-related destabilizing activities. This matters for Swiss financial intermediaries as it imposes immediate asset freeze and reporting obligations under the Embargo Act (EmbG) and Anti-Money Laundering Act (GwG), aligning Switzerland with EU measures to counter threats to Moldova's sovereignty amid regional instability.
Key dates
- 28.06.2023
- Original Ordinance effective date; (context for baseline measures)
- 11.08.2025
- Publication of Annex update by WBF
- 12.08.2025
- Measures enter into force; (based on similar recent updates; immediate effect standard)
- Immediate (unverzüglich)
- Report frozen assets to SECO
Suggested considerations
- Screen Client Base: Immediately rescreen all existing and prospective clients, relationships, and transactions against the updated SECO/FINMA Moldova sanctions list via MyFINMA portal.
- Freeze and Report Assets: Block all funds/economic resources of newly listed parties without delay; report details (e.g., account info, asset values) to SECO promptly.
- AML Due Diligence: Conduct enhanced checks under Art. 6 GwG; if suspicions persist post-SECO report, file suspicious activity report (SAR) with MROS under Art. 9 GwG.
- Internal Controls: Update screening tools, train staff, and document compliance to mitigate enforcement risk from FINMA.
- Monitor Ongoing: Subscribe to FINMA MyFINMA alerts and SECO updates for further Annex changes.
What changed
- - Updated Sanctions List: The WBF amended the Annex to include additional natural or legal persons, organizations, or entities subject to financial sanctions, effective immediately upon publication.
- Financial Sanctions Reinforced: Mandatory asset freezes (sperre von Vermögenswerten), prohibitions on making funds or economic resources available (Bereitstellungsverbote), and reporting requirements to SECO for frozen assets remain core, mirroring E
- No Change to Core Ordinance: The underlying Ordinance from June 28, 2023, is unchanged, but the Annex expansion triggers re-screening of existing relationships.
Compliance impact
Urgency: High – Immediate asset blocking and SECO reporting are mandatory with no grace period, risking FINMA enforcement (e.g., fines, reputational damage) for non-compliance; matters due to expanding geopolitical risks in Eastern Europe, potential for rapid list growth, and overlap with high-volume Russia/Ukraine sanctions regimes.
Who is affected
Related regulations
References
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the original FINMA source before acting. Full disclaimer.
What the FINMA said
Das Eidgenössische Departement für Wirtschaft, Bildung und Forschung WBF hat eine Änderung des Anhangs der Verordnung vom 28. Juni 2023 über Massnahmen betreffend Moldau (SR 946.231.156.5) publiziert.
Published by FINMA . Read the full notice at the source for the authoritative text.