Category: Compliance & AML · Reviewed by Amy Price, Account Executive · Last reviewed June 2026
The principal UK statute providing the legislative framework for the imposition of financial, trade, immigration, aircraft and shipping sanctions, and providing the rule-making power for AML / CFT regulations post-Brexit.
The Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (SAMLA) is the UK’s overarching sanctions and anti-money laundering primary statute. It empowers Ministers to make regulations imposing sanctions for purposes including compliance with UN obligations, foreign policy objectives, national security, terrorism prevention, and the protection of UK interests. It also empowers the Treasury to make AML / CFT regulations.
Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018, principally Part 1 (sanctions regulations) and Part 2 (AML regulations). The Act has been amended by the Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022 (expanding sanctions enforcement) and the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
SAMLA section 1 lists the purposes for which sanctions may be imposed. Section 2 sets the scope of regulations. Section 11 covers financial sanctions specifically. Section 21 covers immigration sanctions. Section 49 covers AML regulations. Country-specific sanctions regimes (Russia, North Korea, Iran, Belarus, Myanmar, etc.) are made by statutory instrument under SAMLA. Thematic regimes (Global Human Rights, Cyber, Anti-corruption) are also made under SAMLA.
The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 — extensively amended since February 2022 — is the most operationally significant for many UK businesses. The UK Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations 2021 and the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020 are thematic regimes.
A UK insurance broker placing trade-credit insurance for a UK exporter must consider whether the underlying trade is captured by sectoral sanctions (e.g. Russian oil-related controls), whether any party in the chain is designated, and whether a licence is required from OFSI or other competent authority.
Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018. Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022. Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. Specific UK sanctions regulations (Russia, North Korea, Iran, Global Anti-Corruption etc.).
By Matt Bartlett, Director, on 2026-06-11.
This entry is part of the Apex Insurance Wiki. Last reviewed by Matt Bartlett on 2026-06-11. Apex Insurance Brokers Limited, FCA FRN 724952, Companies House 07014570. Not regulated advice — consult your broker on your specific position.
Apex Insurance Brokers serves UK professional services firms and commercial businesses. Call 0117 325 0027, email hello@apexinsurancebrokers.co.uk, or request a quotation.
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