How OFAC Sanctions Relief Shapes Syrian Crypto Users in 2025
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OFAC sanctions have long ruled the financial lives of Syrians, but 2025 brought a seismic shift. If you’re a Syrian crypto trader, a platform operator, or just curious about how U.S. policy now touches digital assets, this guide breaks down what changed, what still matters, and what you should do right now.
Quick takeaways
- Executive Order 14312 (June302025) revoked six Syria‑related sanctions orders, effective July12025.
- OFAC removed the Syrian Sanctions Regulations from the CFR on August262025, opening U.S. crypto services to most Syrian residents.
- General License25 (May282025) now authorizes standard crypto transactions for Syrians, provided they avoid listed individuals and entities.
- Over 500 Syrian names were stripped from the SDN List, but targeted designations on regime officials, human‑rights abusers, and terrorist affiliates remain.
- Crypto platforms must upgrade screening tools; Syrian users can now access U.S. exchanges, wallets, and mining gear without fear of blanket bans.
Background: The pre‑2025 sanctions landscape
Since 2004, the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) enforced the Syrian Sanctions Regulations (SySR). These rules prohibited virtually any financial interaction between U.S. persons and Syrian individuals or entities, including cryptocurrency trades. Violations could trigger asset freezes, criminal prosecution, and civil penalties up to $20million or twice the transaction value.
Because crypto is borderless, Syrian users had to rely on offshore wallets, peer‑to‑peer networks, or underground services to move digital assets. Platforms that tried to serve Syrian customers faced steep compliance risk and often opted for a blanket “no‑Syrian” policy.
2025 relief: What the executive order and final rule changed
On June302025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14312 (Providing for the Revocation of Syria Sanctions). The order nullified six earlier executive orders (E.O.13338, 13399, 13460, 13572, 13573, 13582) and terminated the underlying national emergency. Effective July12025, the legal basis for comprehensive Syria sanctions vanished.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control followed up on August262025 with a final rule that excised the Syrian Sanctions Regulations from Title31 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The removal meant that, for the first time in two decades, a Syrian individual could lawfully open an account with a U.S. crypto exchange-provided they did not fall under a targeted designation.
Key mechanisms that now govern Syrian crypto activity
General License24 (authorizes humanitarian‑related transactions) and General License25 (provides blanket permission for transactions otherwise prohibited by the former SySR) remain active. License25, issued May282025, explicitly covers “standard cryptocurrency transactions” - buying, selling, transferring, and staking - as long as the parties are not on the SDN List.
On September242025 OFAC renamed the program to the Promoting Accountability for Assad and Regional Stabilization Sanctions Regulations (PAARSS). The rebrand signals a move from blanket isolation to precision targeting of regime‑affiliated actors.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) introduced the License Exception SPP (Syria Peace and Prosperity), which authorizes the export of all EAR99 items - including mining rigs and blockchain hardware - to Syria without a specific license.
Compliance checklist for crypto platforms
Even with the broad relief, platforms cannot ignore the remaining targeted sanctions. Here’s a concise, actionable list:
- Update screening databases: Pull the latest OFAC SDN List (post‑August2025) and flag the 518 newly delisted Syrian individuals.
- Implement PAARSS‑aware logic: Separate “general Syrian” users from those flagged under PAARSS designations (regime officials, human‑rights abusers, terrorist affiliates).
- Adopt risk‑based KYC: For Syrian customers, collect source‑of‑funds evidence, residence proof, and a declaration that they are not on any targeted list.
- Leverage FinCEN guidance (June42025): Apply a risk‑based approach, allowing lower‑risk Syrian transactions while maintaining AML monitoring.
- Configure transaction limits: Consider lower thresholds for new Syrian accounts until the compliance team validates the user.
- Document licensing reliance: Keep records showing reliance on General License25 and License Exception SPP for any cross‑border crypto service.
Smaller exchanges often outsource screening to specialized compliance SaaS providers; ensure those vendors keep up with PAARSS updates.
What Syrian crypto users can now do
With the sanction regime lifted, Syrian residents enjoy several new possibilities:
- Direct access to U.S. exchanges: Platforms like Coinbase, Kraken, and Gemini now accept Syrian customers who pass KYC.
- Legitimate wallet services: Hardware wallet providers can ship devices under License Exception SPP, reducing reliance on gray‑market products.
- Participation in DeFi: Users can interact with Ethereum‑based protocols without fear of an “illegal” transaction flag, as long as the counterparties are not sanctioned.
- Mining and staking operations: Import of ASIC miners and GPU rigs is no longer subject to export controls, facilitating local mining farms.
However, two cautions remain. First, any transaction involving a designated individual - even unintentionally - could trigger penalties. Second, U.S.‑based platforms may still impose their own internal policies that are stricter than OFAC’s rules, so a user could be denied service despite the legal clearance.
Risks that persist
Targeted designations still cover roughly 120 individuals and entities linked to the Assad regime, human‑rights violators, Captagon traffickers, and terrorist groups. A simple name‑match can block a user’s account. Moreover, the evolving nature of PAARSS means future amendments could tighten or broaden the scope, requiring continuous monitoring.
Regulators in other jurisdictions (EU, UK, Canada) have not mirrored the U.S. relief, so cross‑border transactions may still encounter restrictions outside the United States.
Future outlook: What could change next?
OFAC has signaled intent to flesh out PAARSS with additional interpretive guidance, definitions, and perhaps new general licenses. Potential developments include:
- Specific licensing for crypto‑related charitable donations to Syria.
- Guidelines on decentralized finance platforms that may inadvertently facilitate sanctioned activity.
- Further export‑control relaxations for blockchain infrastructure under the SPP exception.
Stakeholders should treat the current environment as a “beta” phase - generous, but not set in stone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Syrian citizen open an account on a U.S. crypto exchange today?
Yes, provided the individual is not listed on the OFAC SDN List or any PAARSS‑targeted designation. The exchange must run updated screening and accept the user’s KYC documents.
What happens if I accidentally trade with a sanctioned Syrian individual?
Both the user and the platform could face civil penalties up to $20million or twice the transaction value, plus potential criminal charges. Promptly reporting the incident to OFAC and freezing the assets can mitigate penalties.
Are there any remaining U.S. sanctions that affect crypto mining equipment?
No. The License Exception SPP authorizes export of all EAR99 items, which includes standard mining rigs and GPU cards, without a specific license. However, equipment destined for a designated individual remains prohibited.
How can exchanges stay compliant with the new PAARSS framework?
By integrating real‑time OFAC SDN feeds, applying General License25 as a blanket authority for Syrian transactions, and maintaining detailed records of screening decisions that reference PAARSS.
Will other countries follow the U.S. in lifting Syrian crypto sanctions?
It’s uncertain. The EU and UK still enforce broader sanctions on Syria. Traders should verify local regulations before moving assets across borders.
Bottom line
The 2025 OFAC relief turns a decades‑long embargo into a nuanced, targeted regime. Syrian crypto users can finally tap global markets, but they must stay vigilant about the remaining designations. Platforms that upgrade their compliance stacks will capture a new, legitimate user base, while those that over‑block risk losing market share.
Shamalama Dee
Hey folks, if you’re a Syrian crypto user looking to get back into the market, the first thing to double‑check is that you’re not on the updated OFAC SDN list. A quick glance at the latest list will save you a lot of headaches later. Also, make sure the exchange you pick has integrated the new General License 25 into their compliance flow. Most major U.S. platforms have already done this, but a few smaller ones might still be lagging. If you run into a roadblock, reach out to their support team – they’re usually happy to guide you through the updated KYC steps.
scott bell
Wow the sanctions relief really opened doors for Syrian traders – suddenly you can actually buy Bitcoin on Coinbase without a secret VPN! It feels like the wild west turning into a bustling marketplace. The new licensing is like a golden ticket, but you still gotta watch out for those lingering names on the list – they’re the real troublemakers. So stay sharp, keep your KYC docs handy, and enjoy the ride.
vincent gaytano
Oh great, now we can legally trade crypto and still have to worry about a few dozen sanctioned assholes. OFAC really loves to keep us guessing which names are safe and which will land us in a $20 million fine. It’s almost as fun as playing Russian roulette with your wallet.
Dyeshanae Navarro
One could argue that the new policy reflects a philosophical shift from collective punishment to targeted responsibility. By sparing the average citizen while still sanctioning the regime, the approach aligns with principles of justice. Yet the practical reality remains that ordinary users must navigate a labyrinth of compliance checks.
Matt Potter
Finally some good news! Syrian crypto enthusiasts can now join the global market, and it’s about time. Platforms that upgrade their screening will capture a fresh wave of users – don’t miss out on this surge!
Marli Ramos
lol new rules = more crypto 4 us 😎🚀 just hope the exchanges don’t ghost us again
Christina Lombardi-Somaschini
Indeed, the recent amendment to the sanctions framework, whilst expansive, still necessitates rigorous due‑diligence. Platforms must therefore integrate the updated SDN feed without delay; failure to do so may result in inadvertent violations. Moreover, users should retain comprehensive documentation evidencing their non‑sanctioned status, as this can prove invaluable should any compliance query arise.
katie sears
It is encouraging to see the U.S. taking a more nuanced approach. Syrian developers can now safely access blockchain infrastructure, which may foster local innovation. Yet, regional partners must also align their policies to avoid cross‑border friction.
Gaurav Joshi
From an ethical standpoint, lifting blanket sanctions while keeping targeted designations is the right balance. It respects individual freedoms without shielding the regime. Let us hope other jurisdictions follow suit.
Kathryn Moore
Quick tip: always cross‑reference the OFAC list before a large transfer; the list updates weekly.
Christine Wray
Balanced perspective – the relief opens opportunities, but the remaining targeted sanctions still pose real risks for unsuspecting users.
roshan nair
Hey guys, if you need a simple checklist: update your screening software, flag any SDN matches, keep KYC docs on hand, and set lower transaction limits for new Syrian accounts until you’re sure they’re clean. This little routine can save you from costly penalties.
Jay K
Dear Colleagues, kindly ensure that all compliance records reference General License 25 where appropriate, and retain evidentiary support for each Syrian client’s non‑designated status.
Kimberly M
👍 good luck!
Navneet kaur
Check the list.