- December 15, 2025
- Posted by: FCS Compliance
- Category: Art Market, News, Property Market
From 09:00 GMT on Wednesday 28 January 2026, the UK government will move to a single sanctions list. The UK Sanctions List (UKSL) will become the only official list containing all UK sanctions designations. The OFSI Consolidated List and its search tool will no longer be updated after this date. You are able now to start making these switches, and we encourage you to start making your own internal changes prior to the deadline of 28 January 2026.
This change affects any business that screens customers or counterparties against UK sanctions, including regulated firms in the property and art markets. The update requires system adjustments, policy updates and staff awareness.
Why the UK is Moving to One List
At present, sanctions information is split across:
- The UK Sanctions List (UKSL), the full list of designations under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (financial, trade, immigration and transport measures).
- The OFSI Consolidated List of Asset Freeze Targets, which covers financial sanctions only.
In response to industry feedback, the UK will now consolidate all designations into one list, removing duplication and simplifying compliance checks.
Official government guidance:
Moving to a single list for UK sanctions designations (GOV.UK)
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-to-a-single-list-for-uk-sanctions-designations-28-january-2026
Key Changes Taking Effect
1. UK Sanctions List becomes the single list
From 28 January 2026, the UKSL will be the sole source of UK sanctions designations.
The OFSI Consolidated List will stop updating on that day.
Access the UKSL here:
The UK Sanctions List – GOV.UK
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-uk-sanctions-list
Use the live search tool here:
Search the UK Sanctions List
https://search-uk-sanctions-list.service.gov.uk/
2. OFSI Group ID is being retired for new designations
Currently:
- All designated persons (DPs) have a Unique ID.
- Those subject to financial sanctions also have an OFSI Group ID.
From 28 January 2026:
- Newly designated persons will not receive an OFSI Group ID.
- They will be identified by UKSL Unique ID and Sanction Type.
Historic OFSI Group IDs will remain in UKSL outputs and remain valid for use.
What Regulated Firms Must Do Now
Update your sanctions data source
Any system, tool or spreadsheet that relies on the OFSI Consolidated List must switch to using the UK Sanctions List before 28 January 2026.
If you use a third-party screening provider, confirm:
- when they will switch to UKSL
- how they will handle retiring OFSI Group IDs
- whether API or export formats will change
Adjust any internal reliance on OFSI Group IDs
If your internal processes, logs or templates reference OFSI Group ID, prepare for:
- continued use of Group IDs for historic designations
- use of Unique ID and Sanction Type for new designations moving forward
Review internal AML documentation
Check whether your:
- AML Policy
- CDD procedures
- Firm-wide risk assessment
- SAR templates
Reference the OFSI Consolidated List as the primary source.
If so, update to reference the UK Sanctions List.
Ensure staff are aware of the transition
This affects teams involved in:
- onboarding and CDD
- periodic review
- pre-completion checks in property transactions
- shipping, sales and consignments in the art market
Staff should understand:
- where to check names (UKSL and the UKSL search tool)
- which identifier to quote in internal notes and reports
- why new designations will no longer carry OFSI Group IDs
Useful Links
Moving to a single list for UK sanctions designations
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-to-a-single-list-for-uk-sanctions-designations-28-january-2026
The UK Sanctions List – guidance and downloads (all formats)
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-uk-sanctions-list
Search the UK Sanctions List
https://search-uk-sanctions-list.service.gov.uk/
