Learning the Office of Foreign Assets Control’s Duty
In today’s global economy, companies depend on a wide network of vendors and partners—but these ties can create hidden risks. The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) enforces economic and trade sanctions to protect national security, and violations can result in severe penalties and reputational damage. Organizations must ensure employees are confident leadership takes these obligations seriously and that every partnership meets the highest standards of integrity.
OFAC regulations govern international business transactions, and violations can bring severe penalties. Employees who lack awareness may unintentionally create compliance risks. This microlesson delivers skills training to help employees understand OFAC requirements, avoid risky practices, and protect organizational integrity.
Microlesson Description
This microlesson explains OFAC’s role in regulating who U.S. businesses can work with, where transactions occur, and which activities are restricted. Learners will see how OFAC’s lists of sanctioned individuals and entities—including terrorists, human rights abusers, and companies tied to blocked persons—create real compliance risks. The lesson also highlights penalties for violations and includes risk questions that surface employee perceptions of vendor integrity and leadership’s commitment to compliance.Key Concepts
- The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) oversees and enforces trade and economic sanctions in support of national security initiatives.
- OFAC is responsible for who we can do transactions with, what types of activities are allowed, and where in the world we can do them.
- If a company discovers they may have violated sanctions, they must voluntarily disclose the possible violation to OFAC.
Microlesson Features
- Employee sentiment pulsing questions that provide leaders with insights into their workforce's core cultural competencies
- Emtrain's Expert Answers tool, enabling employeees to submit anonymous questions about sensitive issues.
- Rich, contemporary video scences illustrating key concepts through realistic scenarios
- A data driven, skill-based approach to eLearning that establishes a shared language for employees.
Understanding What is the OFAC and Why It Matters for Compliance
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is the U.S. government agency that enforces trade and economic sanctions. This lesson teaches employees who they can do business with, what types of transactions are restricted, and where in the world business activity may be limited. Learners will understand the consequences of non-compliance, the importance of disclosure, and the steps organizations can take to avoid penalties. HR and compliance leaders gain insight into where employees may lack confidence, helping address risk before it becomes a violation.
Teach: Who, What, and Where
Help your employees understand the basics of OFAC:
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Who they can do transactions with
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What activities or transactions are allowed
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Where in the world they can operate safely
This foundation ensures teams know the rules before making business decisions.
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Discover: Feeling Confident
Do your employees know what to do if they suspect a client, vendor, or partner is on a sanctions list? Embedded pulse questions reveal whether employees are confident in handling these situations. These insights give compliance officers a clear view of knowledge gaps, helping them strengthen training and reduce risk.
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Take Action: Prevent OFAC Fines
By the end of this lesson, learners will know what the OFAC is and how to follow its rules to avoid severe penalties. They’ll also understand the value of voluntary disclosures — reducing fines by up to half when violations are reported. These clear actions protect both the organization and its reputation.
Preview this lesson now to see the actions your team can take to make in impact — free access.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions that employees and managers have about this topic. These FAQs provide a preview of what you’ll learn in this microlesson and why it matters.
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