The 50 percent rule means that if a company is at least 50% owned by a financially sanctioned individual or entity, it is illegal to transact with that company. This is regardless of the value of a transaction or what product or service is being sold. 

Background

Whereas the U.S. implemented the 50% rule in 2008, the EU and UK introduced similar measures in late 2023. These more recent changes were prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Financial sanctions, a.k.a. Economic sanctions, are defined by ACAMS as: 

“The imposition of trade or financial restrictions and penalties by one or more countries against another country, entity, or individual with the purpose of changing a behavior.”

Review what this means for your business

Read more about the 50 percent rule in our knowledge base article