Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 13 JANUARY 2022

OFAC Provides Sanctions Guidance On Modifications Of Agreements Referencing LIBOR

Hogan Lovells Cadwalader
Hogan Lovells Cadwalader
Contributor
Hogan Lovells Cadwalader

Hogan Lovells Cadwalader

Hogan Lovells Cadwalader is a global law firm trusted by clients to deliver on complex, high-stakes...

View firm profile
Explore more from Hogan Lovells Cadwalader

Such benchmark modifications will not be treated as "new debt" for OFAC sanctions purposes.

United StatesFinance and Banking
Hogan Lovells Cadwalader
Hogan Lovells Cadwalader
Author LinkedIn connections

OFAC issued an FAQ clarifying that "loans, contracts, or other agreements that use LIBOR as a reference rate that are modified to replace such benchmark reference rate will not be treated as new debt for OFAC sanctions purposes, so long as no other material terms of the loan, contract, or agreement are modified."

In new FAQ 956, OFAC noted that in previous guidance it had advised that certain changes to preexisting loan facilities and other agreements may act to convert an existing, permissible debt into a "new debt" that is prohibited under sanctions (see FAQ 947 ("Belarus Sanctions"), FAQ 553 ("Venezuela Sanctions") and FAQ 394 ("Ukraine-/Russia-Related Sanctions")). In FAQ 956, OFAC clarified that LIBOR reference rate terms in preexisting agreements may be modified and replaced without triggering relevant sanctions prohibitions, so long as no other material terms of the loan, contract or agreement are modified. Such benchmark modifications will not be treated

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

SEC Advances “Responsible Retailization” Through A Potential Accredited Investor Exam And Potential Regulated Fund Reforms

On September 30, 2026, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued two rule proposals and five notices aimed at expanding investors’ access to private markets. The package would add ways to qualify as an accredited investor, including passing a new exam administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), broaden performance-based compensation and modernize regulated funds, including interval funds and business development companies (BDCs).
United StatesFinance and Banking
Proskauer Rose LLP
Proskauer Rose LLP
Article

SEC Proposes Rule Amendments To Expand Retail Access To Private Markets

The SEC has proposed sweeping amendments to expand retail investor access to private market strategies, including changes to performance-based compensation rules for registered investment advisers and modernization of the interval fund framework. The proposals also explore new credential-based pathways for individuals to qualify as accredited investors, potentially opening private offerings to a broader pool of eligible participants.
United StatesFinance and Banking
Duane Morris LLP
Duane Morris LLP
Article

SEC Approves FINRA’s New “Outside Activities” Rule

The Securities and Exchange Commission has approved FINRA Rule 3290, which will replace existing rules governing outside business activities and private securities transactions for registered persons. This new rule narrows the scope to focus on investment-related activities while maintaining similar supervisory obligations for member firms. Understanding the key changes and implementation requirements will be critical for broker-dealers as they update their compliance policies and procedures.
United StatesFinance and Banking
WilmerHale
WilmerHale
Article

New NYSE Delisting Rules: What Microcap Companies Need To Know About The $0.25 Minimum Trading Price

The SEC has approved new NYSE and NYSE American listing rules establishing a $0.25 minimum trading price, effective July 1, 2027. A single closing price below this threshold triggers immediate trading suspension and delisting proceedings with no cure period. Companies trading at low share prices must act now during the transition period to implement reverse stock splits and establish monitoring procedures before this hard floor takes effect.
United StatesFinance and Banking
Bevilacqua
Bevilacqua
Article

SEC Proposes Rule Changes And Seeks Comments On Additional Accredited Investor Pathways

The Securities and Exchange Commission has proposed six new pathways for individuals to qualify as accredited investors, moving beyond traditional income and wealth thresholds. These changes would allow qualification through professional certifications like CPA, CFA, and CFP designations, as well as through a new FINRA-administered exam testing securities knowledge.
United StatesFinance and Banking
Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP
Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP
Article

The Next Chapter Of Digital Accessibility: FCC Seeks Input On Modernizing Its Rules

The Federal Communications Commission is seeking public feedback on modernizing its accessibility framework to address rapid changes in consumer technology. The draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking examines whether existing rules keep pace with today's communications marketplace or inadvertently hinder innovation in accessibility solutions.
United StatesMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Hogan Lovells Cadwalader
Hogan Lovells Cadwalader
Article

FCC Updates TCPA Consent Revocation Rules, Seeks Comment On Further Changes

The Federal Communications Commission has amended its TCPA consent revocation rules, introducing category-specific opt-outs for informational robocalls and allowing callers to designate exclusive revocation methods. The changes aim to balance consumer control with operational flexibility while addressing concerns about the previous "revoke all" requirement that could inadvertently block wanted communications like fraud alerts and security notifications.
United StatesMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Hogan Lovells Cadwalader
Hogan Lovells Cadwalader
Article

New York City Rent Freeze Faces Legal Challenge As Court Considers Landlords’ Claims

Landlords of rent stabilized buildings in New York City have filed a lawsuit challenging the rent freeze passed by the Rent Guidelines Board, questioning the Board's independence and data integrity. With operating costs rising 31% over five years while the Board voted 7-1 for a freeze affecting 1 million apartments, the case raises critical questions about the balance between tenant protection and landlord viability.
United StatesReal Estate and Construction
Hogan Lovells Cadwalader
Hogan Lovells Cadwalader
Article

HRSA Announces Updated 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program, Limited To Drugs Subject To A Maximum Fair Price (MFP) For 2026 And 2027

The Health Resources and Services Administration has announced a revised 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program for drugs subject to Medicare's Maximum Fair Price, expanding eligibility to manufacturers with selected drugs for 2026 and 2027. The program introduces new data requirements, dispute resolution mechanisms, and stricter compliance monitoring while addressing stakeholder concerns about administrative burden and program integrity.
United StatesFinance and Banking
Hogan Lovells Cadwalader
Hogan Lovells Cadwalader