UK Sanctions Law and Practice

Since Brexit, UK sanctions law has undergone rapid transformation to address evolving global challenges. UK Sanctions Law and Practice is the first comprehensive guide to how the UK's senior courts interpret sanctions legislation and government policy. The book provides detailed analysis of the UK sanctions framework, covering its pre-Brexit historical context, the scope of the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (SAMLA), key regulations-particularly the complex Russia Regulations-and the evolution of financial, trade, transport, and human rights sanctions.

The book examines practical implications, including director disqualification, penalties, and compliance challenges, with detailed insights. It clarifies the intricate process of designations and challenges, analysing key Court of Appeal and Supreme Court cases, including Shvidler and Dalston Projects. A dedicated chapter addresses sanctions in commercial disputes, crucial for those managing contractual obligations impacted by sanctions. The final chapter offers a global perspective on sanctions, with a forward-looking focus on US developments.

Written by leading legal experts, this book is an essential resource for practitioners, businesses and individuals navigating sanctions compliance and interactions with designated persons. Its expert insights on statutory provisions, government guidance, and emerging caselaw provide an authoritative foundation for those advising clients or approaching sanctions issues.

Amanda Pinto KC, Barrister, Three Raymond Buildings,Alexandre Haines, Barrister, 4 Pump Court,Sophie O'Sullivan, Barrister, Outer Temple Chambers

Amanda Pinto KC is an expert in financial wrongdoing, appearing in many high-profile cases involving corporate crime, fraud, money laundering, asset recovery, and bribery. She advises on corporate investigations, merger and takeover issues and sanctions. She is a P.R.I.M.E. (Panel of Recognised International Market Experts in Finance) Global Expert in complex financial products (2021). She advises justice systems globally. She is an Honorary Fellow of Birkbeck College, University of London (2025). Amanda sits as a Recorder of the Crown Court and has published on sanctions and corporate crime. She was Chair of the Bar Council of England and Wales (2020).

Alexandre Haines is a sanctions and international law practitioner called to the English and Irish Bars, and admitted to the Bars of New York and Washington DC. He is a specialist in international organizations law and the debarment frameworks of Multilateral Development Banks. He sits as Sanctions Officer (first-tier decision-maker) at the Caribbean Development Bank, and he is a member of the Bar Council International Committee. Alexandre has published on sanctions and lectured on international law and the immunities of international organizations at the universities of Hong Kong, La Sorbonne, King's College, Exeter, Brasilia, and City of London.

Sophie O'Sullivan is a leading sanctions barrister, recognised by Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500 for her expertise in this field and across her core practice areas. She advises global corporates, financial institutions, and trusts on sanctions compliance, export controls, and M&A risks. An experienced litigator, Sophie specialises in financial crime, civil fraud, and regulatory matters, and is widely published in these areas. She is appointed to the Serious Fraud Office's International POCA Panel and was appointed for five years to the Attorney General's Panel, during which time she advised HM Treasury, the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office, and the Department for Business and Trade.

1. Introduction, Amanda Pinto KC, Alexandre Haines, and Sophie O'Sullivan2. The Post-Brexit UK Sanctions Framework, Amanda Pinto KC, Alexandre Haines, and Sophie O'Sullivan3. Financial Sanctions, Sophie O'Sullivan and Victoria Turner4. Director Disqualification Sanctions, Amanda Pinto KC, John Binns, and Mohamed Naleemudeen5. Trade Sanctions, Alexandre Haines, Robert Morris, and Jessica Hocking6. Aircraft and Shipping Sanctions, Rachel Barnes KC and Stephen Bailey7. Human Rights Sanctions, Amanda Pinto KC and Charles McCombe8. Designations and Challenges, Amanda Pinto KC, Alexandre Haines, and Sophie O'Sullivan9. Sanctions in Commercial Disputes, Francis Bond and Tom Cornell10. Looking Forward: A Global Perspective, Charles Steele