Venezuela Bond Deals Get OFAC License Refresh
Published Date: 9/23/2026
Rule
Summary
The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) published two updated licenses, 5X and 5Y, that let certain people legally deal with Venezuela’s 2020 8.5% bond starting August 4, 2026. These licenses replace older ones and open up new financial opportunities while keeping other sanctions in place. If you’re involved in Venezuela bond transactions, these changes could impact your business starting this summer.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
GL 5X allows PDVSA 2020 bond deals
General License No. 5X, issued June 18, 2026, authorizes transactions related to the Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. 2020 8.5 Percent Bond on or after August 4, 2026. GL 5X replaced and superseded General License No. 5W effective June 18, 2026.
GL 5Y continues bond transaction authorization
General License No. 5Y, issued August 3, 2026, authorizes transactions related to the Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. 2020 8.5 Percent Bond on or after September 17, 2026. GL 5Y replaces and supersedes General License No. 5X effective August 3, 2026.
Other Venezuela sanctions remain in force
Both General License No. 5X and General License No. 5Y state they do not authorize any transactions or activities otherwise prohibited by the Venezuela Sanctions Regulations or any other part of 31 CFR chapter V. Other applicable VSR prohibitions therefore remain in effect.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20683, Notice of OFAC Sanctions Actions
The U.S. Treasury’s OFAC just updated its sanctions list on October 5, 2026. Some people had their blocked property unlocked and were removed from the blacklist, while others had their info updated but remain blocked. These changes affect who can access money or property under U.S. rules, so watch for the latest details if you’re involved.
2026-20526, Notice of OFAC Sanctions Actions
The U.S. Treasury’s OFAC just updated its sanctions lists by unblocking some people and removing their names from the banned list. They also cleaned up duplicate entries and updated info on others who remain blocked. These changes affect individuals and entities tied to sanctions, with some unblocked as of July 27, 2026, meaning their assets are no longer frozen.
2026-20525, Notice of OFAC Sanctions Action
The U.S. Treasury’s OFAC just blocked the property of Faouzi Barika and others linked to Hamas, making it illegal for Americans to do business with them. This action, effective October 2, 2026, freezes their assets under U.S. law to stop support for terrorism. If you’re a U.S. person, watch out—any dealings with these folks are off-limits and could have serious consequences.
2026-20475, Notice of OFAC Sanctions Action
On October 1, 2026, the U.S. Treasury’s OFAC added new individuals and companies to its blacklist, freezing their U.S.-based assets. This means Americans can’t do business with these blocked parties, cutting off their access to U.S. money and markets. The move aims to tighten financial controls and protect U.S. interests.
2026-20425, Notice of OFAC Sanctions Action
The U.S. Treasury’s OFAC just blocked the property of Rafael Buenrostro Martin and others for their roles in illegal drug trade and terrorism. From September 29, 2026, Americans can’t do business with these folks, freezing their assets under U.S. law. This move aims to cut off their money flow and stop bad activities fast and firmly.
2026-20395, Notice of OFAC Sanctions Action
The U.S. Treasury’s OFAC just blocked all property linked to A7 NETWORK, a criminal group operating in Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. This means Americans can’t do business with them anymore, effective October 1, 2026. It’s a big move to stop shady international crime and protect U.S. interests.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-19421, Publication of International Criminal Court-Related Sanctions Regulations Web General License 12
The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) published General License 12, letting people wrap up certain blocked transactions involving specific individuals by September 17, 2026. This means if you’re dealing with these folks or their companies, you have a limited time to finish up payments, which must be held in special U.S. accounts. The license was first issued on August 18, 2026, giving a clear deadline to avoid penalties.
Next: 2026-19423, Publication of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Sanctions Regulations Web General License 2
The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) published General License 2, which lets people legally send agricultural goods, medicine, medical devices, and related supplies to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda despite sanctions. This license, effective since July 10, 2026, supports health and medical research in these countries without breaking the rules. It’s a big win for helping fight diseases and support clinical trials in the region.