If you own a business, you need to understand OFAC compliance regulations. OFAC stands for Office of Foreign Assets Control, and it is responsible for monitoring transactions between prohibited countries. You might think that you don't need to deal with OFAC compliance since you're a small business owner. However, that's not the case. You need to be concerned about OFAC compliance, regardless of the size of your business. If you have not received OFAC training yet, now's the time to do that. Here are just four of the ways training will help you avoid problems with OFAC compliance. 

Identify Restricted Countries

When you own a business, it's crucial that you're able to identify restricted countries. Conducting business with businesses that are on the restricted list can cause serious problems for you. Unfortunately, without proper training, you might not be able to accurately identify those restricted countries. However, OFAC training provides you with the information you'll need to avoid conducting business with countries that are identified as restricted parties. 

Understand Prohibited Transactions

In addition to identifying the restricted countries, you also need to understand the prohibited transactions. There are specific transactions that are prohibited through government statutes. Without the proper training, your business could be participating in transactions that are prohibited by law. One of the benefits of OFAC training is that it will identify those transactions so that your company can take steps to avoid them. 

Know the Exceptions

As with most business compliance rules, there are exceptions to the OFAC regulations. However, most business owners aren't aware of those exceptions, or how to obtain them. That's where OFAC training comes into the picture. OFAC training will provide you with the information you need to identify potential exceptions to compliance regulations, as well as how to go about obtaining those exceptions. 

Avoid Costly Violations

If you're caught doing business with a country that's on the restricted list, you risk facing serious penalties and fines. You may also face criminal charges if you're found to be doing business with a restricted country. Unfortunately, without proper OFAC training, you may not know that you're doing business with restricted countries. OFAC training helps you avoid the penalties and fines associated with restricted countries. 

Don't take chances with OFAC compliance issues. If you own a business, take the time to receive OFAC training. The information you receive will help you avoid problems associated with compliance regulations.