TITLE: France's Treasury and Prudential Authority Issue Updated Asset Freezing Guidelines
BODY:
On March 16, 2026, the Direction Générale du Trésor (General Treasury Directorate) and the Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et de résolution (Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority, ACPR) jointly issued updated guidelines on the implementation of asset freezing measures in France.
The guidelines provide a framework for financial institutions and other regulated entities to comply with asset freezing obligations. These measures are typically implemented in response to sanctions regimes, counter-terrorism financing requirements, and other regulatory mandates. The updated version supersedes previous iterations from June 2016, June 2019, and June 2021, reflecting evolving regulatory requirements and international standards.
The joint guidelines establish procedures and operational requirements for institutions subject to ACPR oversight to effectively identify, report, and freeze assets of designated individuals and entities. The document addresses compliance obligations, procedural safeguards, and coordination mechanisms between the Treasury and ACPR to ensure consistent implementation across the financial sector.
The updated guidelines became effective on March 16, 2026. Regulated entities should review the new requirements and update their internal procedures, compliance systems, and staff training accordingly to ensure full alignment with the current framework. The guidelines are available on the ACPR website in PDF format.
**Reference:**
Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et de résolution (ACPR). Lignes directrices conjointes de la Direction Générale du Trésor et de l'Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et de résolution sur la mise en œuvre des mesures de gel des avoirs (version du 16 mars 2026).