meta_id 2968449

On March 13, 2026, the European Commission's Directorate-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union published frequently asked questions (FAQs) addressing the provision of payments services under sanctions regimes targeting Russia and Belarus. The FAQs focus specifically on Article 5b(2) of Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, which governs sanctions adopted following Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. The guidance clarifies the application of payments services provisions within the existing sanctions framework, providing clarity to financial institutions and service providers on their obligations and permitted activities when handling transactions related to sanctioned jurisdictions. The document serves as interpretive guidance to help market participants understand the scope and implementation of sanctions restrictions on payments services. This is particularly relevant for credit institutions, payment service providers, and other financial entities operating across the European Union that may be affected by or required to comply with the sanctions regime. The FAQs were last updated on March 13, 2026, and are available in English as a downloadable PDF document. Financial institutions and payments service providers should review the guidance to ensure compliance with the applicable sanctions requirements under Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014. **Reference:** European Commission, Directorate-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union. Frequently Asked Questions on the Provision of Payments Services Concerning Sanctions Adopted Following Russia's Military Aggression Against Ukraine. March 13, 2026.