In determining, for purposes of §§ 510.201(a) and 510.210, whether an activity or activities, transaction(s), or financial service(s) are significant, the Secretary of the Treasury or the Secretary's designee may consider the totality of the facts and circumstances. As a general matter, the Department of the Treasury may consider some or all of the following factors:
(a) Size, number, and frequency. The size, number, and frequency of the activity or activities, transaction(s), or financial service(s) conducted or performed over a period of time, including whether the activity or activities, transaction(s), or financial service(s) are increasing or decreasing over time and the rate of increase or decrease.
(b) Nature. The nature of the activity or activities, transaction(s), or financial service(s), including the type, complexity, and commercial purpose of the activity or activities, transaction(s), or financial service(s).
(c) Level of awareness; pattern of conduct. (1) Whether the activity or activities, transaction(s), or financial service(s) are performed with the involvement or approval of management or only by clerical personnel; and
(2) Whether the activity or activities, transaction(s), or financial service(s) are part of a pattern of conduct or the result of a business development strategy.
(d) Nexus. The proximity between the foreign financial institution engaging in the activity or activities, transaction(s), or financial service(s) and North Korea or a person blocked pursuant to § 510.201, a person sanctioned pursuant to § 510.210, or trade with North Korea.
(e) Impact. The impact of the activity or activities, transaction(s), or financial service(s) on the relevant U.S. sanctions program objectives including:
(1) The economic or other benefit conferred or attempted to be conferred on North Korea or a person blocked pursuant to § 510.201, or sanctioned pursuant to § 510.210; and
(2) Whether and how the activity or activities, transaction(s), or financial service(s) contribute(s) to North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, commission of serious human rights abuses, use of funds generated through international trade to support its nuclear and missile programs and weapons proliferation, money laundering and other illicit activities, procurement of luxury goods, human rights violations, and violations of United Nations Security Council Resolutions.
(f) Deceptive practices. Whether the activity or activities, transaction(s), or financial service(s) involve(s) an attempt to obscure or conceal the actual parties or true nature of the activity or activities, transaction(s), or financial service(s) or to evade sanctions.
(g) Other relevant factors. Such other factors that the Department of the Treasury deems relevant on a case-by-case basis in determining the significance of an activity or activities, transaction(s), or financial service(s).
[85 FR 20162, Apr. 10, 2020]