Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, during the debate on Countering Iran’s Hostile Activities of 8 May 2024, Official Report, column 353WH, whether his Department has written to the Financial Conduct Authority on the operations of (a) Bank Melli and (b) Saderat Bank in the UK.

The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) maintains a close working relationship with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). OFSI signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the FCA in November 2023, for the purpose of sharing information and intelligence.

The two banks referenced in this question, Bank Melli and Saderat Bank, are not currently designated under UK sanctions regulations.