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US eases sanctions on state-run Venezuelan banks

April 15, 2026

The United States has temporarily relaxed sanctions on Venezuela's central bank and several state financial institutions, allowing them to conduct dollar transactions and access global markets. This development follows the capture of Nicolás Maduro by US forces three months earlier and his subsequent extradition to face drug trafficking charges in New York. The sanctions relief, granted through temporary licenses rather than permanent removal, comes as interim President Delcy Rodríguez seeks complete sanctions elimination while opening Venezuela's oil and mining sectors to foreign investors.

Who is affected

  • Venezuela's Central Bank and state-run financial institutions (Banco de Venezuela, Banco Digital de los Trabajadores, and Banco del Tesoro)
  • Interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez (formerly Maduro's vice-president)
  • Nicolás Maduro (seized by US forces, facing trial in New York)
  • Venezuelan opposition politicians
  • Maduro loyalists and PSUV party members
  • Former defense minister Vladimir Padrino (appointed agriculture minister)
  • Foreign investors in Venezuela's oil and mining sectors
  • The Trump administration and US officials

What action is being taken

  • The US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control is issuing temporary licenses easing sanctions on Venezuelan financial institutions
  • Venezuela is opening its oil and mining industries to foreign investment
  • Delcy Rodríguez is lobbying for complete lifting of all US sanctions
  • Rodríguez is removing some Maduro allies from key government posts and appointing replacements

Why it matters

  • This sanctions relief represents a significant shift in US-Venezuela relations and could enable Venezuela to rejoin the global financial system after years of isolation. The ability to legally use US dollars and process international transactions could help stabilize Venezuela's economy and potentially allow oil revenue to flow back into the country. However, the temporary nature of the licenses and continued presence of Maduro loyalists in key positions raises questions about whether genuine political reform is occurring or if power is simply being consolidated under new leadership while maintaining the previous regime's structure.

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC

US eases sanctions on state-run Venezuelan banks