The primary reason for early ineffective action on sanctions was inadequate preparation and foresight by the leadership of the FCDO and consequent understaffing within the sanctions unit. The skillset of staff within the sanctions unit and the coordination between departments to understand the commercial environment are critical. We welcome the Government’s expansion of the sanctions unit. But policy effectiveness requires practical backing, sufficient resources and 26 The cost of complacency: illicit finance and the war in kraine the right capabilities, including the capacity to gather necessary intelligence to support designations. The Government should provide the sanctions unit with the necessary additional resources for the duration of the crisis. We recommend that the Government develops a professional sanctions cadre, to develop sanctions design and targeting as a recognised professional specialism. The UK is a global financial centre with access to this information; we should make better use of it.