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Rule runner: simplifying sanctions checks for d apps

RuleRunner Promises Fast Compliance Checks | New Tool Simplifies Sanctions Screening

By

Chloe Miller

May 19, 2025, 10:30 PM

3 minutes estimated to read

Illustration showing the RuleRunner API simplifying sanctions checks for decentralized applications with on-chain proof.

A recent innovation aims to ease the burden of compliance checks for decentralized applications. RuleRunner offers a streamlined way to verify transactions against sanctions lists in just 90 milliseconds, a critical feature as regulators tighten scrutiny on crypto activities.

A Solution for Developers

RuleRunner was born out of frustration. "Iโ€™ve hit too many roadblocks trying to run sanctions checks inside dApps," its creator noted. Traditional Anti-Money Laundering (AML) vendors often require lengthy sales calls with no guarantees on check execution. This new tool changes that by providing a self-serve API that can be set up in under a minute.

Key Features of RuleRunner

  • API Functionality: Offers a simple POST /isCompliant(from, to, amount) query that returns yes/no against OFAC and EU lists.

  • Merkle Proof: It publishes a Merkle root on-chain every four hours, allowing users to verify checks later.

  • Affordable Pricing: Starter tier available at $199 per month, with a 30-day free trial for design partners.

"We give service providers an auditable, low-latency way to prove they did their sanctions check without paying hefty fees," an insider stated.

What Users Are Saying

Some initial feedback from developers highlights the tool's potential:

  • Direct Contract Access: โ€œUsers can always hit the contract directly, but this tool is perfect for wallets and bridges.โ€

  • Cost Efficiency: The on-chain cost for updates is minimal, averaging around sixty cents on Layer 2.

  • Regulatory Confidence: Users appreciate having a clear record of compliance checks, aligning with regulatory standards.

The Compliance Landscape

While the crypto sector grapples with increasing demands for compliance, RuleRunner emerges as a significant player.

"The sanctions check is vital not only for legal safety but to build trust with users," one tech director emphasized. This need is underscored by ongoing regulatory challenges, including the fallout from events like the Tornado Cash injunction, which focused on wallet addresses still on the SDN list.

Will RuleRunner become the go-to compliance tool for crypto projects? Only time will tell.

Key Points to Note

  • ๐Ÿ”น RuleRunner outputs results in about 90 ms.

  • ๐Ÿ”น Low on-chain costs: 35k gas, roughly $0.60 on L2.

  • ๐Ÿ”น The tool could serve as a game-changer for minimal-cost compliance without traditional vendor lock-in.

Users now look forward to the feedback process as they test the tool in staging environments. As crypto regulations evolve, innovations like RuleRunner may help pave the way for smoother, compliant transactions.

A Glimpse Into Compliance's Evolution

Experts predict that tools like RuleRunner will gain traction over the next year, with compliance becoming a necessity for the crypto space as regulators impose stricter measures. Thereโ€™s a strong chance that more developers will gravitate toward automated checks, with estimates suggesting at least a 40% shift in adoption rates. The ability to verify transactions swiftly could encourage financial institutions to engage with crypto ventures, enabling broader integration into traditional systems. This shift could also lead to heightened confidence among investors, knowing there are systems in place to prevent issues like money laundering and illicit transactions.

Reflecting on Past Innovations

In the early days of the internet, the emergence of anti-virus software seemed unnecessary to many, yet it quickly transformed into a critical tool as cyber threats increased. Just as those digital gatekeepers established trust between users and online platforms, RuleRunner might provide a similar foundation for crypto, ensuring compliance and security in a space that was once riddled with uncertainty. This parallel underscores how pivotal tools can emerge in response to evolving landscapes, potentially reshaping the norms and expectations within entire industries.