Home
/
News updates
/
Latest news
/

Rule runner: simplifying sanctions checks for d apps

RuleRunner Launch Sparks Interest in Decentralized Compliance | Streamlined Sanctions Checks Enter Market

By

Fatima Ibrahim

May 19, 2025, 10:30 PM

Edited By

Linda Wang

3 minutes reading time

A person viewing a computer screen displaying a simple API interface for sanctions checks in decentralized applications, with compliance status and blockchain proof highlighted.

A new tool aimed at simplifying sanctions checks in decentralized apps is generating buzz. RuleRunner is an innovative solution designed to help compliance teams verify transactions against OFAC and EU lists efficiently. Developers faced hurdles with traditional compliance vendors, but this new offering might change the game.

What is RuleRunner?

RuleRunner allows builders to perform sanctions checks via a straightforward API. By making a POST request to isCompliant(from, to, amount), the tool returns a simple yes/no answer based on compliance lists. It promises an affordable entry point for developers, with a starter tier priced at $199 monthly after a 30-day free trial for design partners.

Key Features

  • Direct Compliance Verification: RuleRunner aims to streamline compliance checks for wallets and bridges by providing a receipt that confirms address screening before transactions.

  • Cost-Effective Solution: The system utilizes minimal on-chain resources, with transaction costs estimated at around 60 cents on Layer 2 and $3 on the mainnet.

  • Use of Merkle Proofs: It publishes a root hash on-chain every four hours, enhancing transparency and auditability of the compliance checks.

"We give those teams a receipt that shows they checked the address list before they broadcast a transaction," said one engineer involved in the project.

Why It Matters

The compliance landscape is evolving, and RuleRunner appears to address a significant pain point for developers. Traditional compliance solutions are often expensive and cumbersome. "We are not trying to stop a determined user; our focus is on giving service providers an auditable, low-latency way to prove they did their checks," explained a RuleRunner spokesperson.

User Feedback

As it stands, early feedback is a mix of optimism and practical concerns. Some users highlight its potential to eliminate the hefty fees associated with legacy compliance solutions. Others believe that while it simplifies the process, it may not fully address all regulatory requirements. This has sparked a conversation on various forums about its effectiveness:

  • "Finally, a way to keep compliance costs down!"

  • "I wonder if this API can handle heavy traffic during peak times"

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ”น RuleRunner offers a new approach to compliance checks with a focus on lower costs and faster processing

  • ๐Ÿ”ธ The on-chain publishing of Merkle proofs strengthens audit capabilities

  • ๐Ÿ”บ Developers are eager to battle-test the API before full-scale adoption

With the evolving regulatory environment, RuleRunnerโ€™s introduction might just provide the balance between compliance and innovation that many in the decentralized finance community have been searching for.

Future Compliance Landscape

Experts suggest that as the regulatory landscape for decentralized apps matures, thereโ€™s a strong chance we will see wider adoption of tools like RuleRunner. With compliance being a critical concern, estimates point to an increase in similar solutions emerging over the next 12 to 18 months. Developers will likely push for more transparent and cost-efficient ways to meet regulatory requirements, leading to a reduction in compliance costs of up to 30%. As more projects integrate these tools, itโ€™s expected that the decentralized finance community will not only benefit from lower fees, but also enjoy a streamlined process that can better withstand peak traffic demands.

An Unlikely Echo of History

This situation bears a striking resemblance to the introduction of digital cash systems in the late 1990s. Just as entrepreneurs sought secure and efficient transaction methods, they also faced skepticism and resistance from traditional banking structures. The rise of PayPal and similar platforms demonstrated how innovation could challenge the status quo, reshaping financial transactions forever. Similarly, RuleRunner could catalyze a shift in compliance, encouraging traditional providers to adapt or risk obsolescence, just as banks once had to address the demand for digital payment methods. The compliance field might be poised for a comparable revolution.