AML Compliance Services in Dubai, UAE | Anti Money Laundering
Anti-money laundering legislation compliance is mandatory in the United Arab Emirates for organizations that are at risk. UAE government, with the amendment of previous anti-money laundering (AML) regulations through Federal Decree (No 20) of 2018 on Anti-Money Laundering, has taken effective steps in combating financial crime occurring in the country.
The UAE financial integrity system is based on AML and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT). Together, these systems protect the UAE economy from being misused for illegal financial activities.. Companies in the trade, real estate, fintech, and virtual asset industries are increasingly being scrutinized to meet the AML and CFT requirements.
Why Is Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance Strategically Important for Businesses in the UAE?
In addition to legal requirements, compliance in AML is essential in regulatory credibility, investor confidence, and business survival.
The consequences of not acting according to UAE AML laws may include:
- Severe fines and penalties
- Severing correspondent bank ties.
- Criminal responsibility, imprisonment, and seizure of assets.
A strong AML system ensures compliance and boosts global credibility and business resilience.
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Which Regulatory Bodies Govern AML Compliance in the UAE?
Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE)
CBUAE oversees AML compliance in banks, finance firms, exchange houses, and insurance companies. It provides directives in line with Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018 and conducts audits and makes sure that every financial institution has effective risk-based compliance frameworks.
Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)
The UAE FIU, under the CBUAE, collects and analyses Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs). The FIU cooperates with the local authorities and the global organizations to uncover and avert the illegal financial transactions
Ministry of Economy (MoE) and DNFBPs Oversight.
The MoE oversees Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs), which are real estate agents, auditors, dealers in precious metals, and company service providers. These businesses must perform AML screening, risk assessments, and report suspicious transactions to the FIU.
Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA).
The SCA manages AML in capital markets, while DFSA enforces it within the Dubai International Financial Center. The two governments encourage investor confidence and make companies have open practices in securities and investment markets.
Executive Office AML and International Collaboration.
In December 2020, this office was established to coordinate national AML/CFT policies to align the UAE with the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) standards. It enhances cooperation with local bodies and foreign countries in fighting money laundering in the world.
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What Are the Core AML Laws and Regulations in the UAE?
Amendments to Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018.
Money laundering offenses, compliance responsibilities, asset freezing authority and criminal liability are defined in the Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018.
Decree-Law No. 26 of 2021 expanded reporting duties, clarified beneficial ownership rules, and strengthened the FIU’s authority.
Cabinet Decision and Regulatory Guidelines.
Cabinet Decision No. 10 of 2019 covers CDD, beneficial ownership disclosure, and STR filing procedures..
It stipulates that the framework of the UAE follows the FATF recommendations and helps to cooperate with other countries in fighting financial crime.
Compliance Timeframe and Records-Keeping.
- UBO Register: This type of register should be created within 60 days of the company being set up and updated in 15 days in the event of a change.
- Record Retention: The companies should keep the records of transactions in 5 (or 6 years in the case of DIFC/ADGM entities).
- STR Filing: needs to be tendered to FIU within 24-72 hours of discovery.
What Are the Compliance Obligations of Businesses in the UAE Under AML?
Customer Due Diligence (CDD) & Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD).
Companies must verify client identities and confirm legitimate ownership. EDD applies to PEPs and high-risk clients, requiring fund source checks and continuous monitoring.
Reporting and Monitoring Requirement.
Any controlled organization must report suspicious activities with the help of goAML.
Key reports include:
- Suspicious Transaction Report (STR)
- Fund Freeze Report (FFR)
- Partial Name Match Report (PNMR)
Customer transaction monitoring systems are advised to be automated to detect customer behavioral abnormalities.
Beneficial Owner Disclosure (UBO Register).
Every UAE company must maintain a register of individuals who ultimately own or control it. This enhances transparency and minimizes the chances of shell company abuse.
AML Policy and Training
All organizations should have an AML Compliance Officer or MLRO (Money Laundering Reporting Officer). The employees should also have periodical training on AML and businesses should also have independent audits done to assess internal controls.
Sanctions Screening & Controls.
Companies are required to screen the customers and transactions to the UAE Consolidated Sanctions List through the EOCN system, which consists of the UN, terrorism, and proliferation-related lists.
Who Must Comply with AML Regulations in the UAE
Both financial institutions and DNFBPs are covered by AML compliance:
- Banks, insurance companies, and the exchange of money.
- VASPs (fintech) and virtual assets service providers (fintech)
- Real estate developers and real estate brokers.
- Accountants, law firms, and auditors.
- Precious metals or stones dealers.
- Company service providers and trust.
All these industries should put in place proper AML systems, report any suspicious activity, and work hand in hand with regulating bodies.
What are the Key AML Platforms and Systems in the UAE
goAML Platform (FIU UAE)
goAML is the main portal for STR, FFR, and PNMR submissions. It enables entities to file reports safely and to consult directly with the FIU.
Monitoring Tools of Transactions.
Transaction monitoring tools help institutions detect suspicious transfers or unusual customer activity.
EOCN System
Sanctions screening and compliance with international restrictions is conducted on the Executive Office for Control and Non-Proliferation (EDCN) platform.
What Are the Fines and Enforcement Measures for AML Non-Compliance in the UAE?
Breach of the AML statutes attracts harsh penalties:
- Financial penalties: AED 50,000 to AED 5 million/ violation.
- Criminal fines: As much as 10 years of imprisonment and seizure of property.
- Regulatory fines: Suspension of license, shutting down of business, and naming of the people.
Following the UAE being taken off the FATF grey list in February 2024, the authorities have been increasing the enforcement and compliance checks of all sectors.
How Our Experts Will Help You With AML Compliance
Appointment of a Compliance Officer
The internal AML program of a company has to be overseen by an appointed compliance officer or money laundering reporting officer. The compliance offer will have sufficient authority and has to have the necessary expertise in carrying out the role effectively for an organization. A compliance officer also has to have extensive industry experience or experience within the financial sector, specifically AML compliance, and internal or legal risk audits. The appropriate certification is also a must. Our team providing AML solutions is approved by the major regulators in UAE. We also provide firms that are affected by AML regulations select a compliance officer who’ll be responsible for reporting suspicious activities.
Identifying, Assessing, and Understanding Crime Risks
Our AML professionals help DNFBPs and financial institutions identify and asses their crime risks concerning the nature and size of their respective organizations. This includes documenting the risk assessment operations, making them available when requested by the regulatory authorities, and keeping them updated on an ongoing basis; as well as considering relevant risk factors e.g., countries, geographic areas, customers, and services, delivery channels, transactions, and products before determining levels of overall risk, including appropriate levels of mitigation required.
Development of Internal Policies, Procedures, and Controls
The firm helps business organizations in the UAE develop internal controls commensurate with the size and nature of their businesses with the approval of senior management to help manage risk identified and monitor the implementation of the policies, procedures, and controls.
Application of CDD Measures
Apart from being mandatory, this is to enhance the management of high risks upon their identification. Our team carries out, on behalf of a company, the acquisition of information and investigation of information about Beneficial Owner and Customer identity; updating customer due diligence (CDD) information of Beneficial Owner and Customer more systematically; taking reasonable measures in identifying the source of funds of Beneficial Owner and Customer, and obtaining approval of senior management in commencing a business relationship with company clients or customers.
To discuss with our AML team how we can help ensure the full compliance of your business with relevant AML regulations, call us today!
What Are the Recent Developments in UAE AML Regulations (2025)?
In the UAE, the AML implementation was taken to the next level of strictness in 2025:
- The authorities imposed AED 339 million (equivalent to EUR 80 million) in cumulative penalties in June 2025.
- The CBUAE fined between AED 3.5 million to AED 200 million in systemic AML breaches.
- Trade finance, real estate, fintech, and virtual asset sectors are now under stricter scrutiny.
Regulators are shifting from policy-making to enforcement, demanding real-time monitoring, transparency, and global best practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’S) About AML
What does anti-money laundering mean?
Anti-money laundering (AML) can be described as the laws, regulations, and controls that help to eliminate cases of offenders hiding illicit funds in the guise of lawful revenue.
What is UAE's anti-money laundering?
In the UAE, financial and non-financial institutions are required by the AML laws of Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018 and the Cabinet Decision No. 10 of 2019 to identify, report and stop money laundering and terror financing.
What are DNFBPs under UAE AML law?
DNFBPs are non-financial businesses and professions that are at higher risk of money laundering. This includes lawyers, accountants, real estate agents, and dealers in precious metals and gemstones.
What are the examples of anti-money laundering?
They include identity verification of customers (KYC), reporting suspicious transactions, and five years retention.
What are the five pillars of AML?
Risk assessment, CDD/EDD, monitoring and reporting, record keeping, and internal training.
What is the way to obtain an anti-money laundering certificate?
Businesses are allowed to receive AML certification by the training services approved by the UAE, or by consulting firms such as Farahat and Co., and are therefore assured to meet the requirements of the national legislation.
Who should follow AML in the UAE?
Banks, real estate firms, law firms, and VASPs in the UAE, together with all the financial institutions and DNFBPs.
Is the UAE high-risk for AML?
No. Since UAE was delisted by FATF in 2024, it is currently considered to be highly compliant with AML and cooperate with the global community.
What is money laundering punishment in the UAE?
The penalty may include a jail sentence of a maximum of 10 years, a fine of up to AED 5 million, and forfeiture of assets.
Who regulates AML in the UAE?
The CBUAE, FIU, Ministry of Economy, and Executive Office of AML/CFT are the main regulators.
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