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AML regulations in The United Arab Emirates (UAE)

AML/CTF regulations in The United Arab Emirates (UAE)

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AML/CTF supervisors in The United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE)

The primary AML/CTF supervisory body for licensed financial institutions (LFIs), overseeing exchange houses, insurance firms, and Designated Non-Financial Businesses (DNFBPs).

Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)

Regulates AML/CTF compliance within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), including sanctions, crypto token regimes, token recognition, and enforcement actions.

AML/CTF reporting obligations in the UAE

The CBUAE’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), operating under the AML Law (2018) and its Executive Regulations, requires Financial Institutions (FIs), DNFBPs, and VASPs to submit Suspicious Transaction/Activity Reports.

Suspicious Transaction Reporting (STR)/ Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR)

Any suspicion, regardless of amount, must be reported without delay to the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) via the goAML platform. Reports must be submitted by a qualified compliance officer via the goAML system.

Currency/High-Value Transaction Reporting

DNFBPs must report cash or wire transactions equal to or exceeding AED 55,000 via goAML. Firms transporting currency or monetary instruments in or out of the UAE above certain thresholds must also submit appropriate reports.

How to comply with the AML regulations in the UAE

Adopt a risk-based AML/CTF program aligned with national strategy and FATF standards.
Establish proper governance and oversight, including appointment of responsible officers and senior management for accountability.
Conduct comprehensive due diligence (CDD/KYC) and monitor customers, including virtual asset-related entities.

Maintain AML record‑keeping and reporting systems. Monitor transactions, file Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs), and comply with sanctions frameworks.
Stay alert and responsive to enforcement and penalties. Regular inspection readiness and internal audit capability are critical.

MemberCheck's solutions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

PEP and Sanction Check

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Adverse Media Check

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ID Verification

Verify the identity of your customers and avoiding the consequences of non-compliance

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Enhanced Due Diligence

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Jurisdictional Risk Checks

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UAE Compliance Agency

UAE Financial Intelligence Unit - (FIU)

The UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) analyses irregular transactions and events that may include money laundering, terrorist financing, and associated illegal activities, using data and reports from financial institutions (FIs), designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) that cooperate and exchange expertise in order to identify and counter such activities.

The FIU promotes cooperation and mutual collaborations with state, regional, and international leaders that share a commitment to financial crime prevention. This partnership involves the creation of shared network platforms that facilitate the exchange of information between agencies charged with combating money laundering and terrorism financing.

How to comply with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) regulations in UAE

Financial institutions (FIs) and designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) are expected to maintain and implement a compliance policy that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Policies and procedures for sharing information about customer due diligence measures and money laundering and terrorism financing risks
The mandatory provision of information regarding customers and operations when it is necessary for AML/CTF purposes
Analytical reports on activities, which appear unusual and appear suspicious when they are scrutinised
A mechanism for the appropriate compliance risk management measures to be applied
Adequate safeguards for the confidentiality and use of information exchanged must be in place, including safeguards to prevent tipping-off of suspects
Designation of a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO)
Training and knowledge development on a sustainable basis
An independent testing plan to assure appropriate effectiveness of the company policy

AML/CTF reporting obligations to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)

Financial institutions (FIs) and designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) are expected to notify the FIU of any unusual details discovered during their enforcement program. Examples of such escalations include, but are not limited to:

Escalating scenarios necessitating the modification of risk classifications, the suspension or termination of business relationships, or further investigation of irregular or potentially criminal practises

Suspicion of a crime involving ML/FT upon predefined indicators

Rejection of potential new business relationships because of ML/FT suspicions during onboarding screening and due diligence

When there is a suspicion in a cash transaction report (CTR) that cash transactions have been used to hide transaction traceability

A suspicion that the source of funds (SOF) has been concealed

A suspicion that the Ultimate Beneficial Owner/s (UBO) have been concealed

Any spontaneous or regular reporting request from the FIU of UAE

How can MemberCheck Help?

Our clients are provided with a secure and simple solution in regard to scanning for politically exposed or high-risk individuals, as well as checking names against sanction, regulatory, law enforcement, and other official lists.

Use our sophisticated scan filters and due diligence workflow to minimise the amount of time you spend sorting through, false matches. Scan results and reporting sections allow you to access customer details, whenever and wherever required, as well as download reports, to customise for further investigation or to provide evidence of your AML program compliance for auditing purposes.

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* This page is intended as general information only and should not be relied on as the sole source of information for your AML obligations and AML program. Please visit your local regulatory authority sites for the latest relevant and full information.

AML/CTF regulations in The United Arab Emirates (UAE)

UAE Compliance Agency

UAE Financial Intelligence Unit - (FIU)

How to comply with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) regulations in UAE

AML/CTF reporting obligations to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)

How can MemberCheck Help?

Reduce Fraud & False Declines

Reduce False Declines and Drive Growth

Streamline Your 3D Secure Testing

AML/CTF regulations in The United Arab Emirates (UAE)

UAE Compliance Agency​

UAE Financial Intelligence Unit - (FIU)​

How to comply with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) regulations in UAE​

AML/CTF reporting obligations to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)​

How can MemberCheck Help?

Reduce Fraud & False Declines

Reduce False Declines and Drive Growth

Streamline Your 3D Secure Testing

UAE Compliance Agency

UAE Financial Intelligence Unit - (FIU)

How to comply with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) regulations in UAE

AML/CTF reporting obligations to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)