AML – Anti Money Laundering Services in UAE

Comprehensive AML Compliance Services for Secure and Transparent Business Operations

In the UAE, stringent Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations are essential for maintaining financial integrity and combating financial crime. At AM Audit, we provide comprehensive AML compliance services designed to help businesses navigate these complex frameworks. From AML Compliance Software integration to AML Audit Services in the UAE, our solutions support goAML registration, inspection preparation, and ongoing compliance. With expert guidance tailored to UAE-specific AML regulations, we ensure your business meets all legal obligations, mitigates risk, and avoids costly penalties.

Our AML – Anti Money Laundering Services in UAE

Money laundering is the process of making illegally obtained money appear legitimate. It involves disguising the origins of illicit funds through various methods, including cash laundering and financial transactions. To combat this, businesses in the UAE must adhere to strict AML compliance standards and fulfill all AML reporting requirements. At AM Audit, we help ensure that your operations meet these obligations through our expert AML Audit Services in the UAE, supporting your business in maintaining transparency and regulatory alignment.

AML Law in the UAE

Applicability and DNFBPs

The UAE’s AML regulations apply to financial institutions, banks, insurance companies, and Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs), including:

  • Dealers in precious metals and stones

  • Real estate agents and brokers

  • Trust and corporate service providers

  • Auditors and independent accountants

  • Lawyers, notaries, and other legal professionals

To comply effectively, these entities benefit from AML training and expert support. AM Audit offers some of the top AML compliance services in Abu Dhabi, UAE, along with tailored AML audit services in the UAE to help businesses meet regulatory obligations and minimize risk.

The Legal Framework - UAE’s AML/CFT regulations

  • Federal Decree-Law No. (20) of 2018: Addresses Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing, amended by Federal Decree-Law No. (26) of 2021.
  • Cabinet Decision No. (10) of 2019: Implements Federal Decree-Law No. (20) of 2018, amended by Cabinet Resolution No. (24) of 2022.

Additional Key Legislation:

  • Cabinet Decision No. (58) of 2020: Regulates Beneficial Ownership Procedures.
  • Cabinet Resolution No. (53) of 2021: Defines administrative penalties for breaches of beneficial ownership regulations.
  • Cabinet Decision No. (16) of 2021: Outlines violations and fines related to AML/CFT measures.
  • Cabinet Resolution No. (74) of 2020: Regulates the implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions on countering terrorism financing and weapons proliferation.

AML Compliance in the UAE

  • AML Registration (goAML Registration): Mandatory registration with UAE authorities to comply with AML regulations.
  • Anti-Money Laundering Services: Includes transaction monitoring, risk assessments, and compliance audits.
  • AML Law and Regulations: Governed by Federal Decree-Law No. (20) of 2018, Cabinet Decision No. (10) of 2019, and Cabinet Resolution No. (74) of 2020.
  • AML CFT Regulations: Includes Counter-Terrorist Financing laws for preventing terrorism financing.
  • KYC AML: Know Your Customer procedures for verifying client identities.
  • Anti-Money Laundering Structuring: Implementing organizational structures to support AML efforts.
  • Anti-Money Laundering Screening: Anti-Money Laundering screening involves examining transactions and customer activities to detect suspicious behavior and prevent money laundering.

AML Audit & AML Inspection Support

  • AML Audit: Reviewing Anti-Money Laundering (AML) policies and procedures for compliance with local regulations and international standards.
  • Inspection Support: Assisting with regulatory inspections, documentation, and generating accurate AML reports when required.
  • Compliance Assurance: Providing ongoing AML compliance services in the UAE to ensure businesses consistently meet obligations. We also support the integration of effective AML software for streamlined monitoring and reporting.

Key Penalties for AML Non-Compliance

  • Substantial Fines: Penalties for failing to adhere to AML regulations, scaled by violation severity.
  • Asset Forfeiture: Seizure of assets linked to money laundering or terrorism financing.
  • Criminal Charges: Potential imprisonment and additional fines for individuals or businesses involved in illegal activities.
  • Reputational Damage: Harm to business reputation, affecting client trust and market position.
  • Operational Restrictions: Increased regulatory scrutiny and potential operational restrictions.
  • License Revocation: Risk of losing the right to operate in the UAE for repeated non-compliance.
GoAML Registration service in Dubai, UAE

What is the AML checklist for businesses in the UAE for 2024 ?

Businesses in the UAE should ensure they have up-to-date AML policies and procedures, designate an AML Compliance Officer, and conduct regular risk assessments. Implement robust customer due diligence (CDD), including Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures and enhanced due diligence for high-risk customers. Maintain effective transaction monitoring systems, keep comprehensive records for at least five years, and provide regular staff training on AML practices. Ensure timely reporting of suspicious activities, establish internal controls, and conduct regular audits. Stay informed about regulatory changes and align with the UAE’s National Strategy for AML/CFT. Implement beneficial ownership transparency, utilize advanced technologies for data management, and engage with authorities for compliance support.

Why Choose AM Audit for AML Compliance Services?

At AM Audit, we specialize in delivering comprehensive AML compliance services in Abu Dhabi & Dubai tailored to meet the stringent AML regulations in the Abu Dhabi. Our expertise ensures robust protection against financial crime and full alignment with the latest Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws. Here’s why businesses trust us:

Expertise in AML Compliance: We provide end-to-end AML audit services for businesses, including risk assessments, tailored AML policies and procedures, and compliance officer registration. Our services ensure adherence to AML regulations UAE and effective implementation of screening protocols and structuring requirements.

Holistic AML Solutions: From developing customized Anti Money Laundering programs and KYC documentation to generating detailed AML reports and performing comparative analysis of AML software, we address every critical aspect of compliance to protect your operations.

Comprehensive Risk Management: Our team conducts in-depth business risk assessments, transaction monitoring, and ongoing scrutiny to identify and prevent money laundering and related threats.

Dedicated Support: We deliver continuous support through compliance checklists, employee-focused AML training, and external audits—ensuring your AML framework stays effective and up to date.

Choose AM Audit for trusted AML compliance services in UAE, combining regulatory expertise with proactive solutions to protect your business.

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Al Shoala Building ,Block # E, 7th Floor Office No : 706. Port SAEED- DEIRA, DUBAI – UAE PO BOX- 64220

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Your Trusted Partner for Comprehensive and Reliable AML – Anti Money Laundering Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) in AML compliance?

DNFBPs, such as real estate agents, lawyers, and auditors, are required to adhere to AML regulations, including customer due diligence and reporting suspicious activities.

AML compliance involves implementing robust systems for transaction monitoring, risk assessments, and staff training. It affects operational procedures and helps prevent financial crime.

An effective AML program includes risk assessment, customer due diligence (CDD), transaction monitoring, record-keeping, staff training, and ongoing reviews.

Businesses should maintain accurate records, ensure staff are trained, and regularly review and update their AML policies and procedures. Preparing for inspections involves having up-to-date documentation and demonstrating compliance.

Recent updates under Federal Decree-Law No. 7/2024 include the establishment of a National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, effective July 29, 2024, to oversee national AML efforts. Additionally, a Supreme Committee has been created to supervise and enhance the AML strategy, assess its effectiveness, propose legislative changes, and ensure coordination with relevant entities.

The UAE has unveiled its National Strategy for Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism, and Proliferation Financing for 2024-2027. Approved by the Cabinet on September 2, 2024, this strategy includes 11 strategic goals supported by legislative and regulatory reforms. It focuses on enhancing risk-based compliance, improving national and international coordination, and strengthening the detection and investigation of illicit activities.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) refers to a set of regulations and procedures designed to prevent the use of the financial system for laundering illicit funds. The process of money laundering generally involves three stages: Placement (introducing illegal money into the financial system), Layering (conducting complex transactions to obscure the money’s origins), and Integration (reintroducing the laundered funds into the legitimate economy).

Common money laundering techniques include smurfing (breaking large amounts of money into smaller, less suspicious transactions), using cash couriers (physically moving large sums of cash across borders), invoice fraud (manipulating invoices to hide illicit payments), engaging in real estate transactions (buying property to clean money), and establishing shell companies (creating fake businesses to conceal ownership).

Suspicious activities include large cash transactions without a clear reason, irregular transaction patterns that deviate from a customer’s typical behavior, structured transactions (breaking down large amounts to evade reporting), involvement of shell companies or unrelated parties in transactions, and dealings with entities or individuals from high-risk jurisdictions known for money laundering or terrorist financing.

Our Compliance Officer AML Specialist  Team

Aneez Mohammed

AML & Operation Manager

Dr. Alaeldin Mohamed ​

Regulatory Compliance Governance

Aishwarya Bansode

Compliance Analyst