AML Compliance in the UAE
Protect Your Business. Stay Compliant. Build Trust.
Markef delivers end-to-end AML compliance solutions in the UAE under Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025. We help DNFBPs and regulated businesses build robust AML/CFT/CPF frameworks, manage risks, and meet regulatory obligations with confidence.
What Is AML Compliance?
Anti money laundering compliance is the set of policies, procedures, and internal controls that prevent criminals from using your business for illicit activities. In the UAE, AML compliance goes hand-in-hand with Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) and Counter-Proliferation Financing (CPF) obligations.
An effective AML compliance program includes:
- Customer Due Diligence (CDD) & Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD)
- Sanctions & PEP Screening
- Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) Identification
- Transaction Monitoring
- Suspicious Transaction Reporting (STR) via goAML
Why It Matters?
Avoid hefty penalties
Fines up to AED 100 Million under Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025
Protect your reputation
Build trust with clients, partners, and banks
Ensure business continuity
Prevent account freezes and license risks
Stay ahead of regulations
Keep up with UAE's evolving AML landscape
Our AML Compliance Services
Comprehensive AML compliance solutions tailored to your business needs.
AML Risk Assessment
Identify, evaluate and mitigate money laundering & financial crime risks.
AML Policies & Procedures
Develop customized AML policies, controls and procedures.
KYC, CDD & EDD Compliance
Client onboarding, due diligence and ongoing monitoring support.
Transaction Monitoring
Set up effective systems to detect and manage suspicious activities.
goAML Reporting & STR Filing
Prepare and submit Suspicious Transaction Reports via goAML.
AML Training & Awareness
Employee training programs to build a culture of compliance.
AML Compliance Requirements in the UAE
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 and Cabinet Resolution
No. 134 of 2025, DNFBPs must implement the following six key requirements:
1
Risk Assessment
& Management
2
AML Policies, Controls
& Procedures
3
CDD, EDD & Ongoing
Due Diligence
4
Transaction
Monitoring
5
Suspicious Transaction
Reporting (goAML)
6
AML Training
& Awareness
Who Needs AML Compliance in the UAE?
Real Estate Brokers
& Agents
Auditors &
Accountants
Corporate Service
Providers
Dealers in Precious
Metals & Stones
Virtual Asset Service
Providers (VASPs)
Other DNFBPs as
Notified by Authorities
Frequently Asked Questions
Any business classified as a financial institution, a DNFBP (real estate brokers, auditors, accountants, dealers in precious metals and stones, company and trust service providers, independent legal professionals), or a virtual asset service provider must comply with UAE AML regulations — regardless of company size or revenue.
It is the UAE’s current AML/CFT law. It repealed and replaced Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018 and came into force on 14 October 2025, supported by Cabinet Resolution No. 134 of 2025 as its executive regulations. It raised corporate fines to AED 5–100 million, introduced personal liability for managers, added proliferation financing and tax evasion, and brought virtual assets expressly into scope.
Consequences range from administrative fines by the Ministry of Economy or the UAE Central Bank to frozen bank accounts, licence suspension, and — under the 2025 law — criminal exposure for the company and for the individuals managing it.
At minimum annually, and immediately whenever your activities, client base, ownership, or risk exposure change. Every UAE business should have reviewed its framework against Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 and Cabinet Resolution No. 134 of 2025.
Yes. Regulated entities must register on the goAML portal and use it to file suspicious transaction reports to the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit. Failure to register is itself a compliance breach.
Yes. We run AML compliance audits on existing frameworks, close the gaps, realign the documentation with the 2025 law, and make sure it holds up under regulatory or bank review.
Stay Compliant. Stay Protected.
Let Markef be your trusted AML compliance consultant in the UAE. We help you build a strong compliance framework that keeps your business safe and future-ready.