The UAE has recently taken aggressive steps to enforce its AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Financing of Terrorism) regulations, signaling a clear zero-tolerance policy for compliance failures. In 2025, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) imposed significant fines—such as AED 3 million on a UAE bank and AED 5.9 million on a foreign bank branch—for AML compliance violations. The Ministry of Economy (MOE) also revoked the licenses of multiple precious metals dealers found to have breached AML/CFT laws. Key Enforcement Actions · The CBUAE launched intensified inspections and applied large fines, license revocations, and personal sanctions for systemic compliance failures. · In August 2024, a local bank was fined AED 5.8 million for deficiencies in its AML/CTF protocols. · The new Federal Decree Law No. 10 of 2025, effective from...
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) introduced a landmark anti-money laundering (AML) reform in 2025, overhauling prior regulations to impose stricter compliance obligations and modernize investigative powers. Successfully meeting these requirements now depends heavily on robust AML software, which automates compliance, enhances monitoring, and supports regulatory reporting. Key Elements of AML Regulations in the UAE · The Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 fundamentally redefines AML compliance, replacing the 2018 regime. · The law criminalizes a wider range of offenses, broadens the scope to cover new sectors (including virtual asset service providers), and removes any limitation periods for financial crimes. · Regulatory authorities can freeze assets for up to 30 days without prior notice, and all entities involved in financial ...