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Recent AML/CFT Enforcement Actions in the UAE: What We Can Learn

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...
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A Complete Guide to AML Regulations in the UAE and the Role of Software

  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 ...

A Guide to Effective AML Compliance Services for Financial Institutions

An effective AML (Anti-Money Laundering) compliance program is essential for financial institutions to prevent financial crime and meet regulatory requirements. Financial institutions must combine risk-based strategies, advanced technology, robust policies, and ongoing training to build strong defenses against money laundering. Core Elements of Effective AML Compliance ·          Appoint a dedicated AML Compliance Officer to oversee the program and serve as a liaison with regulatory bodies.​ ·          Conduct comprehensive risk assessments tailored to products, services, customers, and geographic regions.​ ·          Develop robust AML policies and procedures, including customer due diligence (CDD) and ongoing monitoring.​ ·          Maintain strong internal controls, such as segregation of duties and multi-layered app...

How a Dubai Real Estate Firm Achieved AML Compliance with Software Automation

  A Dubai real estate firm achievedAML compliance by implementing specialized software that automates critical anti-money laundering tasks across all stages of real estate transactions. Automation has improved their efficiency, reduced compliance risks, and ensured adherence to UAE regulations. Key Steps Enabled by AML Software ·       The software streamlines client onboarding with automated KYC and KYB processes, instantly verifying identities and corporate structures using government datasets and AI tools. This reduces manual errors and speeds up compliance checks.​ ·          It continuously screens clients against updated international and local sanctions lists, politically exposed persons (PEPs), and adverse media sources, minimizing the risk of engaging with high-risk individuals or entities.​ ·          Automated filing of Real Estate Activity Reports (REAR) to the goAML ...

Anti Money Laundering UAE | AML Compliance Services Dubai

  WinguardAML provides comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance services tailored to meet the regulatory requirements in the UAE. With expert support and cutting-edge solutions, businesses in Dubai can strengthen their AML frameworks, ensure full compliance, and operate with confidence in a highly regulated financial environment - https://winguardaml.com/

Real Estate and Risk: Using AML Software to Flag Suspicious Property Transactions in the UAE

  Real estate in the UAE is recognized as a high-risk sector for money laundering, prompting stringent Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations that require real estate brokers, agents, and developers to implement strong compliance frameworks using AML software. AML software in the UAE real estate market automates client screening against sanctions and politically exposed persons (PEP) lists, monitors transactions in real-time, and files mandatory reports such as Real Estate Activity Reports (REAR) via platforms like goAML. This technology enables more accurate detection of suspicious property transactions, including large cash payments, complex ownership structures, rapid resales, and unusual payment methods, significantly reducing compliance risks and penalties. Key Features of AML Software in UAE Real Estate ·          Automated Client Screening: Against UAE-specific and global sanctions, PEP, and adverse media lists. ·  ...

Real Estate and Risk: Using AML Software to Flag Suspicious Property Transactions in the UAE

  AML software is increasingly essential in the UAE real estate sector, helping firms to automatically identify and flag suspicious property transactions as part of enhanced risk management and compliance with stringent anti-money laundering (AML) laws. Regulatory Framework Real estate brokers, developers, and agents in the UAE are designated as DNFBPs (Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions) and must comply with federal AML laws such as Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018 and Cabinet Decision No. 10 of 2019. These require registration on platforms like goAML, submission of Real Estate Activity Reports (REAR) for high-value deals, comprehensive Customer Due Diligence (CDD), and regular screening of clients against sanctions and PEP (Politically Exposed Persons) lists. How AML Software Flags Suspicious Transactions AML software automates several compliance components: ·          Client screening against global and UAE-spec...