AML SERVICES
In today’s high-risk regulatory environment, UAE designated businesses must stay fully compliant with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) requirements. Our end-to-end AML compliance services help companies safeguard their operations, detect suspicious activities, and meet all UAE FIU, goAML, and MOEC regulatory obligations.
We provide expert support in goAML registration, KYC/KYB procedures, risk assessments, transaction monitoring, and Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) filing, ensuring your business remains protected from financial crime, penalties, and reputational risks.
This detailed guide explains all essential AML compliance requirements in the UAE, helping your business stay fully compliant, avoid costly penalties, and strengthen its overall financial and regulatory processes.
What is an AML policy?
An AML policy in the UAE is a structured set of procedures that financial and non-financial institutions must implement to prevent money laundering and financial crime. Money laundering occurs when illegally obtained funds are disguised and reintroduced into the legitimate financial system. All businesses in the UAE are required to adopt a robust anti-money laundering (AML) compliance framework monitored by regulatory authorities.
Companies are constantly exposed to threats from fraudsters, corrupt authorities, and terrorist groups. To mitigate these risks, companies must implement a comprehensive AML policy that aligns with UAE AML and CFT regulations.
Effective AML policies include:
- Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures to verify client identities.
- Monitoring and reporting suspicious transactions.
- Implementing internal controls and staff training programs.
- Ensuring full compliance with local and global AML/CFT laws.
By establishing a strong AML framework, businesses not only meet regulatory compliance requirements in the UAE but also protect their operations from financial crime, reputational risk, and legal penalties.
Why UAE Businesses Must Register on the goAML Portal?
Every Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) were required to register on the goAML portal. The goAML portal is an integrated platform used to file Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and/or Suspicious Activity Reports (SAR). Under Federal Decree Law No (20) of 2018 and Article 20(2) of Cabinet Decision No (10) of 2019, it is obligatory to have procedures in place to report suspicious transactions to manage anti-money laundering (AML). This system allows companies to help authorities identify criminal and suspicious activity.
To comply with UAE AML regulations, businesses must register on the goAML portal. Companies that fail to complete goAML registration cannot submit reports to the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
Who must register for AML compliance in the UAE?
1. All Financial Institutions: Example: Banks, exchange houses, investment firms, and insurance companies.
2. Other Non-financial Business:
Real Estate
Brokers, developers, and agents that deal with property transactions.
DPMS
Businesses dealing with precious metals and stones, like jewellers and diamond dealers.
VASPs
Service providers that offer virtual asset solutions, like crypto exchanges and digital wallet providers.
Corporate Services
Businesses that provide company formation and nominee director services.
Legal Professionals
Lawyers, law firms, notaries, and other professionals who deal with financial transactions for clients.
Accounting & Auditing
Businesses offering accounting, auditing, and tax-related services.
Any other DNFBP not mentioned above
Even if any business in these sectors doesn’t directly deal with cash, AML registration in UAE is mandatory.
What are the documents Required for goAML Registration in the UAE?
To complete your AML registration in the UAE, the following documents are mandatory:
- Valid Trade License – the latest version of your business license.
- Authorized Signatory Identification – copies of Emirates ID and passport of the authorized signatory.
- Signature Authorization Letter – confirming the signatory’s authority.
- Contact Information – a valid email address and phone number.
- MOEC Portal Credentials – required for verification and successful registration.
These documents ensure smooth goAML registration and compliance with UAE AML regulations.
What is the Cost of goAML Registration?
Businesses operating in the specified sectors mentioned above can complete their goAML registration in the UAE without any fees.
Consequences of Not Registering?
If a business fails to register on the UAE goAML portal, it is in violation of AML regulations. Consequences include:
- Fines imposed by regulators (typically AED 100,000 up to AED 1,000,000 depending on sector and severity) or Imprisonment.
- Suspension or cancellation of business license by regulatory authorities.
- Higher risk classification, leading to increased regulatory scrutiny.
Businesses are responsible for timely registration and compliance; engaging a licensed AML consultant can assist but is not a legal requirement.
Steps for AML Policy Development
Identify Key Focus Areas for AML Compliance in Businesses
1. Define AML Policy Purpose
Clearly outline the goals of your anti-money laundering (AML) policy, including definitions of money laundering, terrorist financing, and the need for ongoing policy reviews.
2. Appoint a Compliance Officer or Team
Designate a dedicated compliance officer or team to oversee AML compliance, minimizing risks of financial crime.
3. Assess Company AML Risk
Evaluate your industry-specific risks, identify red flags, and determine your company’s risk tolerance to shape an effective AML policy.
4. Follow Regulatory Requirements
Ensure your AML policy aligns with UAE and international regulations to avoid legal and regulatory penalties.
5. Implement Customer Due Diligence (CDD)
Conduct thorough CDD, including client identification, risk assessment, transaction monitoring, and handling unverified information.
6. Maintain Accurate Records
Establish clear procedures for record-keeping of AML activities, documents, and retention periods, preferably with automated systems.
7. Monitor Transactions
Use AML transaction monitoring systems to detect suspicious activity and investigate threshold violations.
8. Report Suspicious Activity (SARs)
File Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to notify authorities of potential financial crimes.
9. Develop Communication Protocols
Provide clear guidance for reporting incidents, escalation procedures, and information sharing within your organization and with other institutions.
10. Staff Training & Awareness
Train all employees on AML regulations, red flags, detection methods, and reporting obligations to ensure effective compliance.
Understand with whom you are dealing with?
Understanding UBO for AML compliance – A UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) is the natural person(s) who ultimately owns or controls a legal entity or arrangement, or on whose behalf a transaction is conducted. According to FATF and most global regulations:
Steps to Identify UBO
- Understand Local Thresholds – a UBO is someone who owns 25% or more of shares or voting rights, or otherwise exercises ultimate control over the entity.
- Review Corporate Documentation – company registry extracts, shareholder agreements, and organizational charts. Look for individuals with significant ownership or voting rights.
- Trace Ownership Structures – Follow the chain through holding companies, trusts, and offshore entities to uncover indirect ownership.
- Collect and Verify Documents – UBO declaration (signed/notarized), Valid ID (passport or national ID), Ownership chart and financial statements.
- Apply a Risk-Based Approach – For high-risk clients, lower thresholds and enhanced due diligence (EDD). Verify source of wealth (SoW) and source of funds (SoF) for UBOs.
- Continuous Monitoring – Update UBO information regularly and Screen UBOs against sanctions and PEP lists.
REPORTING
For businesses operating in the UAE, identifying and reporting reportable transactions or UBO (included in blacklist or PEP list) is a crucial part of AML and CFT compliance. Any suspicious financial activity, unusual transactions, or operations that may indicate money laundering or terrorist financing must be carefully monitored. Once a potentially suspicious transaction is detected, businesses are required to submit a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) or Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) through the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) portal, also known as the goAML platform.
How we can help you?
At Hallmark Auditors, we deliver end-to-end AML compliance solutions designed to help companies maintain full adherence to UAE regulatory requirements. Our services ensure that your organisation remains compliant, protected, and aligned with all mandatory Anti-Money Laundering.
Registration
We assist clients with the complete registration process on the goAML portal, ensuring all required information and documents are accurately submitted and fully compliant with UAE AML/CFT regulations.
Risk Assessment
We conduct thorough checks to identify any gaps in your business’s AML processes. We provided ongoing assessment services to ensure our clients’ processes are always updated with new threats and changes in AML rules.
Policy Development
Our team helps clients create AML policies and procedures that match their company’s requirements. We can help you develop policies that clearly define the roles and responsibilities of every staff member.
Monitoring and Reporting
We offers continuous transaction monitoring services to ensure every unusual activity or pattern is identified and reported. We also assist our clients in establishing systems for documenting and filing SARs and STRs with the FIUs.
Why choose us?
We offers reliable AML compliance solutions to help businesses easily navigate all financial rules set by the authority in the UAE. Here is why you can completely trust us for all your legal needs:
01
Expertise You Can Trust
Our team has great knowledge of UAE AML regulations. you can stay assured that your registration is handled professionally, as we provide clear updates on every step.
02
Personalized Guidance
We provide customized solutions and support based on our clients’ specific needs and handle the entire AML registration process.
03
Proven Success
We have helped several businesses in achieving and maintaining compliance with required AML rules, so you can trust our transparent services.
Time limit for filing AML reports
There is no specific time limit; however, businesses should register and report cases as soon as suspicious activity or transactions are detected.
What is the minimum threshold for reporting to the FIU?
There is no minimum reporting threshold. All suspicious transactions or activities, including attempted transactions, must be reported regardless of the transaction amount.
Do small businesses need AML services in the UAE?
Yes. AML compliance and DNFBP regulations apply to all companies, including banks, crypto exchanges, real estate agents, legal professionals, and other entities with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) obligations, regardless of size. Small and medium enterprises must also maintain AML policies, reporting, and monitoring systems.
Is staff training mandatory?
Yes. DNFBPs must ensure that their employees have a clear understanding of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (ML/FT) risks so that AML/CFT risk assessments and mitigation measures are effective.
Are documents required to be retained by DNFBPs?
Yes. The statutory retention period for all records is at least five (5) years, depending on the circumstances.
Which authority governs AML reporting?
All businesses—whether mainland, financial, or free zone entities—must report suspicious money laundering activities to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
