Urgent AML Compliance Alert for UAE DNFBPs

Received a Letter of Concern?

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MoET) urges licenced DNFBP entities to immediately ensure full compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.

This directive highlights combating terrorism financing. With the introduction of new mandates and updated guidelines -

Immediate Enhancements Required:

Cabinet Resolution No. (134) of 2025
Federal Decree-Law No. (10) of 2025
Cabinet Resolution No. 71 of 2024
Cabinet Resolution No. 74 of 2020
MOE & EOCN Guidelines 2025

AML DNFBP

Key Compliance Areas Highlighted

MoET emphasizes these core requirements for Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs):

Policies & Procedures: Ensure clear governance, regulatory alignment, and consistent compliance practices.
Sanctions Screening: Detect and prevent transactions involving sanctioned individuals and entities.
CDD / EDD Measures: Strengthen customer risk assessment and enhanced due diligence for high-risk clients.
SAR/STR Reporting: Ensure timely identification and reporting of suspicious activities to authorities.
Regulatory Reporting: Maintain accurate, complete, and timely submissions to meet regulatory obligations.
Targeted Financial Sanctions (TFS) Training: Build staff awareness to effectively identify and comply with sanctions requirements.
Risk Assessments: Implement controls for proliferation financing and sanctions screening.

Non-compliance within the specified timeframe may result in administrative sanctions, including the imposition of financial penalties.

How to Navigate the Challenge

At Crowe, we understand the urgency and the technical nuances of these regulations. Our goal is to move your organization from "at risk" to "fully compliant" through a structured, three-pillar approach:

Rapid Gap Assessment: We identify exactly where your current processes fall short of the 2025 standards.
AML Framework Enhancement: We don’t just patch holes; we build robust, scalable frameworks tailored to your industry.
Regulatory Response Support: We help you draft clear, evidence-based responses to regulators that demonstrate your commitment to compliance.

Implications for GRC and RegTech Professionals

This alert aligns with UAE's strengthened AML framework under the 2025 Executive Regulations, also applicable to Dealers of precious metals and stones (DPMS), real estate, lawyers, and corporate service providers.

Non-compliance risks regulatory action-proactive audits and training are essential.

What steps is your firm taking? For assistance and consultation with subject matter expert, contact [email protected] or call 971 588671935.