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AML & COMPLIANCE

AML assurance audits

Professional, accurate, and FTA-compliant solutions optimized specifically for your AML assurance audits requirements in the UAE.

350+
AML Compliance Programs Implemented
100%
goAML Registration Success Rate
50+
Compliance Officers Deployed
0
Client Regulatory Sanctions

AML & Compliance Services in the UAE

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance is a critical obligation for all designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) operating in the UAE, including accounting firms, real estate brokers, dealers in precious metals and stones, corporate service providers, and legal practitioners. The UAE's AML framework - governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018 and its implementing regulations - requires DNFBPs to implement robust compliance programs, conduct customer due diligence, and report suspicious transactions through the goAML platform operated by the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

The regulatory landscape has intensified significantly following the UAE's commitment to addressing recommendations from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Regulators now conduct proactive inspections, impose substantial fines for non-compliance, and expect businesses to demonstrate a risk-based approach to AML that goes well beyond tick-box exercises. Our AML compliance services help organisations across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and all Emirates build and maintain programs that satisfy regulators and genuinely protect against financial crime risks.

Whether you need a complete AML compliance program built from scratch, an outsourced compliance officer to manage your ongoing obligations, or an independent AML assurance audit to assess your existing controls, our team brings the regulatory expertise and practical experience to get it done right. We stay continuously updated on evolving UAE AML regulations, FATF mutual evaluation developments, and supervisory expectations to keep your business protected.

Our AML & Compliance Solutions

Comprehensive anti-money laundering services that protect your business from financial crime risks and regulatory penalties.

01

AML goAML Registration

We manage your entity's registration on the goAML portal, the mandatory online platform for reporting suspicious transactions and activities to the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit. Our team ensures accurate entity profiling, user setup, and system configuration so you are fully operational and ready to file Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) as required by law.

02

Policies & Procedures

We develop bespoke AML policies, procedures, and internal controls tailored to your business type, risk profile, and regulatory requirements. Our documentation covers customer due diligence (CDD), enhanced due diligence (EDD), transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, record-keeping, and escalation procedures - all aligned with UAE AML laws and FATF recommendations.

03

Outsourced Compliance Officer

Our qualified compliance professionals serve as your designated Compliance Officer and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO), managing your AML program on an ongoing basis. We handle regulatory correspondence, staff training, suspicious activity assessments, goAML filings, and annual program reviews - providing the expertise of a full-time compliance function at a fraction of the cost.

04

AML Assurance Audits

Our independent AML audit service evaluates the design and operating effectiveness of your anti-money laundering controls against UAE regulatory requirements and international best practices. We test your CDD files, transaction monitoring procedures, STR processes, and staff awareness levels, delivering a comprehensive report with risk-rated findings and remediation recommendations.

05

Risk Assessment

We conduct enterprise-wide AML risk assessments that identify, evaluate, and prioritise the money laundering and terrorist financing risks inherent in your business activities, customer base, product offerings, and geographic exposure. Our risk assessment reports provide the foundation for a proportionate, risk-based compliance program that regulators expect to see during inspections.

What You Receive

Robust compliance documentation and ongoing support that keeps your business protected and inspection-ready.

Completed goAML registration and user credentials
Customised AML policy and procedures manual
Enterprise-wide AML risk assessment report
Customer due diligence templates and checklists
Staff AML awareness training materials and certificates
Independent AML assurance audit report
Quarterly compliance monitoring reports
Suspicious activity escalation and reporting protocols

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about our AML assurance audits services in the UAE.

What is goAML and do I need to register for it in the UAE?+
goAML is the official online platform operated by the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) for reporting suspicious transactions and activities. All designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) - including accountants, auditors, real estate agents, dealers in precious metals and stones, and corporate service providers - are required to register on goAML. Registration is mandatory regardless of whether you have identified any suspicious activities. Failure to register can result in significant fines and regulatory action. Our team handles the entire registration process and ensures your goAML account is properly configured.
How often should I update my AML policies and procedures in the UAE?+
UAE AML regulations require businesses to maintain up-to-date policies and procedures that reflect current legislative requirements and risk environments. As a best practice, you should review and update your AML compliance program at least annually, or immediately following any significant regulatory change, change in business activities, or identification of new risks. Our team monitors UAE AML regulatory developments continuously and proactively updates your policies to ensure ongoing compliance with the latest requirements.
Do I need a dedicated Compliance Officer for my business in the UAE?+
Yes, UAE AML regulations require all DNFBPs to appoint a qualified Compliance Officer and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) who is responsible for overseeing the AML compliance program. This individual must have sufficient authority, resources, and expertise to fulfil the role effectively. For many small and medium-sized businesses, hiring a full-time compliance officer is cost-prohibitive. Our outsourced Compliance Officer service provides a qualified, experienced professional who fulfils all regulatory requirements at a significantly lower cost than a permanent hire.
What happens if my company fails an AML inspection in the UAE?+
Failing an AML inspection can result in severe consequences, including substantial financial penalties (up to AED 5 million for certain violations), suspension or revocation of business licences, criminal prosecution of responsible individuals, and significant reputational damage. The UAE has demonstrated increasing enforcement activity, with regulators conducting proactive inspections of DNFBPs across all Emirates. Our AML assurance audit service identifies and helps you remediate compliance gaps before regulators find them, significantly reducing your exposure to enforcement action.
Why is an independent AML audit important for my UAE business?+
An independent AML audit provides an objective assessment of whether your anti-money laundering controls are appropriately designed and operating effectively. Regulators expect DNFBPs to conduct periodic independent reviews of their AML programs - relying solely on internal self-assessments is insufficient. Our AML audit goes beyond a documentation review; we test the practical application of your CDD procedures, evaluate the effectiveness of your transaction monitoring, and assess staff awareness levels. The resulting report provides a clear roadmap for strengthening your compliance posture and demonstrates to regulators that you take your AML obligations seriously.