Your AML Compliance, Done Right.

Failing to comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations can lead to serious penalties, license suspension, and reputational damage. Whether you're in real estate, finance, or other high-risk sectors, AML compliance is not optional — it's a legal obligation in the UAE.

Our certified AML specialists are here to help you stay compliant. Get expert guidance, risk assessment, and a complete compliance framework tailored to your business.

Does Your Business Fall Under DNFBP?

DNFBP stands for Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions — a category defined by UAE regulations to include businesses that, while not financial institutions, are still exposed to risks of money laundering and terrorist financing.

Book Your AML Consultation

Who is considered a DNFBP in the UAE?

According to Federal Decree Law No. 20 of 2018 and Cabinet Decision No. 10 of 2019, the following entities are classified as DNFBPs:

Real Estate Brokers & Agents

Involved in buying, selling, or leasing property

Auditors & Accountants

Handling client finances or financial reporting

Corporate Service Providers

Setting up or managing companies and legal structures

Law Firms & Legal Consultants

Engaged in financial, corporate, or trust-related transactions

Dealers in Precious Metals & Stones

Such as gold, diamonds, luxury watches, and jewellery

Trust & Company Service Providers

Offering nominee, directorship, or registered office services

Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs)

Including crypto exchanges and wallet providers

These sectors are particularly vulnerable to money laundering risks due to the nature of the transactions they handle — high-value, cross-border, or complex in structure. If your business operates in any of these sectors, you are legally required to comply with AML/CFT regulations and register with the goAML system operated by the UAE’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

pic

Why AML Compliance Matters for DNFBPs

DNFBPs are considered high-risk sectors due to the value, speed, and complexity of transactions they handle, making them prime targets for money laundering. Here’s why anti-money laundering compliance is critical for DNFBPs in the UAE.

  • Legal Obligation: AML regulations are enforced by the UAE Ministry of Economy and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Non-compliance can result in penalties ranging from AED 50,000 to AED 5 million, and in some cases, suspension of your business license.
  • Mitigation: AML frameworks help detect suspicious activity early, reducing your exposure to financial crime and reputational damage.
  • Regulatory Scrutiny: UAE authorities are actively inspecting DNFBPs for AML compliance. Unregistered or non-compliant businesses face audits, fines, and enforcement actions.
  • Business Continuity: AML compliance safeguards your operations, supports your relationship with banks and partners, and ensures you can continue trading without interruption.
  • Reputation & Trust: Implementing an anti-money laundering policy builds credibility with stakeholders and regulators alike.

Not sure if your business qualifies? Get in touch with our certified consultants for a quick, confidential review. Schedule a consultation with our team today.

Contact Now

Key Anti-Money Laundering Regulations
in the UAE

Federal Decree Law No. 20 of 2018

The foundational legislation on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) is applicable to all financial institutions and DNFBPs operating in the UAE.

Cabinet Decision No. 74 of 2020

Focuses on implementing UN Security Council Resolutions relating to the combating of terrorism financing and proliferation of weapons, and managing local terrorism lists.

Cabinet Decision No. 10 of 2019

Issued to implement the provisions of Decree Law No. 20 of 2018, this decision outlines detailed AML compliance obligations for DNFBPs, including risk assessments, policies, and reporting.

Guidelines for DNFBPs

Sector-specific AML/CFT guidance issued by the Ministry of Economy helps DNFBPs understand how to apply legal requirements based on their operational risks and activities.

The Risk of Non-Compliance

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

If your business is classified as a Designated Non-Financial Business or Profession (DNFBP) in the UAE, AML compliance is not optional — it’s a legal obligation.

Real estate firms, accounting and auditing companies, legal consultants, precious metals dealers, and corporate service providers all fall under this regulatory scope. Failing to meet your anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) obligations can lead to serious consequences.

  • Administrative penalties ranging from AED 50,000 to AED 5 million
  • License suspension or cancellation
  • Public listing of violations and reputational damage
  • Potential legal consequences for responsible managers

Anti-money laundering compliance is more than a checkbox — it's a critical component of business continuity and risk protection.

Don’t wait until you're flagged. Our AML-certified consultants are here to guide you through registration, policy creation, and full compliance setup, so your business stays protected.

Join hundreds of businesses who’ve secured their AML compliance.

Request a Compliance Review
pic

Comprehensive AML Compliance Services in Dubai – Tailored for DNFBPs

We offer comprehensive anti-money laundering compliance solutions to help DNFBPs in the UAE meet all regulatory requirements with confidence. Whether you're just starting or updating your existing setup, our AML-certified team ensures you're always audit-ready.

Here’s what we offer:

goAML Registration

We manage your registration with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), ensuring your business is listed and prepared for ongoing reporting.

AML Policy Creation

Customised, legally compliant AML/CFT policies built around your business type, risk exposure, and operational structure.

Annual AML/CFT Report

Assistance in preparing and submitting your annual report to the Ministry of Economy, ensuring accurate and timely compliance.

AML Compliance Framework

We help build internal controls, roles, responsibilities, and procedures that align with UAE AML standards, ready for review and audits.

AML Risk Assessment

We assist with risk assessment questionnaires, helping you review transactions, conduct KYC, and respond accurately, ensuring a strong risk-based approach.

AML Inspection Support

Facing an inspection? We guide you through documentation, preparation, and strategy to ensure your business passes with confidence.

AML Sanctions Screening

Setup and implementation of screening processes to help you detect and avoid dealing with sanctioned individuals or entities.

AML Regulatory Reporting

We support timely and accurate goAML and TFS-related reporting, helping you meet regulatory requirements and avoid non-compliance.

Need help understanding what applies to your business?

Let our experts review your setup and walk you through the right steps — fast, clear, and confidential.

Book Your AML Consultation

How Can AML Compliance Protect Your Business?

pic
pic
pic
pic

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs to comply with AML regulations in the UAE?

All Financial Institutions (FIs) and Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) — including real estate agents, gold/jewellery dealers, auditors, accountants, and company service providers — are required to comply with AML laws.

What is goAML registration, and is it mandatory?

Yes, it is mandatory. goAML is the UAE FIU's digital platform for reporting suspicious transactions. All DNFBPs must register to remain compliant and file reports when needed.

What are the key AML compliance requirements for DNFBPs?

Key requirements include goAML registration, preparing AML policies and procedures, conducting risk assessments, screening against sanctions lists, maintaining proper records, and submitting reports to the FIU.

What are the penalties for non-compliance with AML regulations in the UAE?

Non-compliance can lead to heavy fines (up to AED 5 million per violation), license suspension or revocation, and even criminal charges in serious cases.

What is an AML risk assessment, and why is it important?

It’s a structured process to identify and evaluate money laundering risks within your business. It helps implement effective controls and maintain a risk-based approach, which is a regulatory requirement.

Can you help with inspections or audits by the Ministry of Economy?

Yes. We provide full inspection support — from documentation to preparation — ensuring your business is ready and compliant during MoE audits.