AML Compliance
Services in Dubai
From AED 349
We help DNFBPs and financial institutions build inspection-ready AML compliance systems — goAML registration, AML policies, risk assessments, MLRO appointment, sanctions screening, and complete Ministry of Economy compliance.
goAML Registration & Setup
One-Time Setup • Portal Access • MLRO Guidance
- ✓ goAML portal registration
- ✓ SACM protection system setup
- ✓ Google Authenticator configuration
- ✓ Initial compliance guidance
- ✓ MLRO appointment support
- ✓ Sanctions list registration
What Is AML Compliance in the UAE?
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance is the set of policies, procedures, and internal controls that businesses must implement to detect, prevent, and report money laundering and terrorist financing activities. In the UAE, AML compliance is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018 on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), and its implementing regulations under Cabinet Decision No. 10 of 2019.
The Ministry of Economy (MoE) supervises AML compliance for Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs), while the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) oversees financial institutions. Both conduct regular inspections — and penalties for non-compliance are severe.
Following the UAE’s exit from the FATF Grey List, regulatory enforcement has intensified significantly. The Central Bank imposed over AED 339 million in AML penalties in 2025 alone, and the MoE suspended 50 DNFBP businesses in Q3 2023 for failing to register on the goAML portal.
🚨 Key Fact: AML compliance is not optional. Every DNFBP must have goAML registration, an appointed MLRO, documented AML policies, and annual independent audits. Missing even one element exposes your business to fines of AED 50,000 to AED 5,000,000.
📜 Key Legal References
📄 Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018 – AML/CFT Law
📄 Cabinet Decision No. 10 of 2019 – Implementing Regulations
📄 Cabinet Resolution No. 16 of 2021 – Administrative Penalties
📄 FATF Recommendations – International Standards
Does Your Business Need AML Compliance?
Under UAE law, the following businesses are classified as DNFBPs and must implement a full AML/CFT compliance framework.
Real Estate Brokers & Agents
All businesses involved in buying, selling, or leasing real estate — including brokers, agents, and property management firms. One of the highest-risk DNFBP sectors.
Precious Metals & Stones Dealers
Gold traders, jewellery manufacturers, diamond dealers, precious stone cutters, refiners, and intermediate buyers. Subject to enhanced due diligence requirements.
Accountants & Auditors
Chartered accountants, audit firms, and bookkeeping companies providing assurance services. Must register on goAML and file STRs for suspicious client transactions.
Lawyers & Legal Consultants
Independent legal professionals, notaries, and law firms involved in financial transactions, company formation, or property deals on behalf of clients.
Company Service Providers
Trust and corporate service providers (TCSPs), business setup consultants, PRO services, and company formation agents. High-risk due to beneficial ownership structures.
Virtual Asset Service Providers
Cryptocurrency exchanges, digital asset custodians, and VASPs regulated under VARA. Subject to enhanced AML/CFT requirements including travel rule compliance.
💡 Not sure if your business qualifies as a DNFBP? The Ministry of Economy has a self-assessment tool on their website. Or contact Fastlane — we’ll assess your business activity and confirm your AML obligations within 24 hours.
9 Things Every DNFBP Must Have for MoE Compliance
The Ministry of Economy inspects DNFBPs against these requirements. Missing even one can trigger penalties.
goAML Registration
Mandatory registration on the FIU’s goAML portal for filing STRs and SARs. Must be completed immediately after trade license issuance.
Appointed MLRO
A qualified Money Laundering Reporting Officer must be appointed to oversee the compliance program and report suspicious transactions.
AML/CFT Policy Manual
Documented policies and procedures covering KYC, CDD, EDD, transaction monitoring, STR filing, and record retention — aligned with Cabinet Decision No. 10 of 2019.
Enterprise-Wide Risk Assessment
Annual EWRA identifying ML/TF risks based on your customers, products, delivery channels, and geographic exposure. Required by MoE.
Customer Due Diligence
KYC processes for all customer onboarding — identity verification, beneficial ownership identification, and purpose of relationship documentation.
Sanctions & PEP Screening
Ongoing screening of all customers and counterparties against UN sanctions lists, local targeted financial sanctions, and Politically Exposed Persons databases.
Transaction Monitoring
Systems to detect unusual or suspicious patterns in customer transactions. High-value, cross-border, and cash transactions require enhanced monitoring.
Annual AML Training
All staff must receive AML/CFT training at least annually. Training must cover identification of suspicious activity, reporting procedures, and legal obligations.
Independent AML Audit
Annual independent review of your AML framework to assess effectiveness. Audit findings must be documented and gaps remediated. Required by MoE.
Our AML Compliance Services
End-to-end AML/CFT compliance support for DNFBPs across Dubai and all UAE emirates.
goAML Registration
Complete goAML portal registration including SACM protection system setup, Google Authenticator configuration, document submission, and FIU verification. Typically completed within 5–10 working days.
AML Policy & Procedures
Custom AML/CFT policy manual tailored to your business sector, risk profile, and regulatory requirements. Covers KYC, CDD, EDD, STR filing, sanctions screening, record retention, and internal controls.
Enterprise-Wide Risk Assessment
Comprehensive EWRA identifying and scoring ML/TF risks across your customer base, products, delivery channels, and geographic exposure. Annual update included in monthly plans.
MLRO & Compliance Officer
Assistance appointing a qualified MLRO or outsourced MLRO services if you don’t have a qualified person in-house. Ongoing MLRO support and advisory available.
CDD & Enhanced Due Diligence
Customer onboarding procedures, identity verification, beneficial ownership identification, risk profiling (Low/Medium/High), and enhanced due diligence for high-risk clients.
Sanctions & PEP Screening
Ongoing screening against UN, EU, and UAE local sanctions lists. Politically Exposed Persons (PEP) database checks. Automatic alerts for sanctions list updates via the ARSSLS system.
AML Training Programs
Role-specific annual training for management and staff. Covers suspicious activity identification, reporting obligations, sanctions awareness, and regulatory updates. Customised to your industry.
AML Audit & Gap Analysis
Independent annual AML audit assessing the effectiveness of your compliance framework. Detailed report with findings, risk ratings, and remediation recommendations.
AML Penalties in the UAE — What You Risk
⚠️ Financial & Legal Consequences
The UAE has zero tolerance for AML non-compliance. Enforcement has intensified dramatically since the country’s exit from the FATF Grey List. Inspections by the MoE are now routine and detailed.
What happens if you’re not compliant:
❌ Fines from AED 50,000 to AED 1,000,000 per violation
❌ Repeated offences: fines up to AED 5,000,000
❌ Business license suspension (3+ months)
❌ Frozen bank accounts
❌ Criminal liability for directors and MLRO
❌ Reputational damage and loss of client trust
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Failure to register on goAML | AED 50,000 – 1,000,000 |
| No appointed MLRO | AED 50,000 – 1,000,000 |
| Missing AML policies | AED 50,000 – 1,000,000 |
| No risk assessment (EWRA) | AED 50,000 – 1,000,000 |
| Failure to file STR | Criminal liability |
| Repeated violations (24 months) | Up to AED 5,000,000 |
| Continued non-compliance | License suspension |
💬 Worried About MoE Inspection?
Our AML experts can assess your compliance status and close any gaps before the inspectors arrive.
AML Compliance Packages
Clear pricing. No hidden fees. Complete compliance coverage.
goAML Registration & Setup
One-Time • Portal Access • Initial Compliance
- ✓ goAML portal registration
- ✓ SACM & authenticator setup
- ✓ Sanctions list (ARSSLS) registration
- ✓ MLRO appointment guidance
- ✓ Initial compliance checklist
- ✓ Basic reporting setup
Monthly AML Compliance
Ongoing • Full Compliance • Inspection-Ready
- ✓ Customer Due Diligence (CDD) support
- ✓ Risk profiling (Low/Medium/High)
- ✓ Sanctions & PEP screening
- ✓ Transaction monitoring support
- ✓ Compliance checklists & reminders
- ✓ MoE inspection preparation & support
- ✓ Ongoing advisory & regulatory updates
AML Risk Assessment
Annual EWRA • Per Financial Year • MoE Mandatory
- ✓ Enterprise-Wide Risk Assessment (EWRA)
- ✓ Customer risk profiling & scoring
- ✓ Product & service risk mapping
- ✓ Geographic & delivery channel risk review
- ✓ Gap analysis & remediation plan
- ✓ MoE-ready risk assessment report
- ✓ Risk mitigation recommendations
Why Choose Fastlane for AML Compliance
Inspection-Ready Framework
Every AML program we build is designed to pass MoE and CBUAE inspections. Documentation is structured exactly as inspectors expect to see it.
Affordable & Transparent
goAML setup from AED 349, monthly compliance from AED 499, annual risk assessment from AED 499. No hidden fees, no hourly billing. You know exactly what you pay.
All DNFBP Sectors
Real estate, precious metals, accounting firms, legal consultants, company service providers, and VASPs — we understand the specific AML risks of each sector.
End-to-End Partner
AML, accounting, VAT, corporate tax, payroll, and audit — all under one roof. Your compliance is fully integrated, not fragmented across multiple providers.
What Our Clients Say
“Fastlane registered us on goAML, drafted our complete AML policy manual, and prepared us for the MoE inspection. We passed with zero findings. Excellent AML compliance service.”
“As an accounting firm, we needed goAML registration and a proper AML framework. Fastlane handled everything — policy, training, risk assessment. Very professional and affordable.”
“We were facing an MoE inspection and had no AML compliance in place. Fastlane set up everything in 2 weeks — goAML, policies, CDD procedures, sanctions screening. Saved us from certain penalties.”
FAQ — AML Compliance Services UAE
AML compliance is the set of policies, procedures, and controls businesses must implement to detect, prevent, and report money laundering and terrorist financing. Governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018 and Cabinet Decision No. 10 of 2019, enforced by the MoE for DNFBPs and the Central Bank for financial institutions.
All DNFBPs: real estate brokers, precious metals dealers, accountants, auditors, lawyers, company service providers, and trust providers. Also financial institutions (banks, exchange houses, insurance) and Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs).
goAML is the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit’s platform for filing Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and SARs. Registration is mandatory for all DNFBPs and financial institutions. Failure to register can result in fines from AED 50,000 to AED 1,000,000 and license suspension.
Fines range from AED 50,000 to AED 5,000,000 per violation. The MoE suspended 50 businesses in Q3 2023. Penalties include license suspension, frozen bank accounts, criminal liability for directors, and reputational damage.
Nine elements: goAML registration, appointed MLRO, AML/CFT policy manual, Enterprise-Wide Risk Assessment (EWRA), CDD/EDD processes, sanctions & PEP screening, transaction monitoring, annual staff training, and annual independent audit.
Fastlane offers goAML registration from AED 349 (one-time), monthly AML compliance from AED 499/month including CDD support, risk profiling, sanctions screening, and MoE inspection support, and annual AML risk assessment (EWRA) for AED 499 per financial year.
A Money Laundering Reporting Officer oversees your AML program and reports suspicious transactions to the FIU. Every DNFBP must appoint one. Fastlane can provide outsourced MLRO services if you don’t have a qualified person in-house.
Annually. The independent audit assesses your AML framework effectiveness, identifies gaps, and provides recommendations. MoE requires DNFBPs to document audit findings as part of annual compliance reporting.
Get AML Compliant — Before the Next Inspection
goAML registration from AED 349. Monthly compliance from AED 499. Annual risk assessment from AED 499. Don’t risk AED 5,000,000 in penalties.
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Reviewed by
Fastlane AML & Compliance Advisory Team
This page has been reviewed by our in-house AML compliance specialists with expertise in UAE DNFBP regulations, goAML registration, MoE inspection preparation, and FATF-aligned compliance frameworks. Reflects Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018, Cabinet Decision No. 10 of 2019, and 2026 enforcement updates. Last updated: March 2026.