AML Compliance Advisory
AML Compliance Advisory
RH and Hale Law Firm in Dubai provides practical AML Compliance Advisory services to help businesses meet the UAE Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Financing of Terrorism (CFT) rules. We help banks, fintechs, virtual asset service providers (VASPs), real estate companies, Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones, corporate service providers, accountants, lawyers and other Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs).
Our AML compliance lawyer in Dubai helps you create clear and risk-based compliance frameworks that protect your business and minimize the chances of facing penalties and shutting down operations under the current UAE laws.
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Why is AML Compliance Important in the UAE?
The UAE complies with the anti-money laundering rules set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Failure to comply exposes your business to heavy fines, business disruption, frozen accounts, reputational harm, and even criminal liability for senior management.
Strong AML programmes will help you:
- Control and mitigate the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing
- Meet regulatory expectations from the Central Bank of UAE, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Justice, and FInancial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
- Earn trust from banks, partners and clients.
- Achieve sustainable growth
Key UAE AML/CFT Laws and Regulations
Businesses need to comply with the present framework, which includes:
Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 on Anti-Money Laundering, Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing (effective from October 2025; replaces the previous 2018 law).
Cabinet Resolution No. 134 of 2025 on the Executive Regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025.
Related rules on beneficial ownership, administrative penalties, terrorism lists, and UN Security Council resolutions.
Sector- specific guidance for financial institutions, DNFBPs, and VASPs.
Requirements for goAML registration and reporting suspicious transactions or activity.
These laws mandate a risk-based approach to customer due diligence, ongoing monitoring, internal controls, training and independent audits.
Our AML Compliance Advisory Services
AML Compliance Program Development and Advisory
We develop comprehensive AML/CFT programs that are customized to your size, industry, and risk profile. These programs come with clear governance structures, robust internal controls, and realistic policies that are in full compliance with the requirements of Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025.
AML Policy and Procedure Drafting
Our AML Consultants in UAE prepare realistic AML/CFT policies, compliance manuals, customer onboarding procedures, internal reporting rules, and risk management procedures that can easily be implemented and used by your team.
AML Risk Assessments
We identify and assess money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing risk across your customers, product/services, geography and distribution channel. We then prepare detailed risk assessment reports that can be submitted to regulators as required.
Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Know Your Customer (KYC)
We develop risk-based CDD frameworks that cover beneficial ownership checks, customer risk profiling and accelerated monitoring procedures to help you know your clients and associated risks.
Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD)
We create reliable and practical EDD procedures that deal with high-risk customers, Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), source of funds and source of wealth checks and accelerated monitoring to address high risks effectively.
goAML Registration and Reporting Assistance
We help with the goAML platform licensing, building internal processes for escalating suspicious activity and filing Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) or Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) correctly.
MLRO and Compliance Officer Advisory
We advise on appointing and supporting a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) or compliance officer. This includes advice on governance, internal reporting lines and overall regulatory readiness.
AML Audits, Gap Analysis and Health Checks
We audit your existing frameworks, identify gaps or weaknesses and prepare practical remediation plans to help you plan for regulatory inspections.
Ongoing Monitoring and Regulatory Support
Providing ongoing regulatory and sanctions screening guidance, transaction monitoring system improvements, and support in responding to any supervisory authority requests.
Specialized Crypto and Virtual Asset Support
We design custom AML programmers for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), that include compliance with applicable free-zone or mainland rules, Travel Rule requirements (where applicable), and robust monitoring systems.
Why Choose RH and Hale Law Firm for AML Compliance Advisory in Dubai
- Extensive understanding of Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 and Cabinet Resolution No. 134 of 2025
- Actionable, risk-based advice rather than theoretical legal requirements
- Work with financial institutions, DNFBPs, fintech and VASPs
- Clear and simple language
- From initial assessment, to full implementation and ongoing advice.
- Our AML compliance lawyer in Dubai understands the expectations of local supervisory bodies.
Industries we serve
Banking and financial services
Fintech and Payment Service Providers
Virtual Asset Businesses
Real Estate Agents and Brokers
Metal and Stone Dealers
Auditors and Accountancy Firms
Corporate Service Providers and Trust Companies
Law Firms and Lawyers
Insurance and Investment Funds
Family Offices
In each industry, the risks are different. Our AML compliance lawyers design solutions accordingly.
Common Challenges We Help Solve
Keeping up with ever-changing regulatory requirements
Inadequate or outdated policies and risk assessments
Insufficient due diligence of clients
Gaps in goAML process or MLRO function
Getting prepared for audit or inspection
Limited internal compliance resources.
Contact Our AML Consultants for AML Compliance Advisory in Dubai
Protect your business with a clear, robust AML/CFT compliance regime. Contact our AML Consultants in UAE today for a confidential discussion on how we can help. At RH & HALE , we strive to keep your business compliant so you can focus on growing with confidence.
FAQs – AML Compliance Advisory
Who must comply with AML in the UAE?
Financial and fintech institutions, VASPs, real estate businesses, dealers who sell precious metals, precious stones, accountants, lawyers, corporate service providers and other DNFBPs. Obligations depend on your activities and risk profile.
What is goAML?
The UAE Financial Intelligence Unit online platform for reporting suspicious transactions and activities. Most regulated entities are required to register with and adhere to internal procedures for reporting suspicious activity.
What is the role of the MLRO?
The Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) is responsible for managing the AML framework, receiving internal suspicious activity reports, determining if the activity needs to be reported externally, and ensuring ongoing staff training and policy maintenance.
How often should the AML program be reviewed?
At least on an annual basis, or sooner if changes occur to the laws, business activities, customers, products offered or risk profile.
What are the consequences of non-compliance?
Administrative fines, criminal sanctions, restrictions on business and reputational damage. There are also instances where senior management has personal liability.