AML and goAML Compliance in the UAE

The UAE enforces its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CFT) framework strictly, and the penalties for getting it wrong are severe. If your business is a Designated Non-Financial Business or Profession (DNFBP), you must register on the goAML platform, put an AML programme in place and report suspicious transactions. Safeway helps DNFBPs become and stay compliant, from first registration through to day-to-day reporting. We are an FTA-approved tax agent in Ajman and a registered goAML reporting entity ourselves, so we apply the same framework we help you build.

What is goAML and who must register

goAML is the reporting platform operated by the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). DNFBPs must register on goAML and on the Ministry of Economy's systems, and use goAML to file Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs). Registration is not optional, and failing to register is itself a penalised breach.

Who is a DNFBP?

• Auditors, accountants and tax advisers
• Company and trust service providers
• Real estate brokers and agents
• Dealers in precious metals and precious stones
• Independent legal professionals carrying out certain transactions

What a compliant AML programme requires

• Registration on goAML and the relevant supervisory systems
• An appointed Money Laundering Reporting Officer (compliance officer)
• A documented enterprise-wide risk assessment
• Written AML policies, procedures and controls
• Customer due diligence (CDD) and enhanced due diligence for higher-risk clients
• Screening against sanctions and PEP lists
• Ongoing monitoring, record keeping and staff training
• Timely filing of STRs, SARs and required reports

How Safeway helps

We register your business on goAML, prepare your risk assessment and policy manual, set up the customer due diligence process, and train your team on what to watch for and how to report it. For businesses that would rather outsource the function, we can act as your outsourced compliance support, keeping your registrations current and your reporting on time. Because the rules change and inspections are real, we keep your documentation ready to produce on request.

Why businesses choose Safeway

• Practical, DNFBP-specific compliance built around your actual business
• Policies and risk assessments that stand up to supervisory review
• Hands-on help with goAML registration and reporting
• Delivered by a firm that is itself a registered goAML reporting entity

Contact us for an AML compliance review of your business.

Frequently asked questions

What is goAML and who must register?

goAML is the FIU's reporting platform. DNFBPs — auditors, accountants, tax advisers, company service providers, real estate agents and precious-metal dealers — must register and file suspicious transaction reports through it.

What are the penalties for AML non-compliance?

They range from tens of thousands up to several million dirhams depending on the breach, and can include licence action.

What does a compliant programme need?

goAML registration, a compliance officer, a risk assessment, AML policies, customer due diligence, monitoring, training and timely reporting.

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