UAE strengthens national framework against financial crime
UAE strengthens its national anti-money laundering system with new coordination, risk assessments and tools to combat financial crime and illicit flows.
Overview
The UAE is strengthening its national framework to combat money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing. Recent initiatives focus on improving coordination between authorities, enhancing investigative tools and reinforcing a risk-based supervisory approach to safeguard the integrity of the financial system.
Strengthened national coordination
The National Committee for Anti-Money Laundering, Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing has introduced a series of decisions aimed at improving institutional integration across relevant entities. This includes restructuring subcommittees and updating their mandates to better reflect current priorities.
New work methodologies and follow-up mechanisms have also been approved to support more effective decision-making at a national level and ensure consistency across supervisory and enforcement bodies.
Enhanced investigative and enforcement tools
As part of efforts to improve operational efficiency, the committee has adopted the National Guide on Financial Intelligence and Money Laundering Investigations. The guide standardises procedures for conducting investigations, tracking illicit assets and strengthening coordination between competent authorities.
Risk-based approach and sector assessments
The UAE continues to reinforce a risk-based regulatory framework through updated risk assessments across financial institutions, virtual asset service providers and designated non-financial businesses and professions. These assessments support more accurate sector classification and enable targeted supervisory and enforcement actions based on risk exposure.
The committee has also approved the second public version of the National Risk Assessment for Proliferation Financing and the National Risk Assessment for Non-Profit Organisations, strengthening transparency and improving risk governance in key sectors.
Addressing unlicensed activities and strengthening oversight
Supervisory authorities and investigation entities have provided updates on unlicensed activities, supported by findings from a national task force operating under the committee’s oversight.
These efforts aim to enhance detection, improve enforcement outcomes and ensure stronger compliance across regulated and non-regulated activities.
Outlook
These developments reflect the UAE’s continued commitment to advancing its anti-financial crime framework through stronger coordination, improved tools and a more integrated institutional structure. The focus remains on enhancing resilience, safeguarding the financial system and aligning with international best practice.
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