Who must comply
Designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) must have anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing controls. The main categories include:
- Real estate brokers and agents.
- Dealers in precious metals and stones.
- Corporate service providers.
- Accountants, auditors and lawyers carrying out certain transactions for clients.
The core checklist
- Register on goAML, the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit's reporting platform.
- Document a business-wide risk assessment.
- Adopt written AML/CFT policies and procedures.
- Carry out customer due diligence and enhanced checks for higher-risk clients.
- Screen customers against sanctions lists and freeze matches without delay.
- Appoint a compliance officer.
- Train staff and keep training records.
- Keep records for at least 5 years.
Cash reporting
Dealers in precious metals and stones must report cash transactions of AED 55,000 or more. Real estate businesses must report certain purchases made in cash or virtual assets. Reports are filed through goAML.
Supervisors check that your risk assessment and policies are documented, current and actually followed. Paper policies that nobody uses are a common finding.
Keeping it current
Review your risk assessment whenever your business, customers, products or geographic exposure change, and at least periodically.
Call or WhatsApp us on +971 50 512 4558 to talk it through with our team.
This article is general information based on UAE rules as of November 2026 and is not tax advice. Rules change, so please WhatsApp us or call +971 50 512 4558 about your situation.