What are the key changes introduced by the UAE’s new AML law in 2025?
Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 introduced several substantive changes compared with the previous 2018 law. The definition of “Funds” now expressly covers virtual and encrypted assets, and the money laundering offence captures conduct carried out through digital systems and virtual asset channels. The law also strengthens the framework for combating proliferation financing to align more closely with Financial Action Task Force standards.
Enforcement powers were widened. The Financial Intelligence Unit may now freeze suspected funds for up to thirty days, extendable by the Attorney General, rather than the shorter period under the old regime. Penalties were raised, with legal persons facing fines of up to one hundred million dirhams where their representatives commit money laundering, terrorism financing, or proliferation financing. A Supreme Committee was created to oversee the national strategy, and the law confirms that money laundering is an independent offence that does not require a prior conviction for the predicate crime.
Legal Reference (UAE):
· Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, Article 5 — freezing of suspected funds for up to thirty days.
· Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, Article 27 — fines up to AED 100 million for legal persons.
For more details, consult the full text of Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 or seek guidance from your AML compliance officer.