What is Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 on anti-money laundering in the UAE?
Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 is the UAE’s primary anti-money laundering statute. It repealed and replaced the former Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018, modernising the framework for combating money laundering, the financing of terrorism, and proliferation financing. The law sets out the offences, the powers of enforcement and judicial authorities, the role of supervisory authorities, and the preventive obligations placed on regulated businesses.
The law applies across the whole economy. Financial institutions, designated non-financial businesses and professions, virtual asset service providers, and non-profit organisations all fall within its scope. It defines what counts as a money laundering offence, establishes the Financial Intelligence Unit, and frames the customer due diligence, reporting, and record-keeping duties that are detailed further in its Executive Regulations (Cabinet Resolution No. 134 of 2025).
Legal Reference (UAE):
· Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, Article 1 and Article 2 — defines key terms and the acts that constitute money laundering.
· Cabinet Resolution No. 134 of 2025 — the Executive Regulations setting out preventive obligations.
For more details, consult the full text of Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 or seek guidance from your AML compliance officer.