When must a regulated entity file a suspicious transaction report in the UAE?
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, financial institutions, designated non-financial businesses and professions, and virtual asset service providers must file a report whenever they suspect, or have reasonable grounds to suspect, that a transaction or funds represent proceeds of crime or are related to or intended for use in a crime, regardless of the value involved. The report must be made to the Financial Intelligence Unit without delay and directly.
There is no minimum value threshold for a suspicious transaction report. Reports must be submitted through the goAML electronic system designated by the Unit, with all available data and information about the transaction and the parties, and any additional information requested must be provided without invoking confidentiality. Registration on the goAML portal is mandatory for regulated entities even if no report has yet been filed. Regulated entities should also build and update internal indicators to help staff recognise suspicion promptly.
Legal Reference (UAE):
· Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, Article 18 — obligation to report suspicious transactions without delay.
· UAE Financial Intelligence Unit – goAML portal — the official reporting system.
For more details, consult the full text of Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 or seek guidance from your AML compliance officer.