Which authorities supervise AML compliance in the UAE?

UAE
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AML supervision in the UAE is carried out by “Supervisory Authorities”, meaning the federal and local bodies entrusted with overseeing financial institutions, DNFBPs, virtual asset service providers and non-profit organisations. Where no specific supervisor is designated for an activity, the competent authority that grants approval to engage in that activity or profession acts as the supervisor.

Within their remit, these authorities conduct risk assessments of how likely the crime is to occur in the sectors they oversee, perform desk-based and field inspections, maintain statistics on measures taken and penalties imposed, and enforce compliance with the law and its executive regulations. In practice, supervision is spread across bodies such as the Central Bank for licensed financial institutions, the Ministry of Economy for many DNFBPs, and the financial free-zone regulators. Regulated businesses should confirm which authority supervises their specific activity and engage with its guidance, returns and inspections.

Legal Reference (UAE):

For more details, consult the full text of Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 or seek guidance from your AML compliance officer.

AML supervisory authorities in the UAE

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Supervision sits with the supervisory authorities, defined as the federal and local authorities entrusted under the legislation with supervising financial institutions, DNFBPs, virtual asset service providers and non-profit organisations. Where the legislation designates no specific supervisor, the competent authority responsible for approving the activity or profession takes that role.

Their duties are set out in the law. They conduct risk assessments of the likelihood of the crime occurring within the businesses they supervise, perform desk-based and field inspections, maintain statistics on measures taken and penalties imposed, and exercise any further competences the Executive Regulations give them. They also hold the administrative penalty powers in Article 17, which run from a warning to revocation of the licence.

Legal Reference (UAE):

· Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, Article 1: the definition of Supervisory Authority, including the fallback where no specific supervisor is designated.

· Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, Article 16: supervisory duties of risk assessment, inspection and statistics; Article 17: administrative penalty powers.

For more details, refer to the Executive Regulations or seek guidance from your AML compliance officer.

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