The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) issued an updated package of guidance on anti-money laundering, combating the financing of terrorism and countering proliferation financing (AML/CFT/CPF) for licensed financial institutions (LFIs) and Registered Hawala Providers (RHPs), positioning the updates as aligned with international best practices, the UAE National Strategy 2024–2027 and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) requirements. The package comprises four regulatory guidance documents and two best-practice manuals. The regulatory guidance covers proliferation financing risk (setting out expectations on assessing inherent PF risk, evaluating controls and remediation where gaps are identified, and continuously monitoring emerging PF risks, typologies and parties), trade-based money laundering and transshipment, correspondent banking relationship risk management, and customer due diligence and know-your-customer requirements and record keeping, including principles for customer risk profiling, simplified and enhanced due diligence, and the types of data and documentation to be retained. The best-practice manuals address implementing a risk-based approach and conducting risk-based institutional risk assessments, and implementing role-based AML/CFT/CPF training frameworks for employees and senior management to support early detection of suspicious activity.
Central Bank of the UAE 2026-04-16
Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates updates AML CFT CPF guidance package for licensed financial institutions and registered hawala providers
The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates issued updated anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing and counter-proliferation financing guidance for licensed financial institutions and Registered Hawala Providers, aligned with international standards, the UAE National Strategy 2024–2027 and Financial Action Task Force requirements. The package comprises four guidance documents on proliferation financing risk, trade-based money laundering and transshipment, correspondent banking relationship risk management, and customer due diligence, know-your-customer requirements and record keeping, plus two best-practice manuals on risk-based approaches and role-based AML/CFT/CPF training frameworks.