The Dubai Financial Services Authority has brought into force amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorist Financing and Sanctions (AML) and Glossary Modules of its Rulebook and published supporting Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). The changes are intended to clarify the anti-money laundering regime applicable in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and align it with new UAE federal AML legislation introduced in late 2025. The amendments reflect Federal Decree by Law No. (10) of 2025 on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism and proliferation financing, and Cabinet Resolution No. (134) of 2025 setting out the executive regulations. The DFSA reminded Relevant Persons of their obligation to ensure ongoing compliance with UAE Federal AML legislation, the DIFC Regulatory Law 2004 as it relates to AML, and the DFSA Rulebook AML Module; the FAQs address areas where firms often seek clarification, including governance, risk assessments, digital onboarding, outsourcing, and internal audit expectations, and are intended to be read alongside the Rules. Further information on the amendments is set out in the DFSA Notice of Amendments to Legislation issued in February 2026.
Dubai Financial Services Authority 2026-03-02
Dubai Financial Services Authority brings amended AML and Glossary Rulebook Modules into force and publishes FAQs
The Dubai Financial Services Authority has amended the Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorist Financing, and Sanctions Modules of its Rulebook to align with new UAE federal AML legislation. These changes clarify the AML regime in the Dubai International Financial Centre and are supported by FAQs addressing common areas of clarification. The DFSA emphasizes the obligation of Relevant Persons to comply with UAE Federal AML legislation and the DIFC Regulatory Law 2004.