What this is
This is the AML/CFT Guidance for the Capital Market Sector, published by the UAE Capital Markets Authority (CMA), formerly the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). It sets out how the authority expects the firms it licenses to meet their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist-financing obligations.
The CMA does not publish a single consolidated rulebook as a file. This guidance is the authority's own substantive AML document for the sector, offered here to download. The CMA remains the source and the authority.
What the guidance covers
A risk-based approach to AML and CFT, business and customer risk assessment, and the customer due diligence and enhanced due diligence measures expected of licensed firms.
Sanctions and targeted financial sanctions screening, ongoing monitoring, suspicious transaction and activity reporting to the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit, record-keeping, governance and training.
Who it is relevant to
The guidance is relevant to firms licensed by the CMA in the UAE capital market sector. Firms in the DIFC or ADGM follow the DFSA or FSRA, and firms supervised by the Central Bank or a federal ministry follow their own frameworks. Adventant can help you confirm which authority supervises you.
How to use it
Use it to understand what the CMA expects and to support your own policies and procedures. Because guidance and the related circulars are updated over time, check the CMA website for the current materials before relying on any text for a filing or a decision.
General information only, not legal or compliance advice. Your obligations depend on your activities and regulator. Speak to Adventant about your specific situation.