CBUAE AML compliance services for Central Bank-licensed firms
The Central Bank of the UAE supervises a broad range of institutions, from banks and finance companies to exchange houses, payment and stored value providers, insurers and Central Bank-regulated virtual asset providers. Each type of institution has its own business model and risk profile, so AML controls need to reflect what the firm actually does.
Who this covers
Adventant supports CBUAE-supervised businesses with AML governance, customer due diligence, screening, monitoring and reporting. We start by confirming which rules and guidance apply to your licence category rather than assuming one set of requirements fits every institution.
Banking and finance
Payments and money services
Virtual assets
Insurance
Common AML control areas
- Governance, including a Compliance Officer and MLRO with appropriate authority and clear reporting lines
- A business-wide and customer risk assessment that reflects your products, customers and channels
- Customer due diligence, including beneficial ownership and enhanced due diligence for higher-risk customers
- Sanctions and PEP screening with a documented process for reviewing potential matches
- Transaction monitoring suited to your payment flows and customer base
- Suspicious activity reporting and regulatory reporting through goAML
- Staff training, record-keeping and independent testing of controls
These are common control areas rather than identical rules for every institution. The specific requirements depend on your licence category and the guidance your supervisor has issued.
Relevant services
All 11 Adventant services are available to businesses supervised by the CBUAE. They are listed in the order that usually matters most for this regulator, and the scope is agreed with your team before work begins.
Frequently asked questions
Can a CBUAE-supervised institution outsource its Compliance Officer?
Some CBUAE-supervised institutions may be expected to keep the Compliance Officer role in-house, although specific AML tasks can sometimes be outsourced under conditions. The position depends on the institution type and the current rules, so confirm it before any arrangement. Adventant can support an in-house officer on defined tasks.
Do the same AML rules apply to every CBUAE-supervised firm?
No. Banks, exchange houses, payment providers and insurers have different requirements and guidance. We confirm which apply to your licence category.
Does Adventant support virtual asset businesses supervised by the Central Bank?
Yes, subject to confirming which supervisor and rules apply to your activities, since some virtual asset firms are supervised by other authorities.
Official regulatory resources
- Central Bank of the UAE
- UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (goAML)
- Executive Office for Control and Non-Proliferation
This is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change, so check the current guidance with your supervisor.