DFSA AML compliance services for DIFC firms
The Dubai Financial Services Authority regulates financial services in the Dubai International Financial Centre. Authorised firms range from investment firms, asset managers and fund managers to brokers, custodians, trust service providers and crypto token firms. Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions operating in the DIFC, such as auditors, law firms and company service providers, are also part of the picture.
Who this covers
Adventant helps DIFC firms strengthen AML governance and controls. The DIFC has its own regulatory framework, so we start with the rules and guidance that apply to your authorisation or registration instead of reusing a generic approach.
Authorised firms
DNFBP firms
Common AML control areas
- A Money Laundering Reporting Officer and senior management oversight, as required for your category of firm
- A documented business risk assessment and a risk-based approach to customers
- Customer due diligence including beneficial ownership, with enhanced measures for higher-risk relationships
- Sanctions screening, PEP identification and escalation of matches
- Ongoing monitoring and suspicious activity reporting
- Staff training and record-keeping
- Independent testing of AML systems and 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 DFSA. 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 DFSA-authorised firm appoint an external MLRO?
Many DFSA-authorised firms may be expected to keep key compliance roles within the firm, although specific AML tasks can sometimes be supported externally. Requirements depend on your authorisation, so confirm before any arrangement. Adventant can support your appointed MLRO on defined tasks.
Are DIFC DNFBPs covered by the same requirements as authorised firms?
Not necessarily. Authorised firms and DNFBPs are subject to different parts of the regime. We confirm which apply to you.
Is the DIFC regime the same as the onshore UAE rules?
No. The DIFC has its own regulatory framework, so we work from the rules that apply in the DIFC for your category of firm.
Official regulatory resources
- Dubai Financial Services Authority
- 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.