MoJ AML compliance services for UAE law firms and notaries
The Ministry of Justice is responsible for AML supervision of legal professionals who carry out certain activities, including lawyers, legal consultancy firms and notaries. Not every legal activity falls within the AML regime. Whether it applies generally depends on the work carried out for clients.
Who this covers
Adventant helps legal practices work out where the requirements apply and build proportionate controls: client due diligence, risk assessment, recording decisions and reporting concerns. We start with your activities rather than assuming the whole practice is in scope.
Legal professions
Common AML control areas
- Identifying which of your activities fall within the AML regime
- A practice-level risk assessment covering clients, matters and geographies
- Client due diligence, including beneficial ownership of corporate clients
- Understanding the source of funds where a matter involves handling or moving money
- Sanctions and PEP screening with a record of review
- Reporting suspicion in line with the applicable rules
- Staff training and record-keeping
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 MoJ. 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
Are all law firms subject to AML supervision?
AML requirements generally apply to legal professionals when they carry out specified activities for clients, such as certain transactions or company-related services. Whether your practice is in scope depends on what you do. We help you assess this.
Can a law firm appoint an external compliance officer?
That depends on the applicable rules and any notification requirements. We review your position before any appointment is considered.
Do notaries have separate requirements?
Notaries within the Ministry of Justice's AML remit carry out activities that can fall within the regime. We confirm which requirements apply to your role.
Official regulatory resources
- Ministry of Justice
- 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.