UAE AML compliance should be a strategic priority for every UAE startup and SME. With evolving UAE anti‑money laundering law and UAE AML regulations 2025, small firms must understand obligations under Federal Decree‑Law 20 of 2018 and Cabinet Decision 10/2019 UAE – especially when filing reports via UAE goAML reporting.
At the heart of AML CFT UAE is Federal Decree‑Law No. 20 of 2018. Its implementing rules are captured in Cabinet Decision 10/2019 UAE (amended by Cabinet Resolution No. 24 of 2022) and define the scope of CDD EDD UAE, KYC obligations UAE, STR filing requirements and governance standards. These regulations apply to both financial firms and DNFBPs
In August 2024, Federal Law Decree No. 7 amended key governance structures, creating a Supreme Committee overseeing national AML strategy. Cabinet Resolution No. 71 of 2024 clearly outlines violation categories and fines including license revocation or penalties up to AED 1 million for DNFBPs and FIs.
In 2025, the UAE has intensified enforcement – over AED 339 million in fines across financial institutions, real estate, auditing, and DNFBPs in H1 alone. The Ministry of Economy reported more than 1,000 private‑sector violators, collecting over AED 42 million in penalties. The SCA has imposed AED 1.15 million in fines on smaller regulated firms since early 2025
Startups & SMEs face:
Real estate startups must follow UAE DNFBP AML requirements for real estate brokers, such as filing Real Estate Activity Reports (REAR) for transactions above AED 55,000, verifying UBOs and screening PEPs and beneficial owners under UBO and PEP screening requirements under UAE AML law.
Crypto startups and fintech ventures must register as VASPs, implement travel rule systems, conduct UBO screening, and use goAML for how to file suspicious transaction report goAML UAE platform, incorporating central bank UAE AML guidance on virtual assets risk screening, as mandated by the CBUAE
SMEs in professional services must appoint AML compliance officers, maintain AML manuals, conduct CDD EDD UAE, file STRs via FIU, and maintain AML record keeping requirements in UAE law five year retention – even post-dissolution
A tailored risk‑based AML compliance checklist UAE businesses 2025 should include:
Under Cabinet Decision 10/2019 UAE:
SMEs must register on the FIU goAML platform and learn how to file suspicious transaction report goAML UAE platform in real time. Reports must include reasons, supporting documents, and timely submission under FIU rules.
Startups or SMEs failing to comply face:
Recent statistics: over AED 339 million in fines across industries in early 2025, plus AED 1.15 million by SCA targeted firms
To embed UAE AML compliance seamlessly:
Aimed Advisors specializes in guiding UAE startups and SMEs through full UAE AML compliance, from risk assessments and policy drafting to goAML reporting training and audit readiness. SMEs can benefit from tailored services aligning with Dubai and Abu Dhabi regulators.
In 2025, UAE AML compliance is no longer optional for startups and SMEs—it’s central to business credibility and survival. From Federal Decree‑Law 20 of 2018 and Cabinet Decision 10/2019 UAE, through CDD EDD UAE, KYC obligations UAE, and STR filing on UAE goAML reporting, every small entity must integrate a risk‑based AML compliance checklist UAE businesses 2025 into daily operations. With enforcement escalating, adopting best practice AML systems not only keeps you compliant but positions you for growth.
Need help designing a custom AML compliance roadmap for your startup or SME? Contact Aimed Advisors to get your business future‑proofed and audit‑ready.
