UAE Enhances Anti-Money Laundering Measures with New Initiatives

Apr 28, 2026

80 min

Apr 28, 2026 16:30

UAE strengthens anti-money laundering framework with new national guides and risk assessments

## Strengthening Financial Security

The UAE's National Committee for Anti-Money Laundering, Combating the Financing of Terrorism, and Proliferation Financing has introduced several new measures to bolster the country's financial security. During its second meeting of 2026, the committee adopted a series of decisions aimed at improving national readiness and enhancing investigation tools.

## Key Decisions and Initiatives

The committee, chaired by Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE, approved the restructuring of its subcommittees to better align with current priorities. This includes updating mandates to enhance coordination among relevant entities.

A significant development is the adoption of the "National Guide on Financial Intelligence and Money Laundering Investigations." This guide updates procedures for organizing investigations, asset tracking, and confiscation, and includes virtual assets within its scope.

## Risk Assessments and Sectoral Improvements

The committee also approved risk assessments for financial institutions, virtual asset service providers, and designated non-financial businesses. These assessments aim to refine sectoral risk classifications and improve supervisory actions.

Additionally, the "National Risk Assessment for Proliferation Financing" and the "National Risk Assessment for Non-Profit Organisations" were endorsed to enhance transparency and apply a risk-based approach within these sectors.

## Enhanced Coordination and Governance

The subcommittees for supervisory authorities and anti-money laundering investigation entities provided updates on unlicensed activities, highlighting key findings and outcomes. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure the UAE's financial system remains robust and internationally credible.

Khaled Mohamed Balama emphasized that these initiatives mark a transition to a more integrated and effective national system, reinforcing governance and maintaining the integrity of the financial system.

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