Customer due diligence and ongoing transaction monitoring are the operational core of an effective AML compliance programme. Under the UAE's AML framework, businesses subject to AML obligations are required to screen customers, beneficial owners and associated parties against sanctions lists, PEP databases and adverse media sources at onboarding and on an ongoing basis, and to monitor transactions for patterns that may indicate money laundering, terrorist financing or sanctions evasion.
CashLaw Global designs and implements AML screening and monitoring frameworks for UAE businesses subject to AML compliance obligations. We advise on the selection and configuration of screening technology appropriate to your business size and risk profile, establish the screening procedures and escalation protocols for positive matches, and implement transaction monitoring rules calibrated to your specific customer base and product offering.
Book a free consultation with our team and get expert guidance on aml screening & monitoring in the UAE.
Book Free ConsultationInitial screening vets clients against global sanctions and Politically Exposed Persons (PEP) lists during onboarding. Continuous transaction monitoring reviews your active customer transactions over time to identify unusual spikes or patterns that do not match the client's known business profile.
High-risk clients require an annual review of their compliance documentation and transaction history. Medium-risk profiles are typically updated every two years, while low-risk clients follow a standard three-year review cycle.
Red flags include a customer's reluctance to provide clear UBO verification documents, requests to split major invoices into small cash payments, transactions routed through high-risk jurisdictions, or third-party payments that do not match the contracting business entity.