ASMEC Approach to AML, CTF & CPF
Money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing can destabilise communities, sectors, or even entire economies. Criminal and terrorist networks often exploit complex structures to transform illicit proceeds into legitimate assets.
As a supervisory authority, ASMEC is committed to maintaining an Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CTF), and Counter Proliferation Financing (CPF) framework that serves as a strong deterrent against criminal activities, including money laundering and the financing of terrorism or weapons proliferation.
ASMEC acts as the competent authority for the administration of Federal AML, CTF, and CPF legislation as it applies to Relevant Persons in the DIFC. This includes sole administrative oversight and direct supervision of these entities for compliance with the AML, CTF, and CPF laws, including ASMEC’s AML, CTF, and Sanctions Rules.
Note: This material provides informal guidance only. It should not be relied upon as legal advice or as an exhaustive summary of applicable laws. The information may not always be complete, current, or accurate. Entities should review relevant legislation, rules, directives, and standards that may apply to their operations.
ASMEC’s guidance does not exempt or mitigate the responsibility to ensure full compliance with AML, CTF, and CPF regulations.
ASMEC remains committed to maintaining this page as a valuable resource for Relevant Persons. For feedback or suggestions on improving this content, please contact ASMEC via the Supervised Firm Contact Form available on the ASMEC e-Portal.
UAE National Committee
The National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organisations (NAMLCFTC) was established in 2000 to oversee national AML/CTF policies. The Committee works to enhance the effectiveness of the UAE’s AML/CTF and CPF frameworks by aligning them with international standards and strengthening cooperation against money laundering and terrorist financing crimes. ASMEC is a member of the UAE National Committee.
For more information, visit the NAMLCFTC website.
UAE AML Executive Office
The UAE AML Executive Office was established by Cabinet approval in February 2021 to oversee the implementation of the UAE’s National AML/CTF Strategy and National Action Plan (NAP). Its mission is to strengthen the UAE’s financial crime prevention systems and develop a robust, sustainable AML/CTF framework.
The Executive Office’s core responsibilities include:
- Enhancing national and international coordination on AML/CTF at policy and operational levels.
- Collaborating with global bodies such as the GCC Working Group on AML/CTF, G20, and FATF to address financial crime threats.
The Office operates jointly with the UAE NAMLCFTC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
UAEIEC Executive Office
Under Cabinet Resolution No. 3/99 of 2009, the UAE established the Committee for Goods and Materials Subject to Import and Export Control, with an affiliated Executive Office (UAEIEC Executive Office) serving as a liaison with other countries and international authorities overseeing export controls.
In 2019 and 2020, the UAE enhanced its framework for implementing targeted financial sanctions against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and terrorist financing. These updates are codified in Cabinet Decision No. (74) of 2020 concerning Terrorism Lists Regulation and Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions.
