Regulated entities – including PSPs, VASPs, investment platforms, and trust companies – must meet rising KYB and AML expectations. This article highlights emerging requirements across the UAE, UK, EU, Singapore, and U.S.
Regulated entities operate in complex environments where KYB and AML compliance are non-negotiable. Whether your firm is a payment service provider (PSP), virtual asset service provider (VASP), investment platform, corporate services provider, a real estate agent, a mortgage broker, regulators are tightening standards.
In 2025 and beyond, firms must demonstrate robust KYB controls, real-time screening, and jurisdictional audit readiness – especially as rules evolve in key markets like the UK, UAE, and EU.
Emerging Global AML Requirements for Regulated Entities
United Kingdom
Regulators: Companies House, FCA
Shifts: Mandatory KYB and identity verification for directors and PSCs; AML registration and sanctions screening under MLR 2017
United Arab Emirates
Regulators: CBUAE, DFSA, VARA, ADGM
Requirements: Risk-based onboarding, KYB for corporate clients, Travel Rule compliance, UBO discovery, and localized data handling
European Union
Regulators: AMLA (in development), national competent authorities
With the UAE’s Executive Office for AML/CFT ramping up inspections in 2025, licensed entities must demonstrate stronger KYC and AML controls. This article explores how regulated firms can implement privacy-first onboarding, continuous screening, and full audit-ability using iComply.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made major strides in aligning with global anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) frameworks. Since being grey-listed by the FATF in 2022 and then removed in 2024, the UAE has doubled down on enforcement – particularly through the Executive Office for AML/CTF (EMLO).
In 2025, firms regulated by the UAE Central Bank, Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) should expect heightened inspections and cross-agency coordination.
Who This Applies To
The UAE’s AML/CFT regime applies to a wide range of Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs), including:
Real estate brokers
Auditors and accountants
Law firms
Dealers in precious metals/stones
Trust and company service providers (TCSPs)
Crypto and virtual asset service providers (VASPs)
Licensed financial institutions – including payment firms, forex dealers, investment managers, and private banks – are also under close watch.
What Regulators Expect in 2025
Under the updated AML/CFT laws and EMLO directives, licensed firms are expected to:
Perform customer due diligence (CDD) and enhanced due diligence (EDD)
Identify and verify beneficial ownership (UBO)
Monitor for suspicious transactions and PEPs
Conduct sanctions screening aligned with the UAE National Sanctions List
Maintain audit-ready compliance records and risk assessments
Challenges Facing UAE Firms
1. Fragmented AML Systems
Many firms rely on disconnected tools that lack unified case management, increasing audit risk.
2. Manual and Offshore Data Processing
Non-local cloud providers may expose firms to data residency violations or delays in response time.
3. Regulatory Complexity
Multiple regulators with overlapping mandates mean firms must build systems that satisfy a range of agency expectations.
How iComply Supports UAE AML Compliance
iComply offers a unified KYC and AML platform built for global and local compliance—including full support for UAE-specific requirements.
1. Real-Time Identity and Entity Verification
Edge-based KYC verifies natural persons and legal entities locally on the device
No raw PII is transmitted unencrypted or stored offshore
Supports Arabic documents and character sets
2. Continuous AML Screening and PEP Monitoring
Screen clients and transactions against UAE and global sanctions lists
Detect politically exposed persons and adverse media in real time
Configure frequency and thresholds by client type and jurisdiction
3. UBO Discovery and Documentation
Map complex corporate structures and nominee owners
Collect and validate supporting documents with automated triggers
Maintain evidence of CDD and EDD per risk category
4. Centralized Case Management
Document onboarding, screening, investigations, and decisions in one secure portal
Export audit logs for inspections by EMLO, SCA, DFSA, or ADGM
5. UAE-Compliant Deployment Options
Host data within the UAE to meet local data sovereignty laws
Full multilingual support, including Arabic
Consent management and document retention controls included
Case Insight: Payment Processor in Dubai
A DIFC-licensed payments firm adopted iComply for KYC and AML compliance. Results in 90 days:
Automated verification for 100% of onboarding cases
Reduced average review time from 2 days to under 30 minutes
Received positive feedback during DFSA audit with no findings
2025 Regulatory Outlook
EMLO Inspections: Random and risk-based audits will intensify across sectors
UAE Sanctions Enforcement: New alignment with international partners will expand list coverage
Risk-Based Program Mandates: Regulators will expect documented risk assessments and justifications for CDD scope
Take Action
Whether you’re a VASP, DNFBP, or financial institution, the bar for AML compliance in the UAE has never been higher. Leading firms are already investing in scalable, privacy-first solutions.
Contact iComply to learn how our platform helps UAE-regulated entities stay compliant, secure, and audit-ready in 2025 and beyond.
“Chandy,” is a technology and risk expert with executive experience at Boston Consulting Group, Citi, and PwC. With over two decades in financial services, digital transformation, and enterprise risk, he advises iComply on scalable compliance infrastructure for global markets.
Thomas is a global tax and compliance expert with deep specialization in digital assets, blockchain, and tokenization. As a partner at MME Legal | Tax | Compliance, he advises iComply on regulatory strategy, cross-border compliance, and digital finance innovation.
Thomas is a renowned identity and cybersecurity expert, serving as CTO of Connection Science at MIT. With deep expertise in decentralized identity, zero trust, and secure data exchange, he advises iComply on cutting-edge technology and privacy-first compliance architecture.
Rodney is the former President of ADP Canada and international executive with over two decades of leadership in global HR and enterprise technology. He advises iComply with deep expertise in international service delivery, M&A, and scaling high-growth operations across regulated markets.
Praveen is a serial entrepreneur and technology innovator, known for leadership roles at Lucent Bell Labs, ChargePoint, and the Stanford Linear Accelerator. He advises iComply on advanced computing, scalable infrastructure, and the intersection of AI, energy, and compliance tech.
Paul is a Canadian RegTech leader and founder of Maple Peak Group, with extensive experience in financial services compliance, AML, and digital transformation. He advises iComply on regulatory alignment, operational strategy, and scaling compliance programs in complex markets.
John is a seasoned business executive with senior leadership experience at CIBC, UBS, and Accenture. With deep expertise in investment banking, private equity, and digital transformation, he advises iComply on strategic growth, partnerships, and global market expansion.
Jeff is a former CFTC official and globally recognized expert in financial regulation, fintech, and digital assets. As founder of Bandman Advisors, he brings deep insight into regulatory policy, market infrastructure, and innovation to guide iComply’s global compliance strategy.
Greg is a seasoned investment banker with over 35 years of experience, including leadership roles at BMO Capital Markets, Morgan Stanley, and Citigroup. Greg brings deep expertise in financial strategy and growth to support iComply's expansion in the RegTech sector.
Deven is the former President of S&P and a globally respected authority in risk, data, and capital markets. With decades of leadership across financial services and tech, he advises iComply on strategic growth, governance, and the future of trusted data in AML compliance.
