UAE Strengthens AML/CFT/CPF Framework with Robust 2025 Performance Indicators

Abu Dhabi: The National Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing Committee (NAMLCFTPC) has unveiled the performance indicators for the UAE’s national AML/CFT/CPF framework for 2025. These indicators were approved during a recent meeting of the Higher Committee for Oversight of the National Strategy, highlighting the UAE’s ongoing commitment to a risk-based and sustainable approach in combating financial crime.

Commitment to Financial Crime Prevention

The results underscore the UAE’s dedication to enhancing the effectiveness of national efforts against financial crime threats. This includes strengthening coordination among various stakeholders and improving the ability to measure impact through accurate and timely indicators. Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE and Chair of the National Committee, emphasized that these results reflect significant progress in implementing the National Strategy for Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing (2024-2027). He noted that the UAE is committed to fostering a secure global financial environment supported by a robust supervisory framework.

Balama further highlighted the strategic importance of the advancements reflected in the 2025 indicators, which follow substantial legislative and regulatory reforms, particularly the issuance of Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025. This new legal framework has enhanced governance, reinforced institutional integration, and improved the UAE’s financial and economic competitiveness.

Enhancements in International Cooperation

Hamid Saif Al Zaabi, Secretary-General and Vice Chair of the National Committee, stated that the 2025 performance indicators demonstrate the UAE’s commitment to aligning its national AML/CFT/CPF framework with FATF standards and international best practices. The General Secretariat, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has been actively strengthening communication and cooperation with international partners in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing efforts.

In the past year, the General Secretariat convened 15 expert meetings with various FATF member jurisdictions. These meetings facilitated technical exchanges, risk-informed cooperation, and the sharing of best practices, thereby enhancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation to combat financial crime globally.

Rising Requests and Inspections

The indicators reveal that the UAE has solidified its status as a trusted global partner in 2025. Requests for judicial cooperation, law enforcement, and financial intelligence have seen a notable increase. Incoming mutual legal assistance requests rose by 4.9%, from 492 to 516, while extradition requests surged by 25.3%, from 446 to 559. Additionally, requests for information received by the Financial Intelligence Unit increased by 20.7%, reaching 1,522 requests. Pre-emptive freezing orders also saw a significant rise of 46.7%, from 15 to 22, with the value of frozen assets tripling to AED150 million.

In terms of supervision, 781 inspections were conducted across financial institutions and virtual asset service providers (VASPs), resulting in administrative penalties totaling AED384 million. Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) increased by 28% to approximately 80,000, with banks accounting for 82.2% of these reports. The designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBP) sector also saw around 8,900 inspections, leading to penalties of AED160.33 million.

Progress in Beneficial Ownership Transparency

The UAE has made significant strides in compliance with beneficial ownership data requirements, achieving a 91.7% improvement compared to the previous year. Only 336 legal entities were found lacking beneficial ownership information, a substantial decrease from 4,038 in 2024. Risk-based inspections surged by 54.2%, from 155,000 to 239,000, while beneficial ownership inquiries increased by 43.3%, reaching 3,300, with the majority originating from law enforcement authorities.

Advancements in Financial Intelligence and Asset Recovery

In the realm of financial intelligence, investigations, and asset recovery, the number of intelligence packages disseminated rose by 83.7%, from 233 to 428. The reports included within these packages saw a dramatic increase of 155.1%, from 1,492 to 3,806. Suspicious Transaction Reports grew by 20.8%, from 54,000 to 66,000, while law enforcement cases related to money laundering increased by 45.8%, from 646 to 942. Domestic confiscations reached AED4.23 billion, with AED750 million returned to victims.

In counter-terrorist financing, suspicious reports related to terrorist financing rose by 62%, from 158 to 256. A total of 56 investigations into terrorist financing were recorded, with 85.7% involving natural persons.

Comprehensive Assessment of the AML/CFT/CPF Framework

The 2025 performance indicators provide a detailed, data-driven assessment of the UAE’s AML/CFT/CPF framework, drawing on information from competent authorities, supervisory bodies, and the Financial Intelligence Unit. The results reflect the maturity and ongoing development of the national framework across critical areas, including international cooperation, supervision, beneficial ownership transparency, financial intelligence, asset recovery, counter-terrorist financing, and counter-proliferation financing.

Source: www.emirates247.com

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Published on 2026-06-05 00:20:00 • By the Editorial Desk