Get a free tax review
Our Solutions
AML Risk Assessment
We evaluate your business activities, customers, transactions and geographic exposure to identify potential money laundering and terrorist financing risks relevant to your business. Rather than applying a generic checklist, we develop a risk-based approach that considers your sector, operating model, customer base and transaction profile.
- Business-wide risk profiling
- Customer and transaction risk assessment
- Sector-specific risk methodology
Risk assessments should not remain static once completed. Changes to customers, services, jurisdictions or transaction activity can alter the overall risk profile, making regular review and reassessment an important part of maintaining an effective AML framework.
AML Policy & Procedure Design
We develop AML/CFT policies, procedures and internal controls around your business model and applicable UAE requirements. The documentation is structured to establish clear responsibilities and practical procedures for identifying, assessing and managing AML/CFT risks.
- Written AML/CFT policy manuals
- Customer due diligence (CDD/EDD) procedures
- Internal control and escalation frameworks
Policies should also be reviewed when business activities or regulatory requirements change. Keeping procedures current helps prevent gaps between the documented framework and the way AML controls are implemented across the organisation.
Compliance Officer Support
Many businesses need compliance officer or MLRO support without the cost of maintaining a large internal compliance function. We provide structured advisory and ongoing support to help businesses understand their AML responsibilities and maintain appropriate compliance oversight.
- MLRO advisory and support
- goAML registration and reporting guidance
- Regulator correspondence management
Ongoing support can include reviewing compliance activities, helping address regulatory correspondence, and providing guidance when potential risks or reporting questions arise. This provides management with an additional layer of compliance oversight without requiring a large internal team.
Suspicious Transaction Reporting
When potential red flags appear, appropriate identification, escalation and reporting are important. We support businesses with the assessment and documentation of suspicious activity concerns and provide guidance on applicable reporting through the goAML platform.
- STR/SAR identification support
- goAML filing guidance
- Documentation and audit trail preparation
Accurate documentation is particularly important when a suspicious activity concern is identified. Maintaining an appropriate audit trail can help demonstrate how the concern was identified, assessed, escalated and addressed as part of the reporting process.
AML Training & Awareness
Regulators expect relevant staff to understand their AML/CFT responsibilities and recognise potential red flags, not simply have a policy on file. We deliver training that makes AML obligations practical for your team, using scenarios relevant to your business activities.
- Staff AML/CFT training sessions
- Sector-specific red flag workshops
- Ongoing refresher and update briefings
Refresher training can help maintain awareness as responsibilities, risks and regulatory expectations change. Regular updates also give employees an opportunity to revisit CDD, escalation and reporting procedures and understand how potential red flags should be handled internally.
Regulatory Audits & Inspection Readiness
If your regulator schedules an inspection, preparation is important. We review your AML documentation, risk assessments, policies, procedures and supporting records in advance and help your business organise responses to regulatory requests and identified findings.
- Pre-inspection compliance file review
- Regulatory inspection support
- Corrective action planning
Inspection readiness should be treated as an ongoing activity rather than something that begins only after receiving a regulatory notice. Maintaining organised records and periodically reviewing controls can make it easier to respond when information or supporting documentation is requested.
How It Works
Building or refreshing an AML compliance framework follows a structured, four-stage process designed to understand your current position, establish appropriate controls and provide ongoing support as your business and regulatory obligations evolve.
Compliance Assessment
Your current AML exposure, licensing category, business activities, customer profile and existing controls are reviewed to identify applicable compliance requirements and potential control gaps. The assessment provides a clear starting point for determining which areas of your AML framework require attention.
Framework Development
Your risk assessment, AML/CFT policies and procedures are developed or updated around your business model and identified risks. The framework is structured to provide clear responsibilities, appropriate controls, customer due diligence procedures and escalation processes that your team can apply consistently.
Implementation & Training
The agreed AML controls are introduced across relevant business processes, with employees trained on their responsibilities and practical application. Training helps staff recognise potential red flags, follow CDD/EDD procedures, maintain appropriate records and understand when concerns should be escalated.
Ongoing Monitoring
AML compliance requires continued attention after the initial framework is implemented. Ongoing support covers relevant reporting requirements, risk and compliance reviews, regulatory updates, staff awareness and inspection preparation, helping keep your AML framework current as your business activities and risk exposure change.
Who Needs AML Compliance Services in Dubai
Designated Non-Financial Businesses (DNFBPs)
DNFBPs are subject to specific AML/CFT obligations in the UAE, with applicable supervisory authorities monitoring compliance across relevant licensed activities.
- Real estate brokers and developers
- Dealers in precious metals and stones
- Auditors, accountants and corporate service providers
- Company formation and management service providers
- Independent legal professionals handling applicable financial transactions
Regulated Financial & Trading Businesses
Businesses handling significant transaction volumes, high-value transactions or cross-border activity may face additional compliance considerations and need appropriately documented controls suited to their activities.
- Exchange houses and payment service providers
- Trading companies with high-value or cross-border transactions
- Free zone entities with international client bases
- Businesses accepting large cash transactions
- Virtual asset and digital payment providers
Growing SMEs Facing First-Time Obligations
As businesses expand into new activities or markets, they may become subject to additional AML/CFT obligations and need support establishing an appropriate compliance framework.
- Businesses newly classified as DNFBPs
- Companies expanding into higher-risk jurisdictions
- Businesses onboarding new categories of customers
- Firms needing a first AML policy manual
- Companies preparing for their first regulator inspection
Dr. Nathaniel Owusu Ansah
Founder and CEO of SONABIZ and an FTA-Approved Tax Agent in the United Arab Emirates. He is a Chartered Accountant and tax professional with over 15 years of experience across accounting, taxation, audit and assurance, financial reporting, regulatory compliance and business advisory.
Why Choose SONABIZ for AML Compliance
Regulator-Ready Expertise
SONABIZ develops AML frameworks around applicable UAE AML/CFT requirements and regulatory expectations, rather than relying on generic templates copied from unrelated jurisdictions. The framework is designed to help businesses maintain organised documentation, appropriate controls and clear compliance responsibilities.
Sector-Specific Understanding
AML risk looks different across real estate, precious metals, corporate services, accounting and trading. We tailor policies, procedures and controls to your specific sector, customers, transactions and operating model, rather than applying the same framework to every client.
Practical, Usable Documentation
Our policies and procedures are designed to be used, not simply filed away. Staff can follow them in day-to-day operations, while management can use them to understand risk responsibilities, CDD requirements, escalation procedures, reporting obligations and ongoing compliance activities.
Ongoing Regulatory Partnership
AML obligations and regulatory guidance can evolve as the UAE compliance framework develops. We help businesses review their AML framework, identify areas requiring updates and adjust relevant controls as business activities, risks and regulatory expectations change.
Start with a free tax review
Send us a few details and a consultant will call you back within 24 hours — no obligation.
13th Floor, Al Saqr Business Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
+971 508377301
info@sonabiz.ae
Sunday–Thursday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Send us a few details and a consultant will call you back within 24 hours — no obligation.
Protect Your Business with Expert AML Compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an Anti-Money Laundering consultant help a business do?
An Anti-Money Laundering consultant can assess business risks, develop AML policies and procedures, support customer due diligence, provide reporting guidance and help prepare businesses for regulatory inspections under applicable UAE AML/CFT requirements.
Who is legally required to use AML consulting services in the UAE?
Businesses subject to UAE AML/CFT obligations, including applicable DNFBPs and regulated entities, must maintain appropriate compliance measures. The exact requirements depend on the business activity, supervisory authority and applicable regulations.
What is included in AML compliance services for a Dubai business?
AML compliance services can include risk assessment, policy and procedure development, Compliance Officer or MLRO support, CDD/EDD procedures, staff training, suspicious transaction reporting guidance, record keeping and inspection readiness support.
How often should an AML risk assessment be reviewed?
An AML risk assessment should be reviewed regularly and whenever material changes occur in the business, customer base, transaction activity, geographic exposure or services, so the assessment continues to reflect the business’s current risk profile.
What happens if a business fails to comply with UAE AML regulations?
Non-compliance may result in administrative penalties and other regulatory consequences, depending on the nature and severity of the breach. Businesses subject to AML/CFT requirements should maintain appropriate controls, documentation and reporting processes.
Does a small business need full-time AML compliance staff?
Not necessarily. Depending on the business and applicable requirements, smaller organisations may use AML consulting services to obtain specialist compliance support without maintaining a large internal compliance function.
What is goAML and why does it matter for compliance?
goAML is the UAE’s electronic platform used for applicable suspicious transaction and activity reporting. Relevant businesses must complete applicable registration and reporting requirements and maintain appropriate procedures for identifying and escalating reportable concerns.
How quickly can a business become AML compliant with expert support?
The timeline depends on the business’s size, activities, existing controls, risk profile and documentation. A structured AML consulting engagement can prioritise the risk assessment, policies, procedures, training and implementation steps needed to establish an appropriate framework.
