Independent audits
that satisfy regulators.

When you need one

Many UAE regulators require an independent AML/CFT audit on a periodic basis — typically annually or biennially depending on the regime and the firm's risk profile. DFSA, FSRA and CBUAE all have specific expectations. DNFBPs under the Ministry of Economy have their own framework.

Even where not strictly mandated, a regular independent AML audit demonstrates good governance — and is often the difference between a clean regulator inspection and an enforcement action.

Scope of the audit

• AML/CFT framework — governance, policies, procedures and risk assessment
• Customer onboarding and CDD — sample testing of customer files against documented procedures
• Risk classification — accuracy of risk-rating decisions
• Enhanced due diligence — PEP identification, high-risk customer review
• Transaction monitoring — rule design, alert disposition, false-positive analysis
• Sanctions screening — list maintenance, screening cadence, alert handling
• Suspicious activity reporting — escalation effectiveness, STR/SAR quality
• Training — coverage, content quality and attendance records
• Governance and reporting — committee oversight, board reporting, MLRO independence