goAML Compliance in the UAE: A Complete Guide for Businesses
The UAE has set a high bar for financial integrity. goAML is part of that promise. It is the national platform that helps the Financial Intelligence Unit collect, analyse, and act on reports related to money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
For our clients and partners, compliance is not only about rules. It is also about trust, smooth access to banking, and confidence from global partners. This guide explains what goAML is, who must sign up, the steps to certification, and the benefits of getting it right from day one.
What is goAML
goAML is an information system built by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. It allows the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit to receive and review suspicious activity reports and currency transaction reports. The platform supports risk analysis, pattern detection, and fast collaboration with competent authorities.
In the UAE, use of goAML is a legal requirement for financial institutions and a wide group of Designated Non Financial Businesses and Professions. This requirement sits within the national Anti Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism framework under Federal Decree Law No. 20 of 2018 and related decisions.
Noncompliance attracts serious consequences. Fines can be significant, business activity can be restricted, and in serious cases criminal liability can apply. The safest path is to register on time, build a living compliance program, and keep your reporting clean and consistent.
Who must comply in the UAE
The obligation to register covers more than banks. It also applies to many non financial sectors that can be exposed to money laundering risk.
- Banks and other financial institutions under the Central Bank.
- Real estate brokers and agents.
- Dealers in precious metals and stones.
- Accountants and audit firms that act for clients on funds or transactions.
- Lawyers, notaries, and legal consultants who handle client money or property transfers.
- Trust and corporate service providers that form entities or provide nominee services.
Some firms that are not legally required still choose to align with the framework. FinTechs, investment managers, and cross border service providers often adopt goAML processes to improve risk control and signal strong governance to partners and banks.
Key features of the platform
- Real time reporting. You can submit suspicious activity reports and currency transaction reports electronically and track status.
- Secure exchange. Data flows through encrypted channels so sensitive information stays protected.
- Risk assessment tools. Built in analytics help detect unusual behaviour and support internal risk reviews.
- System integration. The platform can connect with existing compliance or finance systems to reduce manual effort.
How to become compliant
Follow a structured plan and keep records of every step.
1. Register with the FIU. Create your account through the goAML launch portal and nominate authorised users.
2. Train your team. Cover red flags, report types, escalation paths, and system use. Keep attendance logs and training content.
3. Build your policies. Document your Anti Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism program. Include customer due diligence, enhanced due diligence for higher risk clients, ongoing monitoring, screening, record keeping, and escalation.
4. Run testing and audits. Test report submission. Review alert handling. Perform periodic audits and fix gaps.
5. Maintain records. Keep customer identification, risk assessments, transaction records, and copies of all reports for at least five years.
Need help registering on goAML and building a fit for purpose program Contact Alpha Pro Partners for a free consultation. We will set up your account, create your policy suite, and train your team.
Benefits for your business
- Trust and credibility. Clients, banks, and partners are more comfortable working with firms that show strong compliance.
- Smoother banking. Clear processes and clean reporting reduce friction with banks and payment partners.
- Global readiness. The framework aligns with FATF recommendations, which supports cross border work and international expansion.
- Lower risk of penalties. Strong controls reduce exposure to fines and business restrictions.
- Better operations. Clear ownership of tasks, audits, and training build resilience and improve data quality.
Common challenges and how to solve them
- Complex rules. Regulations move quickly. Appoint a compliance officer, subscribe to official updates, and keep a change log for your program.
- Technology fit. Map your data flows first. Then integrate screening and monitoring tools that can export to goAML.
- Resource load. Start with a risk based plan. Focus effort where exposure is highest. Automate screening and reporting where possible.
- Rolling compliance. Treat compliance as a living process. Review risk assessments, refresh training, and test controls on a fixed schedule.
Implementation checklist
- Governance in place and a named compliance officer.
- Risk assessment for products, services, channels, and geographies.
- Customer due diligence procedures and templates.
- Enhanced due diligence steps for higher risk clients.
- Screening for sanctions and politically exposed persons.
- Monitoring rules for unusual activity.
- Report preparation and quality review process.
- Document retention plan with clear timelines.
- Staff training plan and records.
- Annual audit with remediation actions.
Ongoing obligations
Registration is only the start. Your firm should keep a rhythm that includes transaction monitoring, periodic reviews of higher risk clients, prompt reporting of suspicious activity, and refresher training. Document everything. Good records show good faith and make regulatory interactions faster and easier.
Penalties at a glance
The national framework sets strong consequences for poor control of money laundering risk. Fines can be substantial. Licences can be restricted. In serious cases criminal liability can apply. A sound program is the best defence and also the best way to earn trust.
Frequently asked questions
What is goAML in simple terms
It is the national platform that the Financial Intelligence Unit uses to receive and analyse reports about suspicious financial activity.
Who must register
Banks and financial institutions, real estate brokers, dealers in precious metals and stones, accountants and auditors, lawyers and notaries who move client funds, and trust and corporate service providers.
Do all UAE businesses need to register
No. Only sectors in scope must register. Some firms choose to align voluntarily to improve risk control and credibility.
How do we register
Create an account on the goAML portal, provide the requested documents, and set up authorised users.
What reports are most common
Suspicious Activity Reports and Currency Transaction Reports. Your policy should define triggers and approval steps.
How long do we keep records
Keep identification, risk assessments, transaction records, and reports for at least five years.
What training is needed
All relevant staff should receive induction training and annual refreshers that cover red flags, escalation, and system use.
Can the platform connect to our systems
Yes. Many firms integrate screening, monitoring, and case management tools that export data to goAML.
What are the main risks of noncompliance
Large fines, possible licence restrictions, and in serious cases criminal liability. Reputational harm is also a real risk.
How can Alpha Pro Partners help
We design policies, deliver training, integrate your tools, and stand beside you through registration and audits.
If you want expert help to register and build a program that works in practice, contact Alpha Pro Partners today for a free consultation. We will guide you from account creation to first submission and ongoing audits, so your team can focus on growth.
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