AML / Financial Crime regulatory updates from United Arab Emirates.
We track 36 AML / Financial Crime updates from United Arab Emirates regulators, published by ADGM and DFSA. The archive covers 13 news items, 9 warnings and 4 consultations. Most recent update: November 2026. Coverage runs from 2025 to 2026.
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM wishes to alert the financial services community and members of the public to a suspected fraudulent scheme and false and misleading claims made by an entity or purported entity named Airo Capitals.
Why this matters
The FSRA warns the public and financial services community about Airo Capitals (airocapitals.com), which falsely claims ADGM association and FSRA regulation, and directs investors to verify firms via the FSRA Public Register and the ADGM Registration Authority Public Register.
Adgm Fsra Invites Industry Feedback On Proposed Defi Risk Management Guidance
AI Analysis
ADGM FSRA has issued Consultation Paper No. 5 of 2026 proposing DeFi Risk Management Guidance for Authorised Persons and Recognised Bodies. The proposal does not create a standalone DeFi regime or directly regulate protocols; instead, market commentary indicates that FSRA intends to clarify how existing permissions, governance, risk-management, financial-crime and client-asset expectations apply when regulated entities engage with DeFi.
Key dates
2026-11-30 Deadline
Consultation period for ADGM FSRA Consultation Paper No. 5 of 2026 closes; comments may be submitted to [email protected].
Suggested considerations
Compliance teams may wish to review the proposed Guidance and submit written comments to [email protected] by 2026-11-30, particularly on operational feasibility, proportionality and the treatment of permissionless protocols.
Firms should consider inventorying current and planned DeFi activity, including protocol use, liquidity provision, staking, lending, borrowing, decentralised exchange activity, smart-contract interaction and client-facing exposure.
Firms should consider mapping each DeFi activity to existing ADGM permissions and identifying activities that may require a variation of permission, additional controls or discontinuation.
Risk and compliance functions may wish to assess whether existing governance arrangements clearly assign senior accountability for DeFi, approve protocols and counterparties, set exposure limits and address conflicts of interest.
Firms should consider enhancing due diligence for protocol code, governance structures, upgrade and administrative privileges, oracle dependencies, bridge and composability risks, concentration, liquidity, sanctions exposure and the availability of legal recourse.
AML and financial-crime teams may wish to assess transaction-monitoring, wallet-screening, sanctions-screening, blockchain analytics, travel-rule and suspicious-activity escalation controls for DeFi-related activity, taking account of limited visibility into beneficial ownership and counterparties.
Operations and technology teams should consider whether incident-management procedures cover smart-contract exploits, oracle failures, governance attacks, de-pegging, bridge compromise, protocol insolvency, loss of access and material service disruption.
Client-asset teams should review segregation, custody, ownership, valuation, reconciliation and disclosure arrangements where client assets interact with DeFi protocols or are exposed to protocol failure.
What changed
The proposed Guidance sets supervisory expectations for identifying, assessing, monitoring and managing risks arising from engagement with DeFi protocols and venues. It covers governance and accountability, risk assessments, due diligence, exposure and control measures, ongoing monitoring, financial-crime controls, incident escalation, recordkeeping, auditability, competence and client-asset safeguards. The proposal is guidance under consultation and does not itself introduce binding new rules at this stage.
Compliance impact
The immediate impact is supervisory and preparatory rather than the creation of a new binding obligation. Once finalised, the Guidance is likely to increase scrutiny of whether DeFi activity falls within a firm’s existing permissions and whether governance, risk assessment, financial-crime, operational resilience, recordkeeping and client-asset controls are demonstrably adequate; deficiencies could contribute to supervisory action, permission concerns, remediation requirements or restrictions on the activity.
The Registration Authority (RA) of ADGM, the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi, has published its Regulatory Priorities for 2026-2027, giving firms, advisors and stakeholders greater visibility into the RA's monitoring, supervisory, and enforcement focus areas for the year ahead.
Why this matters
This is an informational announcement of regulatory priorities by ADGM's Registration Authority covering ten areas including beneficial ownership transparency, AML/CFT compliance, unlicensed activities, and enforcement.
The FSRA of ADGM wishes to alert the financial services community and members of the public to a suspected fraudulent scheme and false and misleading claims made by an entity or purported entity named E-Community.
Why this matters
The FSRA alert targets a specific fraudulent scheme (E-Community) operating without authorisation and making misleading claims about ADGM licensing. The update advises the public to verify firm status via the FSRA Public Register before engaging.
ADGM, the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi, delivered strong growth in the first half of 2026, with Assets Under Management rising 54% year on year and its workforce reaching 49,027 professionals.
Why this matters
This is an informational news update from ADGM announcing H1 2026 performance results and regulatory developments. While it contains noteworthy regulatory signals—including new frameworks for crypto mining, virtual asset staking, enhanced AML/sanctions rules, and real estate broker classification—these are presented...
The ADGM Registration Authority (“RA”) has published amendments to its commercial legislation to further strengthen transparency, support compliance with international standards, and enhance the effectiveness of ADGM’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework.
Why this matters
ADGM FSRA's 2025 Annual Report announces regulatory performance metrics including 22% increase in Financial Services Permissions and 32% growth in In-Principle Approvals. Highlights focus on innovation support, market integrity, financial crime prevention, and enhanced RegTech/SupTech capabilities.
FSRA alert warning of fraudulent entity (Veyron Markets) falsely claiming ADGM authorization and making misleading claims to investors. This is a consumer protection and licensing enforcement matter requiring immediate awareness across the financial services community.
Adgms Fsra Issues Notice Regarding Unauthorised Domains Misusing Sarwas Name
Why this matters
FSRA warning about unauthorized domains impersonating Sarwa Digital Wealth, a regulated wealth management entity. Alert addresses fraud prevention, consumer protection, and verification of authorized firms through the public register.
Adgms Fsra And Hellenic Capital Market Commission Sign Mou To Strengthen Cross Border Regulatory Cooperation
Why this matters
This is an informational announcement of a regulatory cooperation MoU between ADGM's FSRA and Greece's HCMC. It covers cross-border capital markets supervision, AML/CFT/sanctions compliance, and regulatory coordination.
Adgm Fsra Finalises Enhancements To Its Anti Money Laundering Framework
Why this matters
ADGM FSRA has finalized enhancements to its AML/CFT/CPF and sanctions compliance framework following consultation. The update reflects alignment with FATF recommendations and federal law developments.
The DFSA prohibits reinsurance broker Mr Mohsen and fines him USD 139,722 for…
Why this matters
Regulatory enforcement action by DFSA against a reinsurance broker for misleading and deceptive conduct toward clients and reinsurers over three years. Individual prohibition and firm fine reflect serious misconduct in insurance intermediation. Informational news announcement of completed enforcement matter.
ADGM, the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Futian District People's Government of Shenzhen, marking a significant step in strengthening economic and financial cooperation between Abu Dhabi and one of China’s leading financial and innovation hubs.
Why this matters
This regulatory update announces a partnership between ADGM and Futian District in Shenzhen, China, to enhance collaboration across financial services, innovation, and talent development.
This regulatory alert from ADGM's Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) warns about misleading claims made by an entity called MaskEx, which is falsely claiming to be licensed and authorized to operate in ADGM.
This regulatory alert from ADGM's Registration Authority and Financial Services Regulatory Authority warns about a group of companies called 'Meer Group' that is not authorized to conduct financial services activities in or from ADGM.
DFSA and Ministry of Economy and Tourism sign MoU to enhance financial services…
Why this matters
This regulatory update announces a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) to enhance cooperation and information sharing on the regulatory oversight of auditors and Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs).
ADGM Courts, the internationally recognised independent courts of ADGM, have announced the appointment of The Right Honourable Lord Patrick Hodge as the new Chief Justice, following the retirement of The Right Honourable Lord David Hope of Craighead KT after an exceptional 11 years.
Why this matters
This regulatory update announces the appointment of a new Chief Justice for the ADGM Courts, which is the independent judicial system for the Abu Dhabi Global Market financial center.
ADGM Academy (ADGMA) announced in collaboration with the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council and the Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF), the launch of the Financial Compliance Pathways programme.
Why this matters
This regulatory update announces the launch of a Financial Compliance Pathways program in the UAE, which aims to develop specialized national talent in AML/CFT compliance across various financial sectors. This is a high-priority initiative to strengthen the UAE's financial integrity and economic security.
DFSA AML and Glossary Modules amendments come into force; FAQs published
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the DFSA introduces amendments to the AML and Glossary Modules, which are relevant for banking, investment management, and wealth management firms operating in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
Notice of Amendments to Legislation: February 2026
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the DFSA introduces amendments to align the DFSA Rulebook with federal AML legislation. This impacts banking, investment management, and wealth management firms operating in the DIFC, requiring changes to their AML/CFT compliance, prudential requirements, and reporting obligations.
This regulatory update from ADGM warns about misrepresentations made by a non-ADGM entity, which could lead to financial losses for the public or potential investors. It is a serious contravention of ADGM's commercial legislation and may result in regulatory enforcement action.
Polygreen Establishes Regional Holding Company In Adgm
Why this matters
This regulatory update announces the establishment of a regional holding company by Polygreen in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), a financial free zone in the UAE. It highlights ADGM's infrastructure, connectivity, and regulatory environment as attractive for businesses.
ADGM Academy (ADGMA), the Knowledge arm of ADGM known as the centre of excellence for talent and capacity development, and Mawaheb Talent Hub, enabled by the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi (DGE), have announced a significant expansion of their strategic partnership to scale their efforts to meet the…
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ADGM provides information about the expansion of a partnership between ADGM Academy and Mawaheb Talent Hub to develop specialized training programs and facilitate job placements in the UAE's financial sector.
The FSRA of ADGM would like to alert the financial services community and members of the public about a company named Mount Nico Corp Ltd, trading as “MKT Investing”.
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) warns about an unauthorized firm, MKT Investing, claiming to be regulated by the FSRA. This is relevant for banks, wealth managers, and fintech firms operating in or looking to operate in the ADGM jurisdiction.
The International Arbitration Centre Alliance (IACA) has launched the IACA Global Passport, an initiative that enhances professional connectivity and mobility for dispute resolution practitioners worldwide.
ADGM Academy Hosts groundbreaking activities under the theme “Bridging Knowledge & Building the Nation” at ADFW 2025
Why this matters
This news article discusses ADGM Academy's activities at the ADFW 2025 event, which are focused on bridging knowledge and building the nation. This suggests the content is informational in nature, covering topics relevant to banking, investment management, and wealth management firms, as well as fintechs, in areas...
ADGM’s FSRA issues alert concerning fraudulent scheme and false and misleading claims - SGV Advisory FZ LLC or Strategic Global Ventures
Why this matters
This alert from ADGM's FSRA concerns a fraudulent scheme and false/misleading claims, which poses risks to consumers and the integrity of the financial system. It is relevant to banking, investment management, and wealth management firms, as well as fintechs, and requires prompt attention.
11 DEC 2025, 06:08 PM Notice of Consultation Paper Release: CP 169
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the DFSA announces the release of a consultation paper on miscellaneous topics, which is likely to impact banking, investment management, and wealth management firms operating in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
11 DEC 2025, 05:55 PM Notice of Amendments to Legislation: December 2025
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the DFSA includes amendments to the DFSA Rulebook that will impact various financial services firms operating in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2025, opened today with some of the world’s most influential financial and business leaders engaging in critical discourse around the capital’s evolving economic landscape and strategic role on the world stage.
Why this matters
This regulatory update covers a range of topics relevant to the banking, investment management, and capital markets sectors, including AML/financial crime, prudential requirements, and technology/cyber risks.
27 NOV 2025, 10:25 AM New DFSA Thematic Review: Continuing Professional Development for Money…
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the DFSA focuses on continuing professional development requirements for Money Laundering Reporting Officers (MLROs) at authorized firms in the DIFC. This is a high priority topic as it relates to firms' ability to effectively manage financial crime risks.
19 NOV 2025, 02:00 PM DFSA hosts 2025 Annual Outreach for over 500 industry leaders – addressing…
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the DFSA covers key supervision priorities and compliance expectations across the banking, capital markets, and wealth management sectors in the Dubai International Financial Centre.
03 SEP 2025, 03:20 PM DFSA publishes FAQ on the annual AML Return and reminds Firms of 30 September…
Why this matters
The regulatory update is informational and does not require immediate action from firms. It provides guidance on the annual AML Return and reminds firms of the submission deadline.