11 banks fined in UAE for not complying with anti-money laundering standards

WAM

The Central Bank has fined 11 banks in the UAE for failing to achieve appropriate levels of compliance on regulations related to anti-money laundering.

Financial sanctions of over AED 45.7 million were imposed on the banks on January 24.

The decision was based on Article 14 of the Federal Decree Law No. (20) of 2018 on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organisations (AML/CFT Law).

The UAE Central Bank said that all banks operating in the country were given ample time to remedy any shortcomings and were instructed in mid-2019 to ensure compliance by the end of that year.

It added that it will continue to work closely with all financial institutions in the UAE to ensure high levels of compliance and will impose further administrative and/or financial sanctions, if there are any violations.

More from Business

  • Aviation sector contributes $4.1 trillion to global economy

    The UAE's Minister of Economy and Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), on Monday emphasised the aviation sector's critical role in the global economy, noting that it accounts for 12 to 13 per cent of GDP in some countries and supports millions of jobs worldwide.

  • Paris AI summit draws world leaders

    World leaders and technology executives are convening in Paris on Monday to discuss how to safely embrace artificial intelligence at a time of mounting resistance to red tape that businesses say stifles innovation.

  • 16% growth in new economic licences in Abu Dhabi during 2024

    The Abu Dhabi Registration and Licensing Authority (ADRA), which develops and regulates the business sector, on Monday revealed significant growth in business licences and compliance indicators in the Emirate's mainland and non-financial economic free zones during 2024.

  • DEWA updates billing on water consumption

    Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced that it will adopt the cubic metre as the standard unit for measuring water consumption starting from the March 2025 billing cycle.

  • UAE, Japan to complete CEPA by end of year

    The UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, has said negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Japan will be completed before the end of 2025.