UAEFIU Sections

The main function of the section is to support the UAEFIU in implementing its mission mainly through developing yearly operational plans, in line with the UAE National Strategy on AML/CFT and the National Action Plan, and overseeing their implementation.

The primary function of the section is to disseminate and receive, both pursuant to incoming and outgoing requests, information relevant to combatting ML, TF, proliferation financing (PF), and associated predicate offenses to and from its international partners.

The main function of the section is to serve as the focal point for engagement between the UAEFIU and all competent authorities in the UAE including Public Prosecution (PP), law enforcement authorities (LEAs), and state security (SS), for the exchange of information and intelligence.

The section is responsible for developing internal policies, procedures and guidelines and collaborating with other sections of the UAEFIU in creating and maintaining SOPs, the section also provide legal advices for the other sections in relation to their daily operations.

In addition, the section plays a critical role within the UAE AML/CFT framework by supporting the concerned authorities in drafting and updating AML/CFT legislations, and collaborating with supervisory authorities in developing AML/CFT regulations and guidance.

The section is responsible for engaging with the supervisory authorities and the reporting entities and recommending best practice to enhance the AML/CTF compliance and STR reporting.

The section also collaborates with domestic and international stakeholders to organize and develop training programs in relation to AML/CFT and financial crime.

The Research and Strategic Analysis Section conducts strategic analysis to enhance the understanding of money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crime risks in the UAE. The Section produces strategic studies, typology reports, white papers, and statistical reviews to identify emerging threats, vulnerabilities, trends, and patterns.

Drawing on information available to the UAEFIU and other relevant sources, the Section conducts analysis of the UAE’s financial and trade systems, including the Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) and Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBP) sectors.

Through its research and analysis, the Section identifies key financial crime typologies, patterns, trends, risk indicators, and underlying risk drivers, contributing to a stronger understanding of the UAE’s evolving financial crime risk landscape and supporting informed decision making.

The primary function of the Operational Analysis Section is three-fold. Firstly, as the designated national receptor of reports, the section is building the capabilities to receive STRs, SARs, and other report types as mandated by the UAE’s laws and regulations from the financial sector, DNFBPs and VASPs (Reporting Entities), and to collect additional information from the broadest range of national and international sources.

Secondly, the section is tasked with analysing the reports and other information and data gathered to identify possible illicit activity in the financial, DNFBP and VASP sectors, and the economy in general, used by potentially nefarious actors in their attempt to launder illicit proceeds, finance terrorism and overall fund their unlawful activities. This is done by developing actionable intelligence in the form of activity patterns, targets, criminal ties, relationships, and networks, leads, criminal profiles and the tracing of funds.

Finally, the section will share this operational intelligence with LEAs, and other competent authorities, as needed, for further action.

The section is responsible for day-to-day activities of administering UAEFIU-owned systems and applications, website (publicly facing and intranet) management and support, database structures and system setup/configurations.