Choosing a compliance officer
Who can be the AML compliance officer in my small firm?
The situation
The compliance officer must be resident in the UAE, senior enough to act independently, and have direct access to management. Under the 2025 law the role carries personal accountability.
The law
- Federal Decree-Law 10 of 2025: Compliance officer duties and accountability
What it means for you
In a small firm the owner often takes the role, but must have time and training. Example: a two-partner accounting firm names one partner as compliance officer and the other as deputy. Register the officer on goAML and train them yearly.
What to do
- Pick a resident senior person.
- Document the appointment by board or partner resolution.
- Register the officer on goAML.
- Arrange yearly training.
We can do this for youAML for DNFBPs: goAML registration, compliance officer, risk assessment, customer checks and reporting: AED 3,500