Compliance Officer Service

A Compliance Officer is the person responsible for making sure a business meets its obligations under the UAE's Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CFT) laws. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018 and its implementing regulations, many UAE businesses — particularly Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) such as real estate brokers, dealers in precious metals and stones, auditors, corporate service providers and legal consultants — are required to appoint a qualified compliance officer (often called an AML/CFT Compliance Officer or MLRO).

ADS Auditors provides a Compliance Officer Service that lets your business satisfy this requirement without the cost and complexity of recruiting a full-time specialist. We act as your appointed or supporting compliance officer, designing and running the AML framework that keeps you aligned with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and your supervisory authority.

What's Included

Our Compliance Officer Service covers the full range of responsibilities expected under UAE AML/CFT regulations, including:

• Acting as your designated AML/CFT Compliance Officer (MLRO) or supporting your in-house appointee.
• Developing and maintaining AML/CFT policies, procedures and internal controls tailored to your business risk profile.
• Conducting a business-wide risk assessment and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) frameworks.
• Screening customers and transactions against UAE and international sanctions and PEP lists.
• Monitoring transactions and identifying, reviewing and filing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) through the goAML portal.
• Registering and maintaining your records on the FIU's goAML system.
• Delivering staff AML awareness training and maintaining the required documentation.

How It Works

We follow a structured, transparent process so you always know where your compliance stands:

1. Assessment — we review your business activities, customer base and existing controls to understand your AML/CFT risk exposure.
2. Framework setup — we put in place the policies, procedures, registers and goAML registration your business needs.
3. Ongoing oversight — we carry out day-to-day monitoring, screening, reporting and record-keeping as your compliance officer.
4. Review and reporting — we keep your framework up to date with regulatory changes and prepare you for inspections by your supervisory authority.

Who Needs Compliance Officer Service

This service is designed for UAE businesses that fall within the scope of AML/CFT supervision but do not have the in-house resources to manage compliance alone. It is particularly relevant for:

• Real estate brokers and agencies.
• Dealers in precious metals and precious stones.
• Auditors, accountants and tax advisers.
• Corporate service providers and company formation specialists.
• Independent legal professionals and notaries.
• Other DNFBPs and entities required to register on goAML.

Why Choose ADS Auditors

As an FTA-registered tax, audit and advisory firm based in the UAE, ADS Auditors combines regulatory knowledge with practical, day-to-day compliance experience. We help you meet your statutory obligations, reduce the risk of penalties for non-compliance, and respond confidently to supervisory authority reviews — while keeping your compliance framework proportionate to your actual business risk.