Central Bank fines UAE bank Dh3 million for violating anti-money laundering rules

CBUAE takes action after inspections reveal breaches of anti-money laundering rules

Last updated: July 10, 2025 | 14:50

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Central Bank fines UAE bank Dh3 million for violating anti-money laundering rules

Central Bank of the UAE

Abu Dhabi: The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has imposed a financial penalty of Dh3 million on a UAE-based bank for violating anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, the regulator announced on Thursday.

The sanction was issued concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organisations, along with federal law regarding the Central Bank and regulation of financial institutions.

Also Read: EU clears UAE from high-risk AML list: Boon for businesses, trade, investments

The fine follows findings from regulatory examinations, which revealed that the bank had failed to comply with the Central Bank’s instructions on AML standards, as outlined in the decree law and its subsequent amendments.

In its statement, the CBUAE reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the integrity of the financial system. “The Central Bank, through its supervisory and regulatory mandates, works to ensure that all banks and their staff adhere to the UAE laws, regulations, and standards adopted by the CBUAE,” it said.

The enforcement action underscores the Central Bank’s ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and compliance across the UAE’s banking and financial sector, especially in light of global efforts to combat illicit finance.

Justin VargheseYour Money Editor

Justin is a personal finance author and seasoned business journalist with over a decade of experience. He makes it his mission to break down complex financial topics and make them clear, relatable, and relevant—helping everyday readers navigate today’s economy with confidence. Before returning to his Middle Eastern roots, where he was born and raised, Justin worked as a Business Correspondent at Reuters, reporting on equities and economic trends across both the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.