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General Policies

Creative City provides more than just a Free Zone Community. We are a one-of-a-kind ecosystem that prioritizes customer satisfaction by delivering efficient formation solutions in UAE.

Definition of DNFBP:

DNFBPs include a variety of non-financial businesses and professions that engage in activities or transactions that are susceptible to being exploited for money laundering purposes. Under the UAE law, DNFBPs encompass sectors such as:

  • Real estate agents involved in transactions relating to the sale, purchase, or leasing of properties
  • Dealers in precious metals and stones engaged in large cash transactions
  • Auditors and accountants providing financial or management consultancy
  • Company service providers assisting in the formation or management of legal entities
  • Legal consultancy firms, excluding lawyers and Notary Publics

REAL ESTATE:

Real estate agents and brokers facilitate the sale, purchase, leasing, or management of properties. Given the high value of real estate transactions, these services are susceptible to being used for money laundering, especially through the concealment of illicit funds or the layering of money via property investments. Real estate agents must comply with AML laws by verifying buyer and seller identities and ensuring that transactions do not involve illegal funds.

General Requirements for DNFBPs under UAE AML Law

According to the UAE Anti-Money Laundering Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018), DNFBPs are required to implement a range of compliance measures to prevent their businesses from being used for illicit activities. Key general requirements include:

  1. Customer Due Diligence (CDD): DNFBPs must conduct thorough due diligence on their clients, verifying their identities, understanding the nature of the business relationship, and assessing the risk level of each transaction.
  2. Record-Keeping: Proper records of transactions and customer information must be maintained for a minimum period, ensuring they are readily available for regulatory inspection.
  3. Reporting Suspicious Activity: DNFBPs are obligated to report any suspicious transactions or activities to the UAE’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) without delay.
  4. Risk-Based Approach: DNFBPs must implement a risk-based approach to AML compliance, identifying potential areas of risk and applying enhanced measures for higher-risk clients or transactions.
  5. Internal Policies and Training: Establishing internal AML policies, procedures, and controls is essential, alongside ensuring employees are adequately trained on AML regulations and the identification of suspicious activities.

By adhering to these requirements, DNFBPs in the UAE contribute significantly to the country's fight against money laundering and terrorist financing, safeguarding both their businesses and the wider financial system.

For more details and informations, please refer to the below links.