The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in the UAE bolsters its Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and sanctions regulations, incorporating FATF’s Travel Rule for digital assets. The move, impacting both financial and non-financial entities, emphasizes compliance and aligns with the UAE’s stringent anti-money laundering framework.
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in the United Arab Emirates has announced crucial updates to its Anti-Money Laundering and Sanctions Rules and Guidance. In a notable move, the revisions specifically address provisions related to digital assets, bringing them in line with the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) Travel Rule. These changes hold significant implications for entities falling under the purview of the AML Rulebook.
The revisions, as highlighted by Cryptos Consultancy CEO Ali Jamal, notably refine provisions related to wire transfers, explicitly enforcing the FATF’s Travel Rule on digital assets. This move is poised to impact both authorized firms in the financial sector and designated non-financial businesses and professions. Jamal emphasized that these changes aim to enhance clarity and alignment with the UAE’s robust federal regulatory framework against money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing. The revisions ensure strict compliance with targeted financial sanctions, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to combating illicit financial activities.
The detailed amendments outline explicit definitions for digital assets within the existing payment methods, solidifying the FSRA’s stance on incorporating emerging financial technologies into its regulatory framework.