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Regulatory & Compliance

Compliance is Your License to Operate.

Navigating the UAE's complex regulatory landscape.

Kenekt provides regulatory compliance advisory in Dubai for UAE businesses subject to AML/CFT obligations, Economic Substance Regulations (ESR), UBO reporting requirements, and UAE Corporate Tax. Non-compliance in the UAE carries heavy fines, licence suspension risk, and in serious cases, criminal liability. We ensure you stay on the right side of the law — and we flag emerging obligations before deadlines arrive.

Our Services

  • AML/CFT Compliance: Frameworks to prevent money laundering risks.
  • ESR Filing: Ensuring you meet the Economic Substance tests for relevant activities.
  • UBO Declarations: Managing Ultimate Beneficial Owner reporting.

The UAE Regulatory Landscape in 2026

The UAE's regulatory environment has transformed significantly since 2020. The introduction of UAE Corporate Tax in June 2023, strengthened AML/CFT enforcement, ongoing ESR obligations, and FATF grey-listing remediation have collectively raised the compliance burden on every business in the country. AML violations alone carry fines up to AED 1 million per breach.

Frequently Asked Questions

AML (Anti-Money Laundering) applies to all UAE businesses and requires KYC procedures,transaction monitoring, and a designated compliance officer. ESR (Economic Substance Regulations) applies specifically to businesses conducting 'Relevant Activities' as defined by Cabinet Resolution No. 57 of 2020 — including banking, insurance, investment fund management, and holding company activities. Not all businesses are subject to ESR; we will assess your activities and advise on your obligations.

UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) registration requires UAE mainland companies to file details of any individual who owns or controls more than 25% of the company. It is mandatory. Failure to maintain an accurate UBO register carries fines and can create complications with banking relationships and regulatory approvals.

Free zone companies are subject to most UAE federal regulations, including AML/CFT obligations, UBO requirements, and UAE Corporate Tax. Free zones like DIFC and ADGM have their own frameworks that operate alongside federal requirements. We map your specific regulatory obligations based on your structure.
Abhijeet Sharma

Abhijeet Sharma

Senior Advisor, Risk Advisory Services, Kenekt

Chartered Accountant (ICAI) | 18 years: EY, KPMG, Grant Thornton, Mazars, MBG Corporate Services

Alan Peter Rajan

Alan Peter Rajan

Senior Manager, Transaction Advisory

MSc Financial Management, University of Manchester | MBA, Curtin University

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