- Home
- Regulatory Reporting
Regulatory Compliance and Reporting Services in the UAE
The UAE has emerged as a premier finance and international business hub, offering a well-established regulatory framework that ensures operational integrity and legal transparency. Regulated zones such as Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) are governed by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), and the Central Bank of the UAE, which uphold rigorous licensing and reporting standards.
Understanding and fulfilling compliance obligations is essential for any company seeking to establish or grow operations in the UAE. Non-compliance can result in regulatory penalties, reputational harm, or even the suspension of business activities.
Engaging with the UAE’s evolving compliance environment demonstrates a commitment to ethical conduct, effective risk management, and adherence to international norms, including AML/CFT protocols, economic substance reporting, and financial transparency. In today’s interconnected economy, staying compliant is a business advantage.
Gatestone Group provides end-to-end support for firms seeking to maintain regulatory compliance in the UAE. Our services are built around practical needs, from assisting with AML/CFT obligations and VAT filing to preparing economic substance reports and UBO declarations.
Our experienced team assists in understanding UAE laws, preparing detailed reports, and submitting everything on time, so your organisation stays compliant and geared for steady growth.
Key Regulatory Frameworks Covered
Running a business in the UAE means staying on top of the country’s evolving rules. Here’s a simple guide to the most important compliance areas your company needs to follow.
According to Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018, finance, law, real estate, and precious metals companies must uphold strict AML and CFT compliance measures.
Organisational duties include:
✔ Implementing a risk-based AML framework
✔ Filing Suspicious Transaction and Activity Reports (STRs and SARs), when required
✔ Appointing a qualified AML Compliance Officer (MLRO Role
✔ Ensuring regular employee training and internal policy updates
Adhering to these requirements mitigates legal risk and reinforces the organisation’s credibility with clients and regulators.
Under UAE regulations, companies must identify and report any individuals who ultimately own or control at least 25% of the entity, unless an exemption applies.
What businesses must do:
✔ Identify and verify UBOs at the time of registration and during ownership changes
✔ Submit the UBO Declaration Form to the relevant authority
✔ Maintain accurate and updated records for regulatory audits
Proper UBO compliance enhances transparency, supports international anti-financial crime standards, and reduces enforcement risk.
As part of its commitment to international financial standards, the UAE participates in FATCA and CRS reporting to ensure cross-border tax transparency. It requires financial institutions to report account information for foreign tax residents.
Compliance obligations include:
✔ Classifying the business under FATCA/CRS regulations
✔ Collecting, verifying, and reporting financial account data annually
✔ Registering with the UAE’s Ministry of Finance to fulfil filing obligations
Non-compliance may result in international reporting restrictions, financial penalties, and loss of investor trust.
Compliance Process with Gatestone Group
Here's how we support you throughout the compliance lifecycle:
We'll review your current setup, identify regulatory blind spots, and explain your reporting responsibilities. Whether you're based in DIFC, ADGM, or the Mainland, we ensure your approach fits your sector.
Our role doesn’t end at recommendations. We help you prepare and file everything from AML compliance reports to economic substance forms, ensuring accuracy, proper formatting, and timely submission.
Regulatory requirements in the UAE can change quickly. That's why we offer continuous guidance, training, and updates to ensure you never fall out of step. Think of us as your on-call compliance team.
Why Choose Gatestone Group for Regulatory Compliance
Let Gatestone Group help you stay on top of compliance and confidently manage future regulatory challenges. Here’s why businesses across sectors trust us with their compliance and reporting obligations:
Our team brings an extensive understanding of the UAE regulatory framework. We ensure that your operations meet the most current regulatory requirements.
We assess your business structure, reporting obligations, and risk profile to create compliance programmes tailored to your needs and sector.
We help you reduce compliance risks by managing documentation, meeting deadlines, and preparing your team for inspections, ensuring your operations remain aligned and penalty-free.
Get in Touch Today
Reach out to our consultants for tailored guidance on:
✔ Prudential reporting and capital adequacy frameworks
✔ AML compliance submissions via goAML
✔ FATCA, CRS, and UBO declaration requirements
✔ Policy and documentation review
Let us help you stay ahead of regulatory changes and avoid costly non-compliance penalties.