ADGM Anti-Money Laundering and Sanctions Rulebook
- Issuing authority
- Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), Abu Dhabi Global Market
- Effective date
- Current Rulebook updated 21 May 2026.
- Scope
- Relevant Persons operating in or from ADGM, including regulated financial firms and applicable DNFBPs.
Quick Summary
The ADGM AML Rulebook sets the anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, counter-proliferation financing and sanctions requirements for firms operating within the ADGM regulatory framework. It covers areas such as risk assessment, customer due diligence, beneficial ownership, ongoing monitoring, suspicious activity reporting, sanctions controls, governance and record keeping. The Rulebook works alongside the UAE's federal AML legislation, which also applies in ADGM.
Who does it apply to?
- FSRA-authorised financial institutions
- Recognised Bodies
- Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs)
- Other Relevant Persons covered by the Rulebook
What it means
On 21 May 2026, the FSRA finalised amendments to the AML framework following a public consultation. The changes align the ADGM framework with the UAE's new Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, its Executive Regulations and evolving FATF standards. They also update areas including third-party CDD, correspondent banking, electronic fund transfers, virtual-asset transfers and the Travel Rule. The FSRA said the changes should have minimal impact on existing compliance requirements, because much of the framework was already aligned with these standards. The easiest way to understand the ADGM framework is that firms operating in ADGM must consider two layers of AML requirements: UAE federal AML law → establishes the national legal framework. ADGM AML Rulebook → sets out the FSRA's detailed requirements for Relevant Persons operating in ADGM.