Abu Dhabi:The UAE has launched its third National Risk Assessment, focusing on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism and proliferation.
According to Emirates News Agency, the General Secretariat of the National Committee for Anti-Money Laundering, Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Proliferation announced the initiative during a media briefing at the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. The assessment involves 84 competent authorities and the private sector to enhance understanding of risks, prioritize them, and develop effective policies.
Hamid Saif Al Zaabi, Secretary-General and Vice Chair of the National Anti-Money Laundering Committee, emphasized that the assessment will guide policymaking and resource allocation in tackling financial crime. The process is informed by accumulated national expertise, improved data quality, and better inter-agency coordination.
Dr. Talal Al Tunaiji explained that the Proliferation Financing Risk Assessment Team is analyzing data from various sectors to identify vulnerabilities related to proliferation financing. This includes ensuring compliance with targeted financial sanctions against specific individuals and entities.
Brigadier General Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Ahmad stated that the assessment addresses 21 predicate offenses and over 20 criminal typologies, aiming to understand illicit financial flows and concealment methods. The Money Laundering Threat Assessment Team analyzes data to improve threat identification and resource allocation.
Dr. Ebrahim Al Alkeem Al Zaabi highlighted the comprehensive methodology of the assessment, which combines operational data and sectoral analysis to inform the 2028 National Strategy. Fawzia Al Ali noted that the assessment covers various financial activities and risks, involving federal and local authorities, the private sector, and other stakeholders.
The third assessment cycle builds on previous findings, aiming to enhance the UAE's ability to detect, analyze, and respond to financial risks effectively.