Abu dhabi: The National Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing Committee (NAMLCFTPC) announced the performance indicators of the UAE's national AML/CFT/CPF framework for 2025, which were approved by the Higher Committee for Oversight of the National Strategy during its most recent meeting yesterday.
According to Emirates News Agency, the results demonstrate the UAE's continued commitment to a risk-based and sustainable approach to addressing financial crime threats. The national efforts have been enhanced through strengthened coordination, integration, and an ability to measure impact and improve performance with accurate indicators. Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE and Chair of the National Committee, emphasized the progress in implementing the National Strategy for Anti-Money Laundering and reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to a secure global financial environment.
The 2025 performance indicators carry strategic importance following significant legislative and regulatory reforms, including Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025. This legal framework has fortified governance arrangements and elevated the UAE's financial competitiveness. Balama expressed appreciation to the National Committee members and strategic partners for their role in achieving significant milestones.
Hamid Saif Al Zaabi, Secretary-General and Vice Chair of the National Committee, affirmed the UAE's commitment to enhancing its national AML/CFT/CPF framework in line with FATF Standards. International cooperation was strengthened through experts' meetings and technical exchanges, contributing to global financial crime combat efforts.
During 2025, the UAE strengthened its position as a trusted global partner. Judicial cooperation and financial intelligence requests increased, with mutual legal assistance requests rising by 4.9% and extradition requests by 25.3%. Pre-emptive freezing orders saw a 46.7% increase, and the value of frozen assets tripled to AED150 million.
In the supervision of financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses, 781 inspections were conducted, resulting in AED384 million in penalties. Suspicious Transaction Reports saw a 28% increase, with banks accounting for 82.2%. In the DNFBP sector, penalties amounted to AED160.33 million.
Beneficial ownership transparency showed progress, with a 91.7% improvement in compliance. Risk-based inspections increased by 54.2%, and beneficial ownership enquiries increased by 43.3%.
In financial intelligence and asset recovery, intelligence packages disseminated increased by 83.7%, and law enforcement money laundering cases rose by 45.8%. Domestic confiscations reached AED4.23 billion, with AED750 million returned to victims.
Counter-terrorist financing saw a 62% increase in suspicious reports, with 56 investigations recorded. The 2025 performance indicators provide a comprehensive assessment of the UAE's AML/CFT/CPF framework, reflecting maturity and development across key areas.