goAML Registration in the UAE: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're required to report suspicious activities in the UAE, registering on the goAML portal is the way to go. This portal, set up by the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), helps businesses and compliance officers comply with anti-money laundering laws.

If you're a compliance officer, the goAML login UAE is where you can manage your reports and monitor suspicious activity reports across your organization. If you haven't registered yet or have any related questions, you will find your answers in this goAML registration guide.

What is goAML in the UAE?

The goAML system is a platform developed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to help governments detect and prevent money laundering. It allows Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) to collect, analyze, and manage reports of suspicious financial activities.

In the UAE, the goAML portal is used by the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to receive and review reports from banks and other financial institutions. The system helps authorities identify potential financial crimes and ensures compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.

What is goAML Registration?

goAML registration UAE is the process by which businesses and financial institutions in the UAE sign up on the goAML portal to report suspicious financial activities. This registration is mandatory to ensure compliance with AML laws in the UAE.

To access the goAML system and start submitting reports in the UAE, you’ll need to use the goAML login UAE page to enter your credentials securely. The UAE goAML login page provides a straightforward interface for authorized users to access the system and fulfill regulatory requirements.

Who Needs to Register?

All Financial Institutions (FIs), such as banks, insurance companies, and exchange houses, and Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs), including real estate firms, auditors, law firms, and dealers in precious metals and stones, must register on goAML.

Legal Requirements

According to UAE Federal Decree-Law No. (20) of 2018 and Cabinet Decision No. (10) of 2019, registered entities must:

• Sign up on the goAML portal to report suspicious transactions.

• Appoint a Compliance Officer to oversee AML/CFT measures.

• Implement AML policies such as customer due diligence (CDD), employee training, and transaction monitoring.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to register or comply with AML laws in the UAE can result in heavy fines ranging from AED 50,000 to AED 5 million per violation.

How to Rectify Late or Failed Registration

If a business has missed the registration deadline or failed to register, it should complete the registration process as soon as possible. The Ministry of Economy has indicated that registrations are still being accepted, even after the initial deadline.

To rectify the situation, the business should:

1. Complete the registration documentation.

2. Submit required documents

3. Seek professional assistance

Why Register on the goAML Portal in the UAE?

Registering on the goAML portal is a legal requirement for certain businesses in the UAE. If you don't register, your organization could face fines ranging from AED 50,000 to AED 5 million, so it’s important to stay compliant.

The goAML system helps track suspicious activities, making the financial system more transparent and safe.

Also, once you're registered, you'll get updates on any changes to regulations, so you can stay informed and compliant with the latest rules.

Who Should Register with goAML System in UAE?

All FIs, DNFBPs, and Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) must complete their registration on the goAML portal. A non-exhaustive list includes a) all banking institutions operating within the UAE, b) all firms offering life and general insurance services, c) all businesses involved in currency exchange and remittance services d) all individuals and companies facilitating property transactions.

UAE goAML Registration Deadline

The Ministry of Economy initially sat the deadline for UAE FIU registration on the goAML portal as March 31, 2021, for organizations that were in operation on that date, but this deadline was later extended to April 30, 2021.

Organizations that missed this deadline can still register with the goAML system.

Newly established companies in the UAE after the deadline must complete their registration with goAML once they receive their Commercial or Trade License.

goAML Registration Types in the UAE

The registration options on the goAML system in the UAE offers three specific types of registration options (based on the role and responsibility of the entity or individual): a) reporting entity b) stakeholder c) supervisory body.

What Are the Documents Required for goAML Registration in the UAE?

Entities have different requirements than that of individuals.

For Entities:

1. A letter from your organization authorizing the individual to act on its behalf for goAML registration UAE.

2. Copies of the authorized signatory's passport, Emirates ID, and resident visa.

3. A copy of your organization's commercial or trade license.

4. Download the 'Google Authenticator' application on your phone. This app provides a password for the SACM protection system, which changes every minute.

For Individuals (Persons):

1. A copy of your Emirates ID or passport.

2. A letter from your employer confirming your employment status.

3. Download the 'Google Authenticator' application on your phone. The app generates a unique code/secret key. This code will be used as your password to log into the goAML portal.

Step-by-Step Guide to Register on the goAML Portal in UAE

The purpose of this goAML registration guide is to assist you through the registration process!

1. How to Access the goAML Portal

• Visit the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit's official website:

• Navigate to the goAML section to access the registration portal.

• Click on the "Register" option.

• Select the appropriate registration type:
  • Reporting Entity
  • Stakeholder
  • Supervisory Body

• Complete the required fields with accurate information.

2. Entity Registration Process

• Enter your organization's trade license number, trade name, and sector.

• Prepare and upload the following documents:
  • Commercial Trade License
  • Passport Copy
  • Emirates ID
  • Resident Visa
  • Authorization Letter (if applicable)

• Designate a Compliance Officer within your organization.

• Provide their personal details and contact information.

3. Person Registration Process

• If you are a Compliance Officer, select “Register as a Person”.

• Fill in your personal details and upload your Emirates ID or passport copy.

• Provide an Employment Verification Letter from your company.

• Once registered, link your profile to the relevant organization in the system to manage compliance tasks.

4. Verification and Approval

• After submitting, your registration will be reviewed by the relevant authority.

• Ensure all details are correct to avoid delays.

• The approval process may take a few business days.

• You will receive an email notification about your registration status.

• If your application is rejected, review the feedback.

• Make necessary corrections and resubmit the application.

goAML Portal User Roles: Setup, Disable, and Deregister

Managing users and access rights on the goAML portal is essential for security and compliance.

Setting Access Rights for Users

To set access rights for users, log in as an admin, go to the "User Management" section, and assign roles based on the user’s responsibilities. Regularly review and adjust these permissions to ensure proper access.

Disabling an Active User

To disable a user, log in as an admin, go to "User Management," select the user you want to deactivate, and click "Deactivate" or "Delete." Confirm the action to disable the account.

Do I need to register separately as a person if my organization is already registered?

If you’re listed as the Compliance Officer for your organization, you don’t need to register separately as an individual. Your details are already included in the organization’s registration.

Is it possible to add more users to the goAML portal?

Yes, you can add more users. Log in as an admin, go to "User Management," click "Add User," and fill in the required details. Assign roles and save the new user.

How to Deregister from the goAML Portal

To deregister, log in as an admin, go to the "Active Organizations" or "Active Users" section, select the entity or user, and click "Revoke" or "Deactivate." Confirm the action to complete the process.

goAML Registration and Reporting Requirements

goAML Reporting Requirements

Before you can start reporting suspicious activities, it’s necessary to complete the UAE goAML login and verify your organization’s details. So, i n the UAE, businesses must submit the following reports through the goAML portal in the required formats within the timelines set by the UAEFIU.

• Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs)

• Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs)

• Large Cash Transaction Reports (LCTRs)

goAML Certificate & Registration Approval

goAML does not provide a formal registration goAML certificate but upon successful registration, businesses will receive a confirmation email from the UAE FIU as proof of registration.

To verify your registration:

• Log in to the goAML portal.

• Go to "My Profile" to check your registration status.

Is SACM Registration Required?

SACM registration (Sanctions and Compliance Monitoring) is required and it does allow businesses to access the goAML portal for reporting suspicious activities related to money laundering.

Conclusion

The goAML portal, created by the UNODC, helps combat money laundering and enables the UAE's FIU, which collaborates with local and international partners to enhance efforts against financial crimes, to efficiently analyze suspicious transaction reports from financial institutions and businesses.

After completing the goAML UAE login, users can easily navigate the portal to file reports, update information, and ensure their organization meets all necessary compliance standards. For authorized users, the goAML UAE login serves as the secure entry point to monitor, analyze, and report financial activities in compliance with the UAE’s AML laws.