The Top 10  Most Difficult Countries for Identity Verification

The Top 10  Most Difficult Countries for Identity Verification

Download Report

    n-img-roi-cross

    Before You Go, Schedule Your Free Demo Today

    Valid Invalid number


    Note: Fields marked with an asterisk(*) are mandatory.

    n-exit-img-roi-cross

    Thank you for your demo request

    We appreciate your interest and look forward to discussing how our solution can meet your needs. Expect to hear from us shortly with scheduling details.

    Close

    us

    3.15.3.240

    UAE to Step Up AML Measures to Avoid FATF’s Gray List

    2022-01-17 news 1

    After FATF’s warning to grey list the UAE for AML failures, the region is set to step up compliance efforts to avoid becoming part of global watchlists.

    Last week, Bloomberg revealed that discussions are underway to grey list the United Arab Emirates since the country failed to identify and curb money laundering risks. That being said, UAE has dramatically stepped up its efforts to fight financial crimes like terror financing and money laundering. 

    UAE was seen as a magnet for financial crimes for a long time and back in April 2020, the global financial watchdog FATF warned the region to work closely on its AML protocols and strengthen compliance in vulnerable sectors. 

    “We took the recommendations on board and started to change,” Ahmed Al Sayegh, minister of state at the foreign ministry, said during an interview with the Financial Times. “We believe we have made significant progress – the bar has been set very high.”

    According to Western officials, the UAE has made progress but it still cannot avoid being on the grey list. FATF’s grey list currently has 23 countries, including Yemen, Syria, Panama, and Zimbabwe. For the UAE, the decision is yet to be finalised. 

    Al Sayegh, who is a part of the AML task force, said, “Regardless of the outcome, we now have an action plan”. The United States describes the rapidly growing economy of UAE as “transshipment point for illegal narcotics and a master key for drug revenue”. Dubai is a tax-free location making it convenient for criminals to hide illicit funds, especially in the state’s flourishing real estate sector and gemstone market. 

    Bankers find it unlikely to deter financial institutions that seek to establish in the UAE if it is placed on the grey list. However, reputational damage costs might increase for local banks with a global clientele. “It wouldn’t be a deal breaker, but it’s not something we would like to see,” an official said.

    FATF’s executive secretary, David Lewis (who resigned last year) said, “The UAE is a large, complex jurisdiction, it is a connection point for many illicit funds, but they have a high level of political commitment to deal with this and they have shown this to the FATF. He added that even though the UAE avoids the grey list, “they [will still] have challenges and more work to do, I’m sure.

    Suggested Read: UAE Government Stepping Up Against Prevalent Crimes

    Related Posts

    News

    Compliance Institute of Nigeria (CIN) to Up its Game in Addressing AML/CTF Gaps

    With threats of financial fraud emerging across the globe, the Compliance Institute of Nigeria (C...

    Compliance Institute of Nigeria (CIN) to Up its Game in Addressing AML/CTF Gaps Explore More

    News

    Cabinet Pressurizing BVI to Improve its Financial Laws

    Many international financial regulatory bodies have pointed fingers at BVI’s financial service in...

    Cabinet Pressurizing BVI to Improve its Financial Laws Explore More

    News

    Shufti Crosses One More Milestone With Its New Ukraine Office

    May 2021 – As part of our plan for global expansion, Shufti is thrilled to announce the...

    Shufti Crosses One More Milestone With Its New Ukraine Office Explore More

    News

    Aussies Lost Record-breaking $851 million During COVID-19: ACCC Reports

    Amid the pandemic, Australians lost a record-breaking amount of $851 million in 2020. According t...

    Aussies Lost Record-breaking $851 million During COVID-19: ACCC Reports Explore More

    News

    FinTech in Malaysia is Improving Due to Friendly Regulations

    Malaysia has taken a user-friendly approach to adapt to financial regulations as it is working to...

    FinTech in Malaysia is Improving Due to Friendly Regulations Explore More

    News

    Amazon patents block chain-based product authenticator

    The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office approved Amazon’s three-year-old “Distributed ledger certifi...

    Amazon patents block chain-based product authenticator Explore More

    News

    Central banks urged to introduce digital alternatives to cash

    According to a recent report from Positive Money, Central banks across the globe should issue a d...

    Central banks urged to introduce digital alternatives to cash Explore More

    News

    Scammers Set to Defraud this Holiday Season, FBI Warns!

    This holiday season, New Mexican shoppers are at risk of facing scammers. Criminals are all set t...

    Scammers Set to Defraud this Holiday Season, FBI Warns! Explore More

    News

    UK’s Victoria Gate Casino Fined $613K over AML Failings

    The Source of funds for 10 customers were left unidentified by UK’s Victoria Gate Casino, resulti...

    UK’s Victoria Gate Casino Fined $613K over AML Failings Explore More

    News

    EU’s decision to ban Facial Recognition for five years divides the tech giants

    Facial recognition is emerging as a conflicting technology causing key disagreement among the wor...

    EU’s decision to ban Facial Recognition for five years divides the tech giants Explore More

    News

    Taiwanese Crypto Exchange Platform Under Investigation for Money Laundering

    Taiwanese crypto exchange platform and a member of the Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP), Bit...

    Taiwanese Crypto Exchange Platform Under Investigation for Money Laundering Explore More

    News

    Southern District of New York Alleges Danske Bank against Serious AML Scandal

    SDNY sentences Danske Bank with three years of probation on the tale of whistleblowing and mislea...

    Southern District of New York Alleges Danske Bank against Serious AML Scandal Explore More

    News

    MEPs Disclose Plans To Crack Down On Money Laundering – AMLA Reports

    The civil liberties and economic affairs committees discussed the plan to establish an EU Authori...

    MEPs Disclose Plans To Crack Down On Money Laundering – AMLA Reports Explore More

    News

    “Online Trading Platforms to Become a New Hub for Investment Scams” Warns FCA

    FCA warns that investment scams are increasing in the UK via online means of trading platforms an...

    “Online Trading Platforms to Become a New Hub for Investment Scams” Warns FCA Explore More

    News

    Hong Kong Custom Busts Money Laundering Ring Accused of Smuggling HK$170M

    Investigators suspect that the criminal gang laundered part of the cash through casinos in Macau....

    Hong Kong Custom Busts Money Laundering Ring Accused of Smuggling HK$170M Explore More

    News

    UK watchdogs launch ad-scam alert system to control online fraud

    The United Kingdom Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and the Internet Advertising Office (IAB...

    UK watchdogs launch ad-scam alert system to control online fraud Explore More

    News

    Enhancing Transparency and Beneficial Ownership in the Fight Against Trade-Based Money Laundering

    Criminals use trade-based money laundering (TBML) to move illicit money across jurisdictions. TBM...

    Enhancing Transparency and Beneficial Ownership in the Fight Against Trade-Based Money Laundering Explore More

    News

    OCBC Fines Money Laundering Suspect $19.7million

    The Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC) has fined the individuals involved in Singapore’s ...

    OCBC Fines Money Laundering Suspect $19.7million Explore More

    News

    SFC Imposed a HK$9 Fine on RIFA Future for KYC Failings

    RIFA Limited was charged by the domestic regulatory authority of Hong Kong, the Securities and Fu...

    SFC Imposed a HK$9  Fine on RIFA Future for KYC Failings Explore More

    News

    Rabobank’s Profits Drop Over Shut Down in Russia and Increased AML Costs

    Dutch Cooperative Rabobank revealed that its profit plunged more than a quarter in the first half...

    Rabobank’s Profits Drop Over Shut Down in Russia and Increased AML Costs Explore More

    News

    Low-orbit internet banking fraud claim supposed to be a bunch of space junk

    A case of supposed low-orbit digital banking fraud has taken a turn, with the US Attorney’s...

    Low-orbit internet banking fraud claim supposed to be a bunch of space junk Explore More

    News

    Hong Kong Licenses Crypto Exchanges, Limiting Services to Professional Investors

    Digital currency exchanges in Hong Kong will be obliged to apply for a license prior to offering ...

    Hong Kong Licenses Crypto Exchanges, Limiting Services to Professional Investors Explore More

    News

    SA’s Healthcare Organizations Become the Latest Prey for Cybercriminals

    COVID-19 pandemic has paved the way for cybercriminals to target South Africa’s healthcare organi...

    SA’s Healthcare Organizations Become the Latest Prey for Cybercriminals Explore More

    News

    Global OCR market expected to reach $70 billion by 2030

    The global OCR market is expected to grow at the CAGR of 15% from 2020 to 2030, reaching USD 70 b...

    Global OCR market expected to reach $70 billion by 2030 Explore More

    News

    RBI Allows Multinational Banks to Retain Limited Data Abroad for AML Screening

    KYC data can be retained in offshore bank branches for the purpose of sanctions and AML screening...

    News

    Ransomware attack exposes 1.5TB of stolen aerospace data

    ST Engineering Aerospace’s US subsidiary experienced a ransomware attack that extracted about 1.5...

    Ransomware attack exposes 1.5TB of stolen aerospace data Explore More

    News

    Caterina Giorgi Demands Age Verification Laws for Online Alcohol Businesses

    Caterina Giorgi, CEO of the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), has highlighted...

    Caterina Giorgi Demands Age Verification Laws for Online Alcohol Businesses Explore More

    News

    International Student Sues Commonwealth Bank for Money Laundering Scam

    An Indonesian student and her family sued the Commonwealth Bank as they lost millions of dollars ...

    International Student Sues Commonwealth Bank for Money Laundering Scam Explore More

    News

    Binance Pulls Out its Rival Exchange Huobi from Money Laundering Attempt

    Binance helped its rival crypto exchange, Huobi Global, recover the amount taken in a bridge expl...

    Binance Pulls Out its Rival Exchange Huobi from Money Laundering Attempt Explore More

    News

    India to Introduce Physical Cryptocurrency Bank Branches

    India has been rapidly adopting the changes in the digital world and introducing physical banks f...

    India to Introduce Physical Cryptocurrency Bank Branches Explore More

    News

    Nigeria’s Senate Passes Bill to Tighten Money Laundering Rules

    Nigeria’s Senate has passed a bill that is aimed at improving the country’s money laundering regu...

    Nigeria’s Senate Passes Bill to Tighten Money Laundering Rules Explore More

    News

    International CBI Sharpen Focus on Due Diligence Procedures in Light of Global Risks

    Discussion by renowned experts of major due diligence agencies in the PWM virtual panel highlight...

    International CBI Sharpen Focus on Due Diligence Procedures in Light of Global Risks Explore More

    News

    Lawyers in Malta Lag Behind in Complying with AML Measures

    Malta obliged the various sectors to comply with risk assessment measures. According to the Finan...

    Lawyers in Malta Lag Behind in Complying with AML Measures Explore More

    News

    Shufti Nominated for Yalla Fintech 2020 Award

    Shufti, an identity verification service provider offering KYC verification and AML screening...

    Shufti Nominated for Yalla Fintech 2020 Award Explore More

    News

    UAE Central Bank Issues New Anti-Money Laundering Guidelines

    The Central Bank stated that all financial institutions have a month to comply with the new AML g...

    UAE Central Bank Issues New Anti-Money Laundering Guidelines Explore More

    News

    CBN Introduces Guidelines to Curb Money Laundering in the Financial Sector

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued guidelines on anti-money laundering and combating th...

    CBN Introduces Guidelines to Curb Money Laundering in the Financial Sector Explore More

    News

    UAE Deploys Hi-Tech Measures to Combat Money Laundering

    The UAE has intensified its measures in the fight against money laundering and terrorism financin...

    UAE Deploys Hi-Tech Measures to Combat Money Laundering Explore More

    News

    FATF applauds Korea’s AML and CFT efforts

    According to the FATF, Korea features a sound legal framework to tackle money concealment and ter...

    FATF applauds Korea’s AML and CFT efforts Explore More

    News

    FATF Highlights “Important Progress” in Colombia’s Anti-Money Laundering Reforms

    A follow-up report from FATF (Financial Action Task Force) reveals that Colombia has significantl...

    FATF Highlights “Important Progress” in Colombia’s Anti-Money Laundering Reforms Explore More

    News

    MEF Implements New Tax Rules on Commercial Gambling Businesses to Curb Financial Crime

    The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) brought about new tax rules on commercial gambling busi...

    MEF Implements New Tax Rules on Commercial Gambling Businesses to Curb Financial Crime Explore More

    News

    FCA Raises Major Concerns about Investing in Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)

    The FCA highlighted the significant risk associated with the Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTS) which may...

    FCA Raises Major Concerns about Investing in Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) Explore More

    News

    US DOJ Files Cases to Stop Russian Money Laundering Networks

    The US DOJ (Department of Justice) filed two cases in the latest action to disrupt money launderi...

    US DOJ Files Cases to Stop Russian Money Laundering Networks Explore More

    News

    Money Laundering to Remain a Significant Challenge with Spike in Online Crime

    Senior officers of Garda have indicated the rapidly rising problem of money laundering as the big...

    Money Laundering to Remain a Significant Challenge with Spike in Online Crime Explore More

    News

    FATF Warns Many Countries Continue to Face Challenges in Meeting Virtual Asset Regulations

    Approximately 75% of FATF member countries fail to adhere to or only partially comply with Recomm...

    FATF Warns Many Countries Continue to Face Challenges in Meeting Virtual Asset Regulations Explore More

    News

    Credit Suisse Settles French Tax Fraud & Money Laundering Probes for €238 Million

    Credit Suisse accepted a settlement of 238 million euros to resolve a tax scam and money launderi...

    Credit Suisse Settles French Tax Fraud & Money Laundering Probes for €238 Million Explore More

    News

    Centra Tech’s Operator Sentenced a Year in Prison for ICO Fraud

    Robert Farkas has been arrested and charged with the lightest sentenced felony for his part in Ce...

    Centra Tech’s Operator Sentenced a Year in Prison for ICO Fraud Explore More

    News

    US Regulators Worried about the Rise in Synthetic Identity Fraud

    Synthetic identity fraud, a financial crime in the USA, is on the rise. This has concerned the Un...

    US Regulators Worried about the Rise in Synthetic Identity Fraud Explore More

    News

    Nigerian Central Bank Announces Latest Guidelines to Combat Money Laundering

    The Central Bank of Nigeria ordered all customers to link their Bank Verification Number (BVN) an...

    Nigerian Central Bank Announces Latest Guidelines to Combat Money Laundering Explore More

    News

    EFCC Warns Financial Crime is Thriving in Real Estate

    According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, real estate companies are requir...

    EFCC Warns Financial Crime is Thriving in Real Estate Explore More

    News

    Joint ATO Operation Busts $137m Fraud Ring

    The Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Serious Financial Crime Taskforce (SFCT) have jointly i...

    Joint ATO Operation Busts $137m Fraud Ring Explore More

    News

    Kenyan Authorities Freeze Accounts of Two Nigerian Companies for Allegedly Laundering Sh6 billion

    Kenyan authorities have frozen accounts containing Sh45 million belonging to two Nigerian compani...

    Kenyan Authorities Freeze Accounts of Two Nigerian Companies for Allegedly Laundering Sh6 billion Explore More

    News

    Delta county bank president guilty of bank fraud

    SHERMAN Texas – According to U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox, A 57-year-old former bank presid...

    Delta county bank president guilty of bank fraud Explore More

    News

    Equifax Survey shows Britain Prefers Biometric Verification

    Credit reporting agency, Equifax, reports that Brits are much more open to adopting biometric aut...

    Equifax Survey shows Britain Prefers Biometric Verification Explore More

    News

    New Jersey Hospital System Hit By a Ransomware Attack

    One of the largest hospital systems of New Jersey has reported that it was hit by a ransomware at...

    New Jersey Hospital System Hit By a Ransomware Attack Explore More

    News

    Philippines AMLC Releases New Study for Suspicious Transactions Linked to Casino Junkets

    The Philippines AMLC has officially published the latest study on suspicious transactions linked ...

    Philippines AMLC Releases New Study for Suspicious Transactions Linked to Casino Junkets Explore More

    News

    Crown Casinos Fined $450 Million for AML Failures

    Casino operator Crown should pay a fine of $450 million for 546 violations of anti-money launderi...

    Crown Casinos Fined $450 Million for AML Failures Explore More

    News

    Joint US-Spanish Operation Broke a Multi-Million Euro Credit Card Scam

    The US Secret Service and Spanish police were working together on an operation when they shut dow...

    Joint US-Spanish Operation Broke a Multi-Million Euro Credit Card Scam Explore More

    News

    UAE Issues Deadline for Businesses to Register for AML System

    The Ministry of Economy has highlighted the businesses that must register for the AML system. All...

    UAE Issues Deadline for Businesses to Register for AML System Explore More

    News

    Shufti Bagged “Product Leader” Award with 92% Customer Satisfaction

    Shufti, an AI-powered identity verification services provider has won the Product Leader 2020...

    Shufti Bagged “Product Leader” Award with 92% Customer Satisfaction Explore More

    News

    US government favours a hands-off approach to AI’s regulation

    The white house listed 10 principles that federal agencies should consider when drafting laws and...

    US government favours a hands-off approach to AI’s regulation Explore More

    News

    UK Gambling Commission Charges Kindred Brand $8.7M over AML Shortcomings

    The UK Gambling Commission has charged the Kindred Group with a hefty £4.19-million (US$5.15 mill...

    UK Gambling Commission Charges Kindred Brand $8.7M over AML Shortcomings Explore More

    News

    US Regulators to Sharpen AML Expectations For Crypto Sector

    The US regulators are increasing the AML compliance expectations within the crypto sector to ensu...

    US Regulators to Sharpen AML Expectations For Crypto Sector Explore More

    News

    Dutch Central Bank Strikes Coinbase with €3.3 Million Fine over Anti-Money Laundering Failings

    The Dutch Central Bank (DeNederlandscheBank) has charged Coinbase for having ineffective anti-mon...

    Dutch Central Bank Strikes Coinbase with €3.3 Million Fine over Anti-Money Laundering Failings Explore More

    News

    UAE Levies Charges Over DH115 Million to Combat Money Laundering

    A total of Dh115 million ($31.3 million) has been fined by the UAE in its efforts to impede money...

    UAE Levies Charges Over DH115 Million to Combat Money Laundering Explore More

    News

    Cambridge University Hospital Breach Exposes Data of Cancer and Pregnancy Patients

    The Cambridge University Hospital admitted they mistakenly leaked over 22,000 pregnant women and ...

    Cambridge University Hospital Breach Exposes Data of Cancer and Pregnancy Patients Explore More

    News

    US Shows Conflicts with China at First Financial Meeting

    In a recent financial working group meeting, the US Treasury raised disagreements with China, whe...

    US Shows Conflicts with China at First Financial Meeting Explore More

    News

    Philippine Senator Files an Anti-Online Gambling Bill Aiming to Curb Financial Crimes

    Philippine Senator Joel Villanueva filed a bill imposing a ban on online gambling to prevent fina...

    Philippine Senator Files an Anti-Online Gambling Bill Aiming to Curb Financial Crimes Explore More

    News

    SA’s Healthcare Organizations Become the Latest Prey for Cybercriminals

    COVID-19 pandemic has paved the way for cybercriminals to target South Africa’s healthcare organi...

    SA’s Healthcare Organizations Become the Latest Prey for Cybercriminals Explore More

    News

    FEMA Confirms Seizure of 288 Crore Funds of Chinese-owned NBFC

    The FEMA has confirmed the seizure of 288 crores worth of funds of a “Chinese-owned” ...

    FEMA Confirms Seizure of 288 Crore Funds of Chinese-owned NBFC Explore More

    News

    The Rise of FinTech Services can Spur Financial Risk: Says U.S. Bank Regulator

    According to the US bank regulator, banks and the fintech alliance for a seamless customer experi...

    The Rise of FinTech Services can Spur Financial Risk: Says U.S. Bank Regulator Explore More

    News

    The Anti-Money Laundering Solution Market is Expected to Double by 2025

    According to the latest AML solution market report 2020-2026, the post coronavirus pandemic had a...

    The Anti-Money Laundering Solution Market is Expected to Double by 2025 Explore More

    News

    Capital One Penalized $390M for ‘Willful’ Violation of the Bank Secrecy Act

    Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has imposed $390 million as penalty on Capital One ...

    Capital One Penalized $390M for ‘Willful’ Violation of the Bank Secrecy Act Explore More

    Take the next steps to better security.

    Contact us

    Get in touch with our experts. We'll help you find the perfect solution for your compliance and security needs.

    Contact us

    Request demo

    Get free access to our platform and try our products today.

    Get started