Dh339 Million in Fines: Can UAE Trade Finance Afford to Ignore Compliance?
- Zinah Abdaki
- Jul 29
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 12
In the first half of 2025, UAE regulators imposed penalties totalling Dh339 million for anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) failures across the financial sector. These fines affected exchange houses, international bank branches, and insurance firms, reflecting a nationwide push toward stronger compliance enforcement and greater regulatory accountability.
The UAE’s regulatory landscape has entered a new phase, one where expectations are higher, enforcement is more active, and tolerance for non-compliance is minimal. Since exiting the FATF grey list in 2024, the focus has moved from policy alignment to measurable outcomes. In 2025, institutions are not being asked if they’re compliant, but rather how fast, scalable, and transparent their compliance systems are.
For trade finance institutions, the challenge is no longer awareness; it’s adaptability. Compliance failures are now being measured not just by fines, but by how quickly they impact cross-border operations, partner relationships, and overall transaction flow. Global counterparties are exercising greater due diligence, and any perception of weak internal controls risks friction or de-risking.
Operational exposure is immediate: Delays in transaction approvals, tighter scrutiny from correspondent banks, and increased onboarding friction are becoming routine consequences, not exceptions.
Reputational damage moves fast: A single incident can lead to prolonged internal reviews, increased audit frequency, and erosion of long-standing client trust.
Legacy systems are no longer enough: Manual compliance processes struggle to keep pace with real-time regulatory demands, placing institutions without integrated tech solutions at a disadvantage.
This shift in approach is reflected in the conversations taking place across the industry, and at platforms designed to advance them. The Global Trade Finance Expo, taking place on 19-20 November 2025 at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Dubai, brings together senior executives from banks, corporates, ECAs, DFIs, and fintech providers to explore how institutions are navigating compliance, innovation, and operational growth in an increasingly regulated environment.
“At QUBE Events, we believe that meaningful connections are the foundation of business growth. Our goal is to provide a focused and authentic platform where leaders come together, not just to exchange ideas, but to form relationships that stand the test of time. The Global Trade Finance Expo brings this vision to life, where dialogue drives opportunity and collaboration fuels progress.” - Lilly Pavlou, Executive Director of QUBE Events.
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By: Zinah Abdaki, Head of Marketing at QUBE Events
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