The AML Compliance Burden on UAE Real Estate Firms

The UAE’s real estate sector is under increasing regulatory scrutiny due to its exposure to money laundering risks, particularly via high‑value property transactions. As Designated Non‑Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs), real estate firms must now fully comply with:

  • Federal Decree Law No. (20) of 2018 on AML/CFT
  • Cabinet Decision No. (10) of 2019
  • Ministry of Economy Circulars, including obligations to:
    • Submit REAR (Real Estate Activity Reports)
    • Conduct customer due diligence (CDD)
    • Perform ongoing monitoring
    • Maintain internal AML policies
    • Conduct risk assessments

For many firms, manually managing this is not only resource‑intensive—it puts them at risk of non-compliance penalties, which include heavy fines and reputational damage.

What WinGuardAML Offers for Real Estate Compliance

WinGuardAML is a UAE-built AML compliance software solution tailored to meet the unique needs of DNFBPs, especially real estate brokers, developers, and leasing agents. Here’s how it empowers firms to comply confidently and efficiently:

1. Automated Customer Screening (KYC)

Real estate firms can screen individuals and entities against:

  • Global Sanctions Lists (UN, OFAC, UK HMT, EU)
  • Domestic watchlists
  • PEP (Politically Exposed Persons) databases
  • Adverse Media

The system supports bulk screening, document uploads, and a clear risk categorization dashboard for all onboarded clients.

2. Ongoing Monitoring of Registered Customers

Instead of one-time checks, WinGuardAML enables ongoing due diligence, flagging any changes in customer risk profiles (e.g., appearing on a new sanctions list) through real-time alerts and logs—essential for maintaining ongoing compliance.

3. Integrated REAR Submission Module

WinGuardAML includes an option to automatically generate and upload the Real Estate Activity Report (REAR) to the Ministry of Economy’s goAML portal, ensuring you never miss your reporting obligations.

This feature simplifies the process of complying with Circular No. 5 of 2022, which mandates REAR filing for certain transactions exceeding AED 55,000 in cash.

4. Risk-Based Assessment Tools

The platform allows compliance teams to assess and assign risk ratings to:

  • Buyers
  • Sellers
  • Intermediaries
  • Transactions

This aligns with the risk-based approach mandated under UAE AML law and helps in internal audits and inspections.

5. Audit Trail & Documentation Management

Every action within WinGuardAML is logged for future reference, enabling firms to:

  • Respond confidently to Ministry inspections
  • Maintain an audit-ready environment
  • Centralize compliance documentation (ID, utility bills, source of funds, etc.)
Why Real Estate Firms Are Choosing WinGuardAML

With increasing pressure from the Executive Office of AML/CFT, real estate firms are shifting from spreadsheet-based compliance to tech-driven automation. WinGuardAML is helping these businesses:

  • Save time on manual reporting
  • Reduce the risk of fines and violations
  • Stay ahead of policy changes and reporting deadlines
  • Strengthen credibility with banks, auditors, and regulators
Build a Culture of Compliance—Without the Complexity

Whether you’re a brokerage firm, developer, or leasing company, compliance is no longer optional. WinGuardAML simplifies the process, giving your team the tools to screen, monitor, report, and document—all in one secure platform.