Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance is rapidly evolving in the UAE, and one of its most important components is goAML. If you're a real estate company, staying compliant with goAML isn’t just a legal requirement — it’s essential to maintaining your license, your banking access, and your reputation.
But what exactly is goAML, and why has it become a focal point for real estate firms and other Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs)? This blog explains everything you need to know.
1. What is goAML?
goAML is an advanced digital reporting platform developed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and adopted by the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). It enables registered entities to submit Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) electronically.
The system is designed to combat money laundering and terrorism financing by centralizing and analyzing suspicious financial behavior across sectors.
2. Who Must Register with goAML?
In the UAE, goAML registration is mandatory for both Financial Institutions and DNFBPs. This includes:
- Real estate brokers and agents
- Dealers in precious metals and stones
- Auditors and accountants
- Corporate service providers
Real estate professionals are particularly under scrutiny due to the sector’s exposure to high-value transactions, cash dealings, and international clients.
3. What Are Real Estate Firms Expected to Do?
Once registered, real estate firms are expected to:
- Appoint a Compliance Officer
- Register in two stages: SACM (Service Access Control Manager) and goAML
- Submit STRs/SARs when suspicious behavior is observed
- Maintain internal records and conduct ongoing risk assessments
- Implement Customer Due Diligence (CDD) processes
Failure to comply may result in:
- Regulatory penalties (AED 50,000 to AED 1,000,000)
- License suspension
- Bank account restrictions
4. Common Mistakes in goAML Compliance
Many real estate firms fall short due to:
- Late or missing registration
- Incomplete or unverified documentation
- Lack of internal training on red flags and risk indicators
- Submitting SARs manually with no internal audit trail
In some cases, delays in compliance have led to frozen corporate bank accounts and interrupted transactions.
5. How InfoAML Simplifies goAML Compliance for Real Estate
InfoAML is a compliance platform designed specifically for the UAE market. Here’s how it helps real estate companies stay goAML-ready:
- Internal Risk Flagging & Audit Trail: Document suspicious patterns even before submission
- Pre-SAR/STR Reporting: Generate structured reports to review internally before sending to FIU
- Risk-Based Client Categorization: Automate risk scoring (Low, Medium, High)
- Sanctions & PEP Screening: Real-time checks against UAE and international lists
- Document Management: Store, verify, and track compliance files securely
- Real-Time Compliance Dashboard: Stay informed with alerts, reminders, and logs
Unlike global tools built for banks, InfoAML is purpose-built for UAE DNFBPs, especially in the real estate sector.
goAML is more than just another government portal — it represents a shift toward proactive, tech-enabled compliance in the UAE. For real estate professionals, the time to act is now.
Whether you’re just getting started or need to improve your existing compliance setup, InfoAML gives you the tools to stay ahead of regulatory changes and operate with confidence.
→ Ready to get goAML-ready? [Book a free demo] and let InfoAML show you how simple compliance can be.