The best AML & KYC software solutions in the UAE 2025
- azakaw
- Oct 29
- 14 min read
Business in the UAE is growing rapidly, particularly in the fintech and digital sectors, amid increasing regulatory pressure. As a result, AML and KYC practices are becoming more essential than ever.
Choosing the best AML and KYC software in the UAE is synonymous with reliable expansion, effective operations, and license protection in one of the most cutthroat markets on earth.
This guide compares top AML and KYC solutions in the UAE, examines what UAE-regulated companies should look for, and demonstrates how a cutting-edge platform like azakaw is raising the standard for compliance performance.
Why AML & KYC matter in the UAE
Growing regulatory scrutiny in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region
The UAE has made significant investments to strengthen its financial crime regulations, especially after the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey-list period increased international scrutiny.
Regulatory expectations and enforcement are still high, so businesses must exhibit strong AML systems supported by automation and precise data as the fintech, cryptocurrency, and private wealth sectors grow in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Local compliance requirements: DFSA, FSRA, and CBUAE
Technology decisions made by compliance teams must be in line with their supervisory authority:
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA): companies operating in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) are required to abide by the DFSA Rulebook's AML, Counter Terrorism Financing (CTF), and Sanctions Module.
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA): comply with AML regulations for licensed financial institutions and virtual asset service providers in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and national AML laws: federal regulations, such as internal controls and reporting requirements, for UAE institutions located onshore.
Due to this fragmentation, having workflows that are adaptable and aligned with each rulebook is crucial.
TIP: Learn everything you need about AML compliance in the UAE
Risks of non-compliance in high-growth sectors
Fines/penalties, costs of remediation, suspensions of licenses, harm to market credibility, among many others: the more enforcement activity there is, the more real these consequences become.
Financial institutions want to scale, and regulators anticipate being in charge. Technology connects the two.
What are the key features to look for in AML and KYC software in the UAE?
The top AML software in the UAE must satisfy operational requirements for onboarding, monitoring, and reporting, as well as regulatory expectations:
customer onboarding and identity verification;
real-time AML transaction monitoring;
dynamic risk scoring and automated alerts;
reporting, audit trails, and SAR workflows;
Global + UAE watchlist coverage;
multilingual support
enhanced due diligence;
flexible integrations and scalability.
Customer onboarding and identity verification
Under the UAE’s AML and KYC regulations, companies have to check official IDs like ID or passports during onboarding and run each person or business through global sanctions lists.
As the UAE moves rapidly toward digital banking and eKYC, most onboarding now happens online through real-time verification using tools like biometric scans and AI-based identity checks.
Your KYC onboarding software for the Middle East must support identification documents from all regions of the world, including the UAE.
Real-time AML transaction monitoring
Every payment, transfer, or withdrawal should be automatically checked at the moment it happens, using AI and machine learning to spot anything unusual, such as odd amounts, new locations, sudden spikes in activity, or risky counterparties.
If something looks off, the system should flag it straight away, so compliance teams can review or report it to the Financial Intelligence Unit through the goAML platform.
Dynamic risk scoring and automated alerts
The software should constantly update each person’s or company’s risk rating as new data comes in, such as where they’re sending money, who they’re transacting with, or whether their name shows up on a sanctions list.
If that score jumps up, the system should instantly alert the compliance team to take a closer look. This fits with the UAE’s “risk-based approach” that expects a quick response to suspicious behaviour.
With so much cross-border activity and high transaction volumes, these tools help compliance teams focus on what really needs attention and cut down false positives.
Reporting, audit trails, and SAR workflows
Good AML & KYC software keeps a record of every step the team takes, including:
who reviewed a case;
when they flagged something;
the action they took.
If a transaction looks suspicious, the system helps to prepare and submit a formal Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) through the UAE’s goAML portal.
Global + UAE watchlist coverage
Law enforcement intelligence, sanctions, PEPs, and negative media coverage. The key test is: how effectively does the system localise, reconcile, and refresh data?
This includes checking international databases like the UN, EU or OFAC, as well as UAE-specific lists issued by the Central Bank and Cabinet.
Look for software with real-time updates, as they make sure any new sanctions are caught immediately. Ideally, it should link these checks directly with your risk scoring and reporting tools.
Multilingual and region-specific configuration
Ideally, AML and KYC software should be easy to switch between languages like Arabic and English, so that it handles different alphabets or name spellings.
This way, the software automatically recognises and monitors local documents such as Emirates IDs and UAE business licences.
And, of course, it needs to support compliance frameworks in the DIFC, ADGM, and UAE mainland.
Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD)
Higher-risk clients, such as offshore entities, private wealth, cryptocurrency companies, and cross-border clients, should undergo thorough screening and systematic reviews.
So, if you're choosing a top AML solution in the UAE, our experience and expertise say to us: it needs to provide EDD.
Flexible integrations and scalability
Workflows that change as you expand, CRM compatibility, open APIs, and core banking integration.
No solution will solve everyone's problems. It needs to be tailored to your reality: company size, clients, needs, etc.
Prioritize the regulatory compliance software that fits your needs!
What are the best AML and KYC software solutions in the UAE?
The top AML and KYC software solutions in the UAE are azakaw, ComplyAdvantage, AMLOCK, FICO, LexisNexis Risk solutions, World-Check, IDNow, Jumio, and Sumsub.
azakaw
azakaw is the best AML & KYC software in the UAE. It's a next-generation platform that delivers an end-to-end compliance toolkit:
digital onboarding (eKYC/KYB);
dynamic AML transaction monitoring;
sanctions screening;
real-time AI-driven risk scoring;
UAE-ready eKYC and Know Your Business (KYB);
regulatory reporting;
Built with modular flexibility, AI-driven analytics, and multi-industry coverage (fintechs, banks, crypto, and more).
Based on feedback shared on G2, Capterra, Trustpilot, and other platforms, here’s what our users and partner companies say about Azakaw:
The platform is described as fully customisable, allowing businesses to tailor onboarding flows, KYC/KYB checks, and workflows precisely to their needs.
Promotes cost efficiency due to real-time analytics and AI-driven insights, for example, “cuts review time by up to 70%” via AI-powered hit categorisation.
Modular architecture designed for compliance and risk (AML/KYC) across jurisdictions, including support for English + Arabic.
Built to service multiple industries (banking, fintech, crypto, law firms, marketplaces), which gives it flexibility and appeals to companies with cross-jurisdictional or multi-product needs.
azakaw is the greatest AML software for companies in the UAE because it's fully customisable while providing rapid onboarding, reduced manual work, and compliance confidence for procurement teams.
ComplyAdvantage
A widely known solution in AML data and screening worldwide, ComplyAdvantage has strong negative media, PEPs, and sanctions coverage. Fintechs and digital banks use it extensively.
According to some reviews available on G2, Capterra, and Trustpilot, the cons of ComplyAdvantage are:
Interface and UX could be improved according to user reviews.
Strong in screening but weaker in onboarding and transaction monitoring.
Some users report that pricing can be high for small institutions.
AMLOCK (Azention)
AMLOCK (Azention) is an AML compliance platform that handles KYC, onboarding, transaction monitoring, suspicious activity reporting, and provides data insights through integrated intelligence.
AMLOCK is an enterprise-grade AML platform mainly designed for banks and financial institutions.
Cons:
Implementation and configuration can be time-consuming and resource-heavy.
Highly focused on banks and financial institutions.
Limited visibility of public user feedback in open review platforms.
It can be over-featured and expensive for smaller fintechs.
FICO
Reputable in the banking and insurance industry, FICO offers AI-powered analytics for AML detection, transaction monitoring, and fraud prevention.
FICO is a recognised provider with established deployments in the UAE region and is a solution for big businesses with a very complex infrastructure.
Cons:
High implementation cost and complexity.
Requires technical expertise and significant configuration.
Less suitable for smaller or fast-moving fintechs.
It may be too complex for small companies.
LexisNexis Risk Solutions
LexisNexis offers screening, identity analytics, and risk intelligence.
LexisNexis is often integrated with other AML systems to ensure complete transaction monitoring coverage, making it a strong solution, though not the best AML software in the UAE.
Cons:
It can be complex and heavy to deploy for mid-size companies.
Some users mention a steep learning curve.
Pricing is on the higher end compared to newer solutions.
It may require the integration with other AML systems for full transaction monitoring (higher costs).
World-Check
LSEG Data & Analytics’ World-Check is the PEP screening and sanctions reference database. Trusted for due diligence and watchlist data throughout the UAE, it’s utilised as a data component (as opposed to an independent AML system).
Available in Capterra, G2, and Trustpilot, we can find the following feedback from users.
Cons:
Interface can feel outdated compared to newer tools.
Produces many duplicate or irrelevant matches (“noise”) requiring manual review.
It does not include full onboarding and transaction-monitoring features. It primarily provides risk and screening data.
IDNow
IDNow offers digital identity verification through document scanning, biometric checks, and video identification, ensuring compliance with EU and UAE regulatory standards.
IDNow is a specialist provider, and as you can see, it's focused on identity validation. Due to this, it is one of the best KYC software providers in the UAE, but it is not an AML provider.
Cons:
Some reviews mention slow verification during peak times.
Limited functionality for ongoing AML monitoring — focused mainly on identity verification.
It can be challenging to scale for highly customised workflows.
Jumio
Jumio is a global KYC and identity-verification provider using AI and biometrics to automate document checks and fraud detection.
After testing and researching users' reviews on platforms, we've found that there is a negative user sentiment on Trustpilot due to the repeated verification failures, camera issues, and user frustration. There are also some comments about the pricing for smaller companies.
Sumsub
Like azakaw, Sumsub is an all-in-one KYC, KYB, AML, and fraud-prevention platform, and that's why we included it in the Top AML and KYC software in the UAE.
It provides identity and business verification, AML screening, ongoing monitoring, and workflow orchestration within a single interface.
Some users on review platforms mention that the pricing is in the mid-to-high range. They also note that the platform is primarily focused on onboarding and identity verification, and therefore lacks more advanced transaction-monitoring capabilities.
There are also some reports about delays in verification during peak traffic times.
Comparison of Top AML and KYC software in the UAE
Why is azakaw the best AML software in the UAE?
Because azakaw answers to compliance leaders' needs in the UAE, who are generally looking for a platform that:
Supports rapid digital onboarding in Arabic and English;
Adapts instantly to DFSA, FSRA, and CBUAE rules;
Handles crypto and fintech business models natively;
Reduces manual reviews and documentation;
Integrates cleanly into local operating models.
Due to azakaw's modular architecture, you can only activate the tools you truly require, including real-time monitoring, SAR workflows, customer lifecycle risk assessments, AML screening, and KYB.
Go-live times are shortened, and procurement friction is decreased with local knowledge in the GCC and onboarding assistance within the region.
Instead of stacking various tools, you get a single AML and KYC control centre that is designed for organisations that will grow over time.
Customisable workflows for UAE banks, fintechs, and other businesses
azakaw includes a no-code tool that lets compliance teams in banks and fintechs build their own AML and KYC processes, without needing to rely on developers.
Instead of waiting weeks for IT to hard-code a new onboarding flow, you can just drag and drop the steps you need, such as ID verification, sanctions checks, approvals, and more.
The platform comes with templates tuned for different sectors, including fintech, crypto, and traditional banking, so you don’t have to start from scratch every time.
Regulations in the UAE are subject to frequent changes, and different regulators have slightly different expectations.
We know that being able to tweak your process in-house means you can stay compliant without slowing things down or overspending on development. That's why our team developed these drag-and-drop features, making us the best AML and KYC software solution in the UAE.
Video KYC and biometric ID checks
The platform can scan IDs from over 250 countries, match a person’s face to their document using biometrics, verify for liveness (to prevent deepfakes or photos), and read data from Emirates ID chips via NFC.
The entire process takes seconds rather than minutes, which fits how digital-first UAE firms like fintechs and neobanks want to operate, as it means happier customers and fewer people abandoning the process halfway through.
Automated checks also mean fewer staff hours spent on paperwork and a lower chance of missing suspicious identities, which keeps you out of trouble and saves money.
Real-time transaction monitoring adapted to FSRA/DFSA models
Azakaw monitors every transaction as it happens, including payments, transfers, deposits, and crypto movements. It checks them instantly against patterns of suspicious behaviour, sanctions lists, and customer risk profiles.
Our tool works as a dynamic transaction monitoring system that uses AI and configurable rules to adapt to each firm’s risk appetite and regulatory environment.
Local support and onboarding within the GCC
azakaw is developed by a team of regulatory compliance specialists with deep expertise in GCC regulations, designed specifically for businesses operating across the Gulf region. Our team understands how banks, fintechs, and virtual asset businesses operate in the region.
azakaw knows how local workflows look and the cultural side of how business is done in the GCC. That makes a big difference when you’re implementing compliance tech that touches on regulation and operations.
You can set up the platform and workflows more quickly, as the people helping you already understand regional expectations. You don’t have to keep explaining what “goAML” is or why Emirates ID works differently from other national IDs.
Support in your time zone also means issues get resolved quickly, without waiting for overnight responses from another region.
FAQs
What is the best AML software in the UAE?
azakaw is often considered one of the best AML solutions in the UAE context because it offers a fully customisable end-to-end compliance platform with features like video-KYC, modular tools, and local regulatory alignment.
Is KYC software mandatory in the UAE?
Yes. In accordance with UAE federal AML laws and the guidelines published by the DFSA, FSRA, and the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), regulated entities are required to perform KYC and KYB.
For example, CDD (Customer Due Diligence) requirements for both natural persons and legal entities are included in the ADGM/FSRA AML Rulebook.
What are the DFSA and FSRA requirements for AML systems?
Businesses operating in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) are required to:
implement systems and controls;
apply Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD);
report suspicious activity;
adopt a risk-based approach;
conduct business and customer risk assessments under the DFSA regime.
The AML Rulebook lays out general compliance requirements (policies, record-keeping, training) under the FSRA (for firms in the ADGM), along with CDD, EDD, risk-based assessments, and sanctions/Targeted Financial Sanctions (TFS) compliance.
It’s important to note that the DFSA/FSRA rulebooks apply only within their free zones.
What are the benefits of using local vs international vendors?
Regional or local vendors, as well as foreign vendors with a strong localisation in the UAE, frequently bring:
Workflows that are already set up and in accordance with UAE regulations (DFSA, FSRA, CBUAE);
Support for multiple jurisdictions (DIFC, ADGM, onshore UAE);
UAE document/identity-type support (Emirates ID, UAE Pass) and Arabic language/user interface;
Teams for regional implementation and support that are aware of the particularities of the local market.
While foreign vendors might provide broad analytics, deep global screening data, and scale, they might also need extra setup for UAE localisation.
From the standpoint of a procurement or risk officer, genuine local readiness frequently results in cost savings and compliance assurance that surpass the marginally lower licensing costs of a typical "international only" tool.
Does azakaw offer AML and KYC tools for crypto platforms?
Yes, azakaw supports AML and KYC compliance for crypto platforms.
This includes continuous transaction monitoring, such as wallet/chain-risk analytics, dynamic risk-scoring customised for virtual assets, identity verification (KYC/KYB) for both individuals and entities, and modular case-management for AML investigations.
When evaluating solutions, the UAE's push for crypto and virtual asset regulation (through national law and ADGM/FSRA) is a significant differentiator.
How frequently must AML/KYC systems be reviewed or updated in the UAE?
Important responsibilities include the following, though precise timing may differ depending on the business model and regulatory area:
DFSA-regulated entities must submit an AML Return every year;
There must be a continuous evaluation of customer risk classifications and business risk assessments (as mandated by the ADGM AML Rulebook);
From the standpoint of compliance software, you need a system that allows for automated KYC triggers, audit logs of modifications, regular risk profile refreshes, and configurability.
So, we recommend you choose a solution provider that can update for regulatory changes without having to completely replace the system.
What regulatory zones in the UAE should compliance teams keep in mind when selecting AML/KYC software?
Important zones include:
DIFC (regulated by DFSA) in Dubai,
ADGM (regulated by FSRA) in Abu Dhabi,
On-shore UAE (regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE and federal legislation such as Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018)
Each zone has nuances: for example, certain sanctions or virtual-asset rules will differ. Therefore, when picking a provider, ensure it supports “multi-zone” compliance out of the box or via localisation modules.
Conclusion
One of the most inventive and globally interconnected financial markets in the world is being developed in the UAE.
Ambition is accompanied by high standards for compliance readiness, which means that having a good AML and KYC platform does more than satisfy regulators: it expedites onboarding, safeguards your brand, and opens doors for expansion.
Look for the following when assessing the best AML and KYC software in the UAE:
Real-time monitoring and automated investigation tooling
Accurate screening with regional/local data integration
Flexible workflows built for DFSA, FSRA, and CBUAE needs
Multilingual support and GCC implementation experience
azakaw combines all of these advantages into a single platform that is optimised for UAE compliance.
Book a demo with our UAE compliance team and find out how your organisation can scale confidently with technology that keeps you one step ahead.
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