📄Why we collect certain company and ID documents

We ask for certain documents because UAE law requires us to verify the businesses we work with.

This protects:

• You – by reducing fraud and identity theft risks

• The financial system – by preventing money laundering and other crimes

All your data is encrypted and stored securely. We only share it when required by UAE law.

What we’ll need:

• Company documents (Trade License, MOA/AOA, shareholder details)

• ID for key people (owners, directors)

• Proof of address and banking

• Information about source of funds or wealth

f you’d like to see the complete legal requirements behind these requests — including the exact Central Bank of the UAE rules — you’ll find them explained in detail below.

Trade License (Valid & Current)

Why: Confirms the legal existence and permitted activities of your company. Rule: EDD guidance lists a valid business license as a standard risk-mitigation step when onboarding or reassessing higher-risk companies. Reference: View CBUAE Guidance – § 4.3.3

Memorandum / Articles of Association (+ Amendments)

Why: Shows your company’s legal form, governance rules, and share structure. Rule: Article 8(b) CDD obligations require this to be verified from an independent source. Reference: View CBUAE Guidance – §§ 4.1 & 4.3.1

Certificate of Incumbency / Share Certificates

Why: Identifies Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs), directors, and company secretaries. Rule: Article 9 of the AML-CFT Decision requires evidence of beneficial ownership and management positions. Reference: View CBUAE Guidance – § 4.3.2

Recent Bank Letter or Statement (AED Account, <3 Months Old)

Why: Confirms account ownership, supports EDD by checking source of funds and expected transactions. Rule: AML-CFT Guidelines list “banking references” among the required extra documents for high-risk customers. Reference: View CBUAE Guidelines – § 6.4

Valid Emirates ID

Why: Confirms identity and screens against sanctions lists. Rule: Must verify identity from reliable, independent sources. Reference: View CBUAE Guidelines – § 6.3.1

Residential Address, Phone, and Email

Why: Helps assess geographic risk and contact you securely. Rule: Required as part of your customer profile and ongoing monitoring. Reference: View CBUAE Guidelines – § 6.3

Ultimate Beneficial Owners (≥10% Ownership)

Why: UAE law requires transparency about who truly owns a company. Rule: Legal-Persons Guidance § 3.1 & Cabinet Decision 58/2020. Reference: View CBUAE Legal Persons Guidance

Source of Funds / Source of Wealth

Why: Proves your funds come from legitimate, traceable activities. Rule: For high-risk customers, EDD must include a detailed inquiry into source of funds and wealth. Reference: View CBUAE Guidelines – § 6.4

When Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) Applies

EDD is triggered when your business is considered higher-risk. Examples include:

• You or a senior officer is a Politically Exposed Person (PEP)

• You operate in or with high-risk countries

• Transactions are unusually large or complex

In these cases, we collect additional documents and proof.

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How We Protect Your Information

• Data is encrypted in transit and at rest

• Access is limited to trained compliance staff

• Shared only with regulators or as required by UAE law

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For more details:

• CBUAE AML/CFT Guidelines – Sections 6.3 & 6.4

• CBUAE Guidance on Legal Persons – Section 3