Mauritius Compliance news
Upgraded GoAML Platform Launched to Strengthen AML/CFT Framework
The Government Information Service (GIS) reported that Mauritius has launched an upgraded GoAML platform to further strengthen its reporting infrastructure under the AML/CFT regime. The enhanced system aims to improve reporting efficiency for financial institutions and law enforcement, facilitating better analysis of suspicious transaction reports and intelligence sharing. This upgrade reinforces Mauritius’ commitment to building robust institutional mechanisms as it prepares for future mutual evaluations.
FCC Holds Conversation on Corruption and Financial Crimes
The Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) convened a public awareness session focused on corruption and other financial crimes, bringing together stakeholders to discuss proactive measures, detection strategies, and preventive frameworks. This initiative underscores the FCC’s role in promoting financial integrity and supporting collaborative approaches among regulators, industry participants, and civil society towards combatting financial crime.
FCC Holds Conversation on Corruption and Financial Crimes
The Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) convened a public awareness session focused on corruption and other financial crimes, bringing together stakeholders to discuss proactive measures, detection strategies, and preventive frameworks. This initiative underscores the FCC’s role in promoting financial integrity and supporting collaborative approaches among regulators, industry participants, and civil society towards combatting financial crime.
National Assembly Debate Includes AML/CFT Policy Discussions
The National Assembly’s Unrevised Hansard for 02 December 2025 captured parliamentary discussions relevant to financial crime, regulatory alignment, and compliance policy frameworks. Read this official debate to gain insights into governance priorities and regulatory thinking shaping the compliance landscape in the run-up to future assessments:
UAE— Compliance News
DFSA Notice of Amendments to Legislation — Rulebook Updates
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) published an official notice outlining several amendments to the DFSA Rulebook that will come into force at the turn of the year. These amendments include changes across regulatory modules, including business conduct, prudential, and AML provisions — reflecting the regulator’s ongoing efforts to refine its regulatory framework for financial services firms operating in the DIFC.
Sources: https://www.dfsa.ae/news/notice-amendments-legislation-december-2025
DFSA Issues Updated Rules on Regulation of Crypto Tokens in the DIFC
The DFSA released updated rules governing the regulation of Crypto Tokens in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The updated framework shifts responsibility for token suitability determinations to authorised firms while strengthening investor safeguards and reporting requirements. These changes are set to take effect in early 2026.
Source: https://www.dfsa.ae/news/dfsa-issues-updated-rules-regulation-crypto-tokens-difc
UAE Sustainable Finance Working Group Publishes Fourth Statement
During Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025, the UAE Sustainable Finance Working Group issued its fourth official statement, outlining progress across key pillars including corporate governance, sustainability disclosure principles, and climate transition planning. This reflects a broader commitment to embedding sustainable finance principles in national governance and risk frameworks.
Executive Regulations under Federal Decree-Law No. (10) of 2025 Now Effective
The Executive Regulations implementing Federal Decree-Law No. (10) of 2025 came into force on 14 December 2025, marking a significant step in operationalising the UAE’s updated AML/CFT framework. These regulations expand compliance obligations for regulated entities, including enhanced customer due diligence (CDD) requirements and explicit coverage for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to aligning with global AML standards.
Global — Compliance News
FATF Warns of Emerging AML Risks Linked to AI and Deepfake Technologies
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) published a new horizon-scanning report examining how artificial intelligence and deepfake technologies could be exploited for money laundering and terrorist financing. The report highlights emerging typologies, including impersonation, synthetic identities, and fraud-enabled laundering schemes, urging jurisdictions and regulated entities to strengthen technological risk assessments.
Source: https://www.fatf-gafi.org/en/publications/Methodsandtrends/horizon-scan-ai-deepfake.html
FinCEN Fines Paxful USD 3.5 Million for AML Failures
The U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced a USD 3.5 million civil penalty against peer-to-peer crypto exchange Paxful for willful violations of the Bank Secrecy Act. FinCEN found that Paxful failed to implement an effective AML programme, did not file suspicious activity reports, and facilitated hundreds of millions of dollars in transactions linked to illicit activity.
FinCEN Delays AML Rule for Investment Advisers Until 2028
FinCEN issued a final rule delaying the implementation of new AML/CFT programme and reporting requirements for SEC-registered investment advisers. The effective date has been extended to 1 January 2028, allowing regulators to reassess the framework and giving firms additional time to prepare for compliance.
UK FCA Fines Nationwide £44 Million for Serious AML Control Failures
The UK Financial Conduct Authority fined Nationwide Building Society £44.1 million for widespread failures in its financial crime systems and controls. The regulator found that Nationwide failed to adequately monitor customer activity, allowing accounts to be used for potentially criminal purposes over an extended period.
European Commission Updates EU High-Risk Third-Country AML List
The European Commission announced updates to the EU’s list of high-risk third countries with strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Bolivia and the British Virgin Islands were added, while several African jurisdictions were removed following improvements to their AML frameworks. EU-regulated entities must apply enhanced due diligence to transactions involving listed jurisdictions.
Strengthening EU Financial Integrity: EBA-AMLA AML/CFT Transition Explained
On 31 December 2025, the European Banking Authority’s (EBA) anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) powers in the financial sector were formally transferred to the new EU Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLA). This handover marks an important step in the EU’s fight against financial crime, establishing AMLA as the central authority for developing and enforcing a harmonised AML/CFT rulebook across both financial and non-financial sectors.
New industries and services to be regulated (Reform)
This guidance explains in detail the new services that will come under regulation.
Hong Kong Customs detects money laundering case involving $8.9 billion via fictitious trading activities
Hong Kong Customs mounted an enforcement operation codenamed “Mirage” on December 18 and 19 and successfully dismantled a money laundering syndicate. Five local persons suspected to be connected with the case were arrested. They were suspected of laundering about $8.9 billion in funds from unknown sources via fictitious trading activities.
Sources: https://www.customs.gov.hk/en/customs-announcement/press-release/index_id_4988.html?p=5&y=&m=
