Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates:- The Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing (EO AML/CTF) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF) to enhance collaboration and support policy development and research in the fields of money laundering,terrorism financing, and proliferation financing in the UAE and internationally.

The MoU was signed by HE Hamid AlZaabi, Director General of the EO AML/CTF, and HE Noura Alblooshi, Acting General Manager of the Emirates Institute of Finance, in the presence of HE Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE, and Chairman of Emirates Institute of Finance.

The MoU has been drafted to support the organisationalgoals of the EO AML/CTF and Emirates Institute of Finance and is primarily concerned with the undertaking of original research in line with the UAE’s evidence-based approach to financial crime. Research carried out through the MoU will be shared with the wider AML/CFT community in the UAE, as well as decision makers involved in national policy development.

HE Hamid AlZaabi, Director General of the EO AML/CTF,welcomed the signing of the MoU as an important addition tothe UAE’s AML/CFT system. He explained, "The UAE implements an evidence-based approach to policy development and risk assessment, and this relies on cutting edge and up-to-date research for it to be most effective. I am delighted to sign this MoU with the Emirates Institute of Finance, a leading research centre in the UAE and wider MENA region with a deserved reputation for high-quality studies. We will co-commission research that enhances our knowledge in areas beneficial to those working to deliver the UAE’s National Action Plan and exchange information to build expertise among our partners in the fight against financial crime.” HE Noura Alblooshi, Acting General Manager of the Emirates Institute of Finance, commented, “We are grateful for the opportunity to work with the Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing on this important project. The UAE has been at the forefront of efforts to combat financial crime, and we hope that this collaboration will contribute to the country's continued success in this area. We are committed to producing rigorous and relevant training programmes that can inform policy and practice at the Emirates Institute of Finance, and we look forward to working closely with the EO AML/CTF to advance the trainees understanding of money laundering and terrorism financing."

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For more information

EO AML/CTF please contact Ms. Aliya Almheiri: Aliya.Almheiri@amlctf.gov.ae

EIF please contact:
Shady El Gohary
Account Director
APCO Worldwide
Email:selgohary@apcoworldwide.com

About EO AML/CTF

The Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing was established by UAE Cabinet decree in 2021 and is charged with overseeing the implementation of the National AML/CFT Strategy and the National Action Plan (NAP). The EO AML/CTF is the primary national coordinating body on AML/CFT efforts within the UAE and aims to enable and better equip the UAE in building a strong and sustainable AML/CFT structure. To achieve its objectives, the EO AML/CTF holds a wide-ranging mandate to assist AML/CFT related entities in enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.

About the Emirates Institute of Finance

The Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF) was founded in 1983. As a leading independent training center, it offers world-class education, training and allied services in the critical areas of banking and finance. Based in the UAE, EIF currently has three campuses for education and training services located in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The Institute has made substantial contributions to the careers of thousands of students and working professionals in the financial services sector. EIF is also a strong supporter of Emiratization and has launched various initiatives that have greatly helped to promote the careers of Emiratis. All academic programs offered by EIF are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Students who have successfully completed these programs have found productive employment at various levels in banks and financial institutions in the UAE and around the world.