UAE and UK Spearhead New AML Strategies, Targeting Asset Recovery and Crypto Crime in 2026

Two of the world’s major financial hubs, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, are rolling out distinct and focused strategies to combat financial crime in 2026, targeting everything from regional policy leadership to specific domestic threats like crypto and payment fraud.

In a February 10 interview with AML Intelligence, Hamid Al-Zaabi, the head of the UAE’s Anti-Money Laundering secretariat, detailed the nation’s ambitious plans for its 2026 presidency of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF). Al-Zaabi outlined three primary goals: preparing member states for crucial Mutual Evaluation Reports, amplifying the region’s voice in shaping international policy, and delivering a tangible impact on economic security. A cornerstone of the UAE’s domestic reforms for 2026 will be the establishment of a dedicated Asset Recovery Office, signaling a strong commitment to seizing the proceeds of financial crime.

Meanwhile, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is set to continue its robust enforcement stance on AML and fraud, according to a JDSupra report from February 6. Following a year of significant penalties in 2025, the FCA’s 2026 priorities include scrutinizing the adequacy of financial crime controls within authorized firms. The regulator is also sharpening its focus on the burgeoning crypto-asset sector, with plans to investigate services suspected of operating without proper registration under Money Laundering Regulations. Furthermore, the expected integration of the Payment Systems Regulator into the FCA is anticipated to increase enforcement activity related to authorized push payment (APP) fraud, making financial crime a top priority.

For international businesses, these parallel efforts signify a deepening commitment to regulatory integrity in key markets. The UAE’s leadership aims to bolster compliance standards across the MENA region, while the FCA’s targeted enforcement in the UK demands heightened diligence, particularly for firms in the payments and crypto sectors.