BWMC · Dubai, UAE
Compliance Advisory for UAE Businesses
Turn applicable requirements into clear responsibilities, records and actions.
What this service covers
BWMC supports businesses in identifying the compliance areas relevant to their activities, reviewing existing processes and prioritising gaps. The work can include ownership records, AML procedures, internal policies and reporting calendars. Sector-specific or legal opinions are addressed with appropriately qualified specialists where required.
Economic Substance reporting requirements were lifted for financial years ending after 31 December 2022. Earlier-period obligations may still need attention. Current compliance should not be sold as routine annual ESR filing for later years; assess the actual period and requirement.
Support available
The proposal will confirm the services and deliverables included.
- Obligations and regulator mapping
- Policy and evidence gap assessments
- Beneficial ownership record support
- AML process coordination where applicable
- Internal policy and reporting calendars
- Prioritised remediation and staff briefings
What to prepare
- Licence and description of activities
- Ownership and group structure
- Current policies and reporting calendar
- Regulator correspondence and previous findings
We will confirm the checklist for your circumstances. Agree a secure way to share confidential documents with the team.
How the engagement works
STEP 1
Agree the scope
Confirm your objective, entity, reporting period, intended recipient and the work included in the engagement.
STEP 2
Review the records
Use the agreed document checklist to assess the facts, reconcile information and identify missing evidence.
STEP 3
Prepare the findings
Document the analysis, assumptions, unresolved matters and practical actions relevant to the agreed scope.
STEP 4
Discuss next steps
Explain the findings to your team and agree responsibilities, deadlines and any follow-up support.
Frequently asked questions
Which regulations apply to our business?
That depends on your activities, licence, legal form, location and regulator. Begin with an obligations map rather than applying the same checklist to every company.
Do we still need annual ESR filings?
The Ministry of Finance lifted Economic Substance reporting requirements for financial years ending after 31 December 2022. Earlier periods and unresolved historical matters should be assessed separately.
Does a policy manual prove compliance?
No. Policies need to reflect actual operations, be understood by staff and be supported by evidence of implementation. A document alone does not demonstrate that controls operate effectively.
Is this a legal opinion or regulatory certification?
The engagement must state its scope and limitations. Business compliance support is not automatically a legal opinion, regulator approval or certification of complete compliance.
What will we receive?
An agreed review can provide a gaps register, priorities, responsible owners and practical next steps. Draft policies, training or follow-up testing can be included where specified.
Official guidance and further reading
Content reviewed 14 September 2026. Requirements depend on your facts and the rules in force. Confirm the applicable position before acting.
Related services
Start with a clear scope
Tell us about your business, the outcome you need and any deadline. BWMC will help identify the next steps and confirm a suitable scope and quotation.
Contact BWMCEmarat Atrium, 1st Floor, Unit 147, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates+971 4 548 8184