The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has imposed financial penalties amounting to Dh2,621,000 on five banks and two insurance companies operating in the country for failing to comply with international tax reporting standards.
The regulatory action was taken due to the institutions’ failure to meet compliance standards related to the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) and the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) guidelines.
These frameworks are essential for ensuring transparency in financial transactions and preventing tax evasion by reporting account details of foreign nationals to relevant authorities.
According to a statement released by the CBUAE on Tuesday, the penalised institutions did not meet the required standards in due diligence procedures and accuracy of financial reporting.
The central bank had granted all licensed financial institutions sufficient time to address compliance shortcomings, yet these entities failed to rectify their deficiencies within the given period.
“The CBUAE reaffirms its commitment to upholding global best practices in tax transparency and financial integrity,” the statement read.
“By enforcing these penalties, we are reinforcing the UAE’s status as a financial hub that adheres to international regulations and safeguards against tax evasion.”
The CRS, developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), mandates financial institutions to report foreign account holders’ financial information to tax authorities in their respective countries.
Meanwhile, FATCA, a US federal law, requires foreign financial institutions to report assets held by American citizens or entities to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Non-compliance with either regulation could lead to reputational damage and further financial repercussions for institutions.
The latest enforcement action aligns with the UAE’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its financial regulatory framework and maintain compliance with global tax and anti-money laundering standards.
In recent years, the UAE has implemented stringent measures to enhance financial oversight, including the introduction of corporate tax laws, enhanced anti-money laundering regulations, and increased compliance monitoring within the banking and insurance sectors.
Industry analysts note that the financial sector must remain vigilant in meeting regulatory obligations to avoid penalties and potential operational disruptions.
“These fines serve as a reminder that regulatory compliance is non-negotiable, especially in a highly scrutinised global financial environment,” said a UAE-based financial consultant.
The CBUAE has urged all financial institutions to ensure strict adherence to regulatory requirements, warning that continued non-compliance will result in further penalties and possible additional sanctions.
While the names of the penalised banks and insurance companies have not been disclosed, the announcement underscores the UAE’s commitment to transparency and its ongoing efforts to combat financial malpractice.
This move comes as the country continues to strengthen its standing in the global financial sector, reinforcing confidence among international investors and regulatory bodies.