You run a company in the UAE. You want to protect money and reputation. You face scams, bribery, and laundering in busy markets. You build strong routines with clear owners. You use simple rules with daily checks. This guide explains practical steps in plain words. I keep short sentences with subject-verb-object. I add prepositions and light post-modifiers for clarity.
Know common financial crimes
Your business faces many risks in the region. You can see these patterns in real cases:
- Money laundering through layered property or shell vendors.
- Bribery and kickbacks in procurement cycles.
- Corruption in approvals with weak oversight.
- Tax evasion using false invoices in small batches.
- Forgery and counterfeiting in documents and checks.
- Terrorist financing through disguised donations.
- Identity theft with phishing and SIM swaps.
You reduce exposure with discipline across teams. You align policy with UAE rules and with bank controls.
1) Train teams and stay up-to-date
You update policies when rules change. You brief staff with short sessions each quarter. You add real examples from UAE cases for recall. You explain red flags in sales, finance, and stores. You test knowledge with quick quizzes after training.
Do this now
- Publish a one-page “Do & Don’t” card near workstations.
- Map who approves what, by amount and role.
- Store all policies in one online folder with version dates.
2) Run internal audits on a rhythm
You schedule audits every six or twelve months. You scope areas with higher risk first. You test samples from invoices, payrolls, and petty cash. You follow trails from source to ledger in each test. You report findings with owners, actions, and due dates.
Audit focus points
- Three-way match for purchases (PO–receipt–bill).
- Cut-off testing around month-end and year-end.
- Vendor onboarding with KYC and bank proof.
- Access rights in ERP with maker-checker steps.
3) Watch accounts and do due diligence
You monitor client and vendor activity each week. You set alerts for unusual amounts and patterns. You check new third parties with simple KYC packs. You verify trade license, owners, and bank letters. You ask for source-of-funds in high-risk cases.
Practical checks
- Compare billing address to delivery address for mismatches.
- Flag round numbers or repeated cents across many invoices.
- Review refunds and credit notes with photo or email proof.
- Reconcile statements from banks and key vendors monthly.
4) Comply with UAE laws and regulations
You align with AML/CFT duties for DNFBPs where relevant. You maintain records for the legal period after the last activity. You file taxes and returns on time with evidence. You store approvals inside systems, not in email only. You review sanctions lists before large transfers.
Compliance habits
- Keep a calendar with due dates, owners, and backups.
- Use templates for STR preparation when suspicion arises.
- Retain contracts, IDs, and invoices in indexed folders.
5) Reconcile payroll and secure HR data
You reconcile payroll with headcount and contracts each month. You separate HR, payroll, and payment approvals. You use bank files with dual authorization. You remove access for leavers on the exit date. You audit allowances and overtime with samples.
Payroll controls
- Match IBAN names to employee names before payment.
- Review master data changes with a weekly log.
- Require manager sign-off for unusual variances.
Extra shields that cut fraud fast
- Segregation of duties: You split requesting, approving, and paying.
- Whistleblowing line: You set an anonymous channel with no fear.
- Vendor hygiene: You run an annual re-KYC for active suppliers.
- Cyber basics: You enforce MFA, patching, and phishing drills.
- Cash discipline: You limit cash handling and reconcile daily.
- Board reporting: You share a quarterly risk dashboard with trends.
Red flags you shouldn’t ignore
- A vendor pushes urgent payments with poor documents.
- A staff member resists vacation or job rotation.
- A customer insists on cash for high-value deals.
- Repeated small write-offs appear near month-end.
- Multiple refunds go to new bank accounts without reason.
Response plan when you spot issues
You pause the transaction where allowed. You collect facts and documents in one file. You escalate to your compliance owner. You involve counsel where the case is sensitive. You file a report to authorities when suspicion remains. You keep confidentiality and avoid tipping off any party.
What We Can Help With — Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing
We map your risks with clear owners. We design controls with simple SOPs. We run internal audits with smart samples. We set dashboards for red flags by function. We train teams with UAE case studies. We guide incident response with calm steps. We help you protect money and trust because when push comes to shove, our team stands with you.
Visit or Contact
- For more information, visit our office: Saraya Avenue Building – Office M-06, Block/A, Al Garhoud – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Call / WhatsApp: +971 50 276 2132
