Regulatory Framework
The UAE has updated its legislative framework with Cabinet Resolution No. 58 of 2020, which amends Cabinet Decision No. 34 of 2020 regarding the regulation of procedures related to real beneficiaries. As part of its commitment to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and other illicit activities, the UAE government mandates that businesses disclose their ultimate beneficial ownership information to relevant authorities. Specifically, companies licensed or registered in mainland UAE or free zones are required to establish and maintain a comprehensive record of their UBOs and report this information to the Registrar.
UAE UBO regulations aim to enhance the transparency and accountability of registered entities. By creating effective and sustainable executive and regulatory structures, the regulations seek to improve the collection and management of beneficial owner data, ensuring adherence to international compliance standards and enhancing the UAE’s credibility on the global stage.
Importance of Disclosure
The disclosure of UBO information serves multiple vital purposes:
- Promoting Transparency and Accountability: By requiring businesses to disclose their UBOs, it promotes transparency, making it more difficult for companies to be exploited for illegal purposes.
- Risk Assessment: Financial institutions and other organizations are more capable of assessing the possible risks associated with their clients and business partners. This understanding enables institutions to implement appropriate security measures and due diligence procedures.
- Facilitating Regulatory Compliance: Detailed UBO declaration assist businesses in fulfilling their legal obligations, thus ensuring they comply with both local and international regulations aimed at preventing financial crimes.
Key Components of UAE UBO
- Companies are required to accurately identify and declare their UBOs to the applicable licensing authorities.
- Businesses must maintain an up-to-date UBO register that includes comprehensive details about each beneficial owner. Key information includes the individual’s name, nationality, residential address, and percentage of ownership in the company. This step is crucial for ensuring accurate compliance with reporting requirements and involves gathering information about the individuals who meet the UBO criteria and verifying their identities.
- Companies are mandated to report their UBO information to licensing authorities, ensuring that the data is accurate and current. This reporting should be updated promptly to reflect any changes in ownership or control.
- Businesses should establish mechanisms to regularly monitor any changes in UBO ownership or control. This proactive approach helps ensure that the UBO register remains accurate and compliant with regulatory expectations.
Support from Excellence
Excellence specializes in assisting businesses with UBO identification and verification. We give specialized guidance and expertise to ensure that the company meets local and international standards and avoids non-compliance penalties.
- Assistance in Identifying and Verifying UBOs: Excellence ensures that businesses comply with UAE regulations that require financial institutions and companies to collect, verify, and report UBO information accurately.
- Tax Implications Advisory: Our firm provides insights into the tax implications associated with various UBO structures, enabling businesses to refine their tax strategies while remaining compliant with regulations.
- Staying Informed on Evolving Regulations: We ensure that our clients are up to date with changes in the regulatory landscape, including updates related to UBO regulations.
- Mitigating Non-Compliance Risks: By leveraging our expertise, we assist businesses in minimizing the risk of non-compliance, thus protecting them from severe penalties such as fines and damage to their reputation.
We offer essential UBO services that are crucial for ensuring compliance. By utilizing our UBO services, businesses can achieve regulatory conformity, enhance organizational resilience, and build a solid foundation for sustained growth amid an increasingly complex global business environment. Through our comprehensive support and guidance, we aim to empower businesses to thrive.