The UAE government has unveiled a cutting-edge “Know Your Customer” (KYC) digital platform, a transformative initiative aimed at boosting transparency in the banking sector, streamlining identity verification processes, and combating financial crime.
Launched under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2024, the platform marks a significant milestone in the Emirates’ efforts to modernize its financial infrastructure and position itself as a global leader in financial technology.
Enhancing Trust and Transparency
The KYC platform is designed to provide accurate and confidential customer data while ensuring compliance with financial regulations. It fosters trust within the UAE’s business and financial systems and enhances the global competitiveness of the nation’s banking industry.
By integrating advanced digital solutions tailored for the financial, banking, and insurance sectors, the platform facilitates the secure and regulated collection and exchange of customer data, streamlining information flow between relevant authorities. It also bolsters cooperation in efforts to combat financial crime, according to a statement by the UAE Government Media Office.
New Entity to Oversee Operations
A newly established entity will develop and oversee the platform, holding the legal authority to manage its operations. This entity will handle tasks including:
- Collecting, storing, analyzing, and categorizing KYC data.
- Generating KYC reports in compliance with the executive guidelines of the Decree-Law.
- Coordinating with data providers to optimize data acquisition and management.
The operations will adhere to stringent national cyber security standards, ensuring robust protection of customer data. The Central Bank of the UAE will regulate the platform’s activities, establish operational guidelines, and enforce a code of conduct for data providers and users.
Customers will retain access to their KYC report details and must grant prior approval for the use or sharing of their data.
Strict Penalties for Breaches
Violations of KYC data confidentiality will incur severe penalties, including a minimum prison sentence of two years and fines starting at Dh50,000 ($13,612). Unauthorised disclosures, fraudulent access attempts, or misuse of customer data by public officials or platform employees will be treated as aggravating offences with harsher consequences.
The Decree-Law establishes a robust legal framework to safeguard customer data, permitting disclosure only under specific conditions. All parties involved are obligated to prevent data loss, damage, or unauthorized access.
Banking Sector Resilience
The UAE’s banking sector remains a cornerstone of economic stability and growth. Total capital and reserves of banks operating in the Emirates crossed Dh500 billion for the first time in July, reflecting a 10.5% annual increase, according to Central Bank data.
National banks accounted for more than 86% of the total capital and reserves, reaching Dh433.7 billion, while foreign banks contributed Dh68.9 billion, marking an 11.1% year-on-year growth.
Driving Economic Growth
The UAE’s economy continues to diversify beyond oil, with non-oil sector growth accelerating in recent quarters. The nation’s GDP is forecasted to grow by 4% in 2024, up from an earlier estimate of 3.9%, as per the latest Central Bank projections.
By launching the KYC platform, the UAE reinforces its commitment to fostering a secure, transparent, and globally competitive financial ecosystem, underscoring its vision to lead the future of financial technology.
