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AML POLICY

Policy StatementConquest Services Limited (“we”, “us”, or “Market Conquest”) is firmly committed to the prevention of money laundering, terrorist financing, and the evasion of sanctions. Unwavering compliance with applicable laws and regulations shall serve to safeguard Market Conquest’s reputation and uphold public trust in Market Conquest.
Therefore, and although we are not operating a regulated business, we have decided to establish an anti-money laundering (AML) policy that delineates the prescribed measures to be observed, aiming to ensure the efficient execution of guidelines that support the attainment of overarching organizational goals, while guaranteeing conformity with the regulatory structure governing designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBP) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The scope of the AML policy should encompass all entities in which Market Conquest holds ownership interests.
Policy Objectives
  • To establish precise and unambiguous policies for Market Conquest concerning the matters of money laundering, terrorist financing, and the avoidance of sanctions.
  • To provide clear and concise explanations of the compliance responsibilities that all employees are obligated to fulfill
  • To offer guidance to employees regarding their daily business activities in alignment with legal requirements.
  • To foster a work environment that upholds a culture of adherence to legal regulations in the manner in which employees execute their duties.
Definition of Money LaunderingAs per the provisions outlined in Article 2 of the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Law, the offense of money laundering is defined as the engagement in any of the following activities with the knowledge that the funds involved are derived from a criminal act:
  • transfers or moves the proceeds, or disposes of the funds/proceeds intending to conceal or disguise their source
  • conceals or disguises the true nature, source or location of the proceeds including the manner of disposal
  • acquires, possesses or uses the proceeds on receiving them
  • assists the person who committed the felony/misdemeanor to escape punishment.
It is essential to note that money laundering is always an intentional act and cannot be committed through mere negligence. However, Market Conquest acknowledges that acts exhibiting gross negligence, particularly those involving the failure to report suspicions of criminality to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), may incur criminal liability.
Laws and RegulationsThe laws which Market Conquest is subjected to and with which Market Conquest comply with:
  • UAE Federal Law No. 20 of 2018: Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organizations (AML Law).
  • Cabinet Resolution No. 10 of 2019: Implementing Regulations of Federal Law No. 20 of 2018 (AML Regulations)
  • UAE Federal Law No. 7 of 2014: Combating Terrorism Crimes
  • UAE Federal Penal Law No. 3 of 1987 as amended (Penal Code)
  • UAE Federal Penal Procedures Law No. 35 of 1992 as amended (Penal Procedures Law)
  • UAE Federal Penal Law No. 3 of 1987 as amended (Penal Code) UAE Federal Law No. 5 of 2012: Combating Cyber Crimes
  • UAE Federal Law No. 5 of 2012: Combating Cyber Crimes
  • SCA Decision (17/R) of 2010 Concerning Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Finance Combating Procedures
  • UAE Central Bank Regulations Concerning Procedures for Anti-Money Laundering, in particular Circular No. 24/2000 and its amendments by Notices No. 1045/2004 and 2922/2008
  • Any United Nations sanctions that are applicable through ratification by the UAE (singularly and collectively, Regulation and Regulations).
Pursuant to the Regulations, it is mandated for financial institutions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to adopt a risk-based approach in order to fulfill their legal obligations. This requirement applies to various activities such as customer onboarding and conducting periodic anti-money laundering (AML) assessments throughout the course of business operations. Market Conquest, although it is not a financial institution nor does it provide any financial services, has taken on itself to fully commit to implementing a robust and meticulous risk-based compliance program, in strict accordance with both legal mandates and industry-leading best practices.
Investigatory Powers and Criminal EnforcementThe oversight of reporting and probing suspected illicit financial conduct in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) falls within the purview of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) operating under the UAE Central Bank. The Public Prosecution retains the authority to initiate legal proceedings pertaining to these offenses, which are adjudicated within the criminal courts system.
DefensesThe Regulations do not provide any legally established defenses specific to charges of money laundering. The defenses applicable under United Arab Emirates (UAE) law for money laundering charges are not distinct from those available for any other criminal offense.
It is important to note that criminal proceedings related to money laundering cannot be resolved through settlement or plea agreements. Once the Public Prosecutor determines that actions amount to a money laundering offense, prosecutorial discretion is not allowed, and the Public Prosecutor is obligated to refer the case to the criminal courts.
Transaction Monitoring SystemMarket Conquest has implemented a transaction monitoring system designed to identify any transactions that appear unusual or raise suspicion. On a periodical basis, transaction reports in .csv format are downloaded and subjected to manual review. However, with the aim of enhancing efficiency and effectiveness, Market Conquest intends to deploy an automated transaction monitoring system by the year 2025. Currently, the manual review process is facilitated through the utilization of the 'Veriff' Identity Verification Service.
Detection of Unusual/Suspicious TransactionsAs an entity operating within the retail business-to-consumer (B2C) model, Market Conquest’s transactions predominantly involve individual transactions ranging from $7 to $999. In adherence to the legal obligations, meticulous manual approval process is diligently undertaken for each transaction, employing the principles of due diligence. This rigorous approach serves the purpose of effectively detecting any transaction that may exhibit characteristics of being abnormal, irregular, or indicative of potential suspicious activity. By diligently scrutinizing and individually approving every transaction, Market Conquest aims to safeguard business operations and maintain compliance with relevant regulations and standards governing the prevention of money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit activities.
Reporting Suspicious TransactionsMarket Conquest fulfills its obligation to report any transactions deemed suspicious to the appropriate authority through the established channel of email communication.
Although Market Conquest is currently in the first year of its operational existence, a robust and diligent approach to document retention has been implemented. Consequently, all relevant records and documents shall be securely preserved for the minimum period in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements. This practice ensures the availability of necessary information for future reference, compliance audits, potential legal proceedings, or any other legitimate purpose within the prescribed time frame.
Risk RatingWithin Market Conquest, a distinct and dedicated risk management unit exists, tasked with the meticulous manual examination of individual client profiles. With an emphasis on comprehensive risk assessment, due diligence is conducted thoroughly on the customers subsequent to evaluating their risk rating. This process allows to effectively assess and mitigate potential risks associated with the clientele in compliance with applicable legal and regulatory frameworks.
Resolutions and SanctionsIn situations where there is non-compliance with the established standards, the Regulations offer administrative sanctions to ensure the appropriate implementation of the regulatory framework. These sanctions may include various measures such as warnings, monetary fines, limitations or suspension of business activities, apprehension of board members and senior management who are held accountable for violating the regulations, as well as curtailment of the authority of the board and senior management through the appointment of a temporary observer.
In the event of a conviction for a money laundering offense, the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Law prescribes punitive measures which encompass financial penalties ranging from AED 100,000 to AED 10 million, along with the possibility of imprisonment for a period of up to 10 years.
Market Conquest’s Obligations
  • Identify potential risks associated with criminal activities within its operations.
  • Conduct ongoing assessments of these identified risks.
  • Establish internal controls and policies to effectively manage the identified risks.
  • Implement appropriate due diligence procedures, as further elaborated below.
  • Adhere to and implement any United Nations (UN) directives pertaining to the prevention of financing terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Avoiding shell bank/organizationMarket Conquest conducts a meticulous manual review and approval of each transaction, applying the principles of due diligence. This rigorous procedure serves as a preventive measure against establishing business relationships with shell banks or organizations.
On an annual basis, employees at Market Conquest should be provided training on AML/CFT. The training includes:
  • Identification and reporting of transactions that must be reported to government authorities
  • Examples of different forms of money laundering / terrorist financing involving our products / services.
  • Information on internal policies to prevent money laundering / terrorist financing and escalate suspicious activity and red flags.
Market Conquest will maintain documentation of its training sessions, which may include records of attendance and pertinent instructional materials. The company should ensure that any newly enacted or amended anti-money laundering/counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) laws, as well as updates to existing AML/CFT policies or practices, are communicated to the appropriate staff members.
Designated Compliance TeamThe Risk Management team should regularly perform compliance testing to ensure adherence to legal requirements. A Designated Compliance Officer should hold responsibility for the comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) program, including the coordination and oversight of its day-to-day operations.