UAE Central Bank sanctions Bank Melli Iran branches over compliance breaches
All UAE branches of Bank Melli Iran are barred from financial transactions to and from Iran after AML, CFT and supervisory breaches.
The Central Bank of the UAE has imposed strict enforcement measures on all branches of Bank Melli Iran operating in the United Arab Emirates, under Article (168-1-C) of Federal Decree-Law No. (6) of 2025 on the Central Bank, the regulation of financial institutions and activities, and insurance business, according to a Central Bank press release dated 23 September 2026.
The measures follow examination findings and violations related to non-compliance with UAE regulations, laws and supervisory decisions, including requirements on anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism and proliferation financing.
Under powers granted to the Governor, the Central Bank decided to prohibit all Bank Melli Iran branches in the UAE from conducting any financial transactions to and from Iran, including trade finance and fund transfers.
The Central Bank said it continues to strengthen its supervisory framework to safeguard the soundness and integrity of the UAE financial system and to ensure supervised institutions meet the highest compliance standards, in line with relevant international best practices.
The Emirates News Agency (WAM) carried the announcement on 23 September 2026.