ADGM Academy, EIF, and NAFIS launch Financial Compliance Pathways programme
Abu Dhabi, UAE – March 4, 2026
ADGM Academy, the Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF), and NAFIS announced the Financial Compliance Pathways programme to develop specialized Emirati talent in anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT). The eight-week training will deliver international certifications and direct private sector jobs. This supports UAE’s National Strategy 2024–2027 as financial crime risks escalate.
Programme Specifics
The programme targets Emirati nationals holding Bachelor’s degrees in Finance, Law, Accounting, or related fields. Spanning eight weeks, it covers foundational AML/CFT training, behavioural and professional skills, and an industry-reviewed capstone project. Graduates earn three credentials: AML Foundations certification, CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist), and ADGM Academy’s Certificate of Completion. Registration for the first cohort opened on 17 February 2026 for two weeks, with training and employment pathways planned over two years across sectors including banking, VASPs, real estate, and consultancy.
“This program represents a qualitative shift from traditional training to sustainable career-building in sectors that are of strategic national importance. Through NAFIS, we are establishing clear pathways that link specialised expertise directly to verified market demand by ensuring Emiratis secure meaningful, long-term roles in AML compliance over the next two years. Anti-money laundering is no longer a technical function alone; it is a pillar of economic security and a key benchmark of our nation’s standing as a responsible partner in the global financial system. By investing in Emirati talent as the first line of defence for financial integrity, we are reinforcing our national economy.”
— His Excellency Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council
Why it matters: This underscores NAFIS’s evolution from training to job placement, vital for Emiratisation targets amid UAE’s economic diversification.
“The Financial Compliance Pathways programme is about building a strong national talent bench to lead the fight against financial crime in the private sector. Its design reflects genuine partnership, with the Public-Private Partnership Sub-Committee contributing through a survey that captured industry needs and priorities. Working with ADGM Academy and the Emirates Institute of Finance and reinforcing the General Secretariat’s wider research and training initiatives, we are turning national policy into skilled Emirati careers that strengthen the UAE’s economic security.”
— His Excellency Hamid Saif AlZaabi, Secretary General and Vice Chair of the NAMLCFTPFC
Why it matters: This highlights public-private collaboration, essential for aligning skills with market demands in compliance roles.
Industry Context
UAE’s NAFIS, launched in 2021 under the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, accelerates Emirati private sector employment through incentives like salary support. As digital finance expands, AML/CFT compliance is critical to meet FATF standards and counter evolving threats in interconnected systems. This initiative bolsters UAE’s position as MENA’s fintech hub in Abu Dhabi, attracting global investment by enhancing financial integrity and local talent pools.
Outlook
Over two years, the programme promises sustainable AML/CFT careers for Emiratis, fortifying UAE’s compliance ecosystem and global reputation.
Sources: Zawya, ADGM Academy, NAFIS, Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council
