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AML & Compliance
AML program design and implementation, goAML registration, KYC/CDD procedures, compliance audits, and fractional CCO services. Built to pass UAE regulatory inspections.
Blackthorne & Chase delivers senior-level legal, compliance, and corporate advisory to Dubai SMEs — without the overhead of a full-time executive hire.
The Challenge
Your business is growing.
Your legal and compliance infrastructure is not keeping pace.
Under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, every DNFBP — real estate brokers, accountants, corporate service providers — must have a functioning AML compliance program. The Ministry of Economy imposed AED 42M in fines in H1 2025 alone.
Commercial agreements without governing law clauses, dispute resolution mechanisms, or IP ownership provisions. Legal gaps that only become visible when a dispute has already started.
Shareholder agreements downloaded from the internet. No board structure. No decision-making authority defined. One disagreement between partners away from a costly legal battle.
A full-time General Counsel costs AED 300,000–600,000 per year. A Chief Compliance Officer, more still. Growing businesses need this expertise — but not at that price point.
What We Do
Blackthorne & Chase operates as your external General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer — senior expertise across legal, compliance, and corporate strategy on a fixed-fee or retainer basis.
AML program design and implementation, goAML registration, KYC/CDD procedures, compliance audits, and fractional CCO services. Built to pass UAE regulatory inspections.
Corporate structuring, shareholder agreements, commercial contracts, joint ventures, business acquisitions, and governance frameworks — structured for UAE law.
Strategic planning, operational improvements, risk management, organizational restructuring, and scaling advisory for businesses at growth inflection points.
AML/CFT program design, sanctions screening, internal controls, compliance manuals, and regulatory reporting frameworks aligned with UAE 2025 standards.
Enterprise risk assessments, regulatory gap analysis, internal control design, operational risk mitigation, and compliance risk analysis for regulated businesses.
End-to-end advisory for international companies entering the UAE — jurisdiction selection, corporate structure, regulatory guidance, and compliance setup from day one.
AML Compliance
Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 is in force. The Ministry of Economy actively fines non-compliant DNFBPs. Blackthorne & Chase builds AML programs customized to your business — delivered in 1–2 weeks at a fixed fee.
Why Blackthorne & Chase
Founded by a licensed Canadian barrister and solicitor called to the Ontario Bar in 2010. Deep expertise spanning legal practice, corporate advisory, and compliance leadership.
You work directly with senior advisors from day one. No junior associates handling your file. Every engagement receives focused, executive-level attention.
No hourly billing. No surprise invoices. Fixed-fee packages for project work and transparent monthly pricing for retainers. You know the cost before you commit.
Unique experience spanning Canadian and UAE legal and business environments — a decisive advantage for international companies entering the UAE market.
Access General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer expertise at a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire. Executive capability without the executive overhead.
We operate as a trusted strategic advisor, not a transactional vendor. Our goal is a long-term relationship where your growth becomes our business.
Monthly Advisory Retainers
Month-to-month retainers with a 3-month minimum. All plans include a complimentary 30-minute onboarding consultation.
Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 raised maximum fines to AED 1,000,000 per violation. Knowledge of risk can now be inferred. Non-registration on goAML triggers immediate enforcement. If your business is a DNFBP, the window to get compliant is now.
About the Founder
Baqa Rashdi is a licensed barrister and solicitor called to the Ontario Bar in 2010. Over 15 years he has practiced across criminal defence, real estate, corporate, and family law — working with businesses ranging from startups to high-profile individuals.
He founded Blackthorne & Chase to bring senior legal and compliance advisory to Dubai's growing business community through a model that delivers real expertise at a fraction of the cost of traditional legal and consulting arrangements.
FAQ
Get Started
Book a complimentary 30-minute consultation. No obligation. We will assess your situation and tell you exactly where you stand.