2026 Regulatory Update

New UAF 2026 Due Diligence Guide

Comprehensive analysis of the Financial Analysis Unit regulatory update and its impact on the Dominican insurance sector.

An analysis presented by

150+
Pages of technical content
9
New guiding principles
4
Methodological phases
18+
Practical cases by sector

A significant transformation of the compliance framework

The UAF 2026 Due Diligence Guide represents a substantial evolution from the 2020 version. From being a basic guidance document, it has become a comprehensive technical tool that harmonizes criteria and reduces interpretive asymmetries across sectors.

  • Update to FATF 2025 standards and PADM incorporation
  • Complete 4-phase methodology for risk management
  • Detailed treatment of Beneficial Owner and complex structures
  • Anti-de-risking policy for Politically Exposed Persons
Fundamental Change

From guidance to technical-operational

The new guide not only explains what due diligence is, but provides a clear methodology and practical cases to implement it effectively in each sector.

2020 Guide vs. 2026 Guide

The most significant changes between both versions

Aspect
2020 Guide
2026 Guide
Length
~23 pages
~150+ pages 6x more
Nature
Guidance and educational
Technical and operational New
International Reference
FATF 2012
FATF 2025 Updated
Scope
ML/TF (Money Laundering & Terrorism)
ML/TF/PF (includes Proliferation)
Methodology
Basic linear process
4-phase management cycle
Beneficial Owner
Basic mention
Extensive development with structures
Practical Cases
None
18+ cases by sector New
Financial Inclusion
Not addressed
Linked to Simplified DD

Impact on the Insurance Industry

Although mandatory DD is limited to life insurance and investment products, the new guide recommends proportionate controls for all products according to their risk exposure.

Beneficiaries as BO

Policy beneficiaries are now explicitly considered "beneficial owners", requiring identification and verification according to risk level.

Cross-functional Responsibility

DD is no longer just the Compliance Officer's duty. Underwriting, claims, and sales staff are now the first line of defense.

Source of Funds vs. Wealth

New crucial technical distinction: source of funds for each premium, source of wealth only for high risk and PEPs.

Anti-De-Risking Policy

PEPs should not be automatically rejected. The guide requires objective criteria, documented analysis, and reasonable mitigants.

Ongoing DD Required

Life and investment insurance are long-term relationships. They require periodic updates, especially for beneficiary changes.

10-Year Retention

Detailed DD documentation, risk analysis, decisions, and communications must be retained for a minimum of 10 years.

Insurance Brokers

Brokers are independent obligated subjects with their own responsibilities, not mere channels for insurers.

01

Own Compliance Program

Must implement policies, procedures, designate a compliance officer, and train staff. Cannot rely exclusively on the insurer.

02

First Line of Defense

The broker has direct contact with the client. They are the first to detect alert signs such as disproportionate premiums or unusual beneficiaries.

03

Independent Reporting to UAF

When suspicious operations are identified, they must report directly to the UAF, regardless of whether the insurer accepts or rejects the policy.

04

Own Documentation

Must maintain their own files with KYC forms, coherence analysis, and alert records. Retain for 10 years.

Key Indicators for the Insurance Sector

Situations requiring additional scrutiny according to the new guide

Disproportionate premium

Premiums that significantly exceed the client's declared economic capacity.

Early surrender with loss

Request for total surrender shortly after purchase, accepting significant losses.

Beneficiaries in high-risk jurisdictions

Designation of beneficiaries residing in countries with low international cooperation.

Frequent beneficiary changes

Recurring changes of beneficiaries without clear justification or to unrelated persons.

Third-party payment

Premiums paid by persons other than the policyholder without clear relationship or justification.

Lack of interest in coverage

Client who shows no interest in insurance coverage, only in the surrender value.

Detailed Analysis

Comprehensive documents that delve into the guide changes and their impact on the insurance sector

Comparative Analysis: 2020 vs. 2026

Detailed study of all changes between the original guide and the 2026 update. Includes new concepts, 4-phase methodology, PEP treatment, and more.

Impact on the Insurance Sector

Specialized analysis for insurers and insurance brokers. Includes specific obligations, alert signs, practical cases, and implementation recommendations.

Glossary and FAQ

Complete vocabulary of guide terms and specialized FAQ for the insurance sector. Includes search with flexible matching.

Workshop Programs

Two training programs: Update for experienced professionals and comprehensive training from fundamentals. 2 and 4-hour formats.

Interactive Due Diligence

Experience our interactive platform with real restrictive list queries (OFAC, UN, EU) and guided Due Diligence forms.

UAF 2026 Due Diligence Guide

Consult the complete document published by the Financial Analysis Unit

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