Binance becomes the first cryptocurrency exchange to obtain a global license under Abu Dhabi's regulatory framework

Cryptocurrency exchange Binance today announced a milestone regulatory achievement: the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the international financial center in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, has officially granted an operating license to Binance’s global platform, Binance.com, under its comprehensive regulatory framework.

This globally unprecedented regulatory approval marks an important step in Binance’s commitment to building the most trusted and compliant digital asset ecosystem worldwide. The license issued by ADGM’s FSRA lends credibility to Binance and enables seamless access to multiple markets beyond the UAE, reinforcing Binance’s leadership in the evolution of digital financial regulation.

This full regulatory approval for Binance’s global platform, Binance.com, covers three independently regulated entities operating within ADGM. Each of these three entities (an exchange, a clearing house, and a broker-dealer) holds distinct regulatory authorizations, conducting specific financial services under ADGM’s internationally recognized, top-tier regulatory framework.

Nest Services Limited (soon to be renamed “Nest Exchange Limited”) has been approved as a Recognised Investment Exchange (RIE) and is licensed to operate a Multilateral Trading Facility. This entity is responsible for all “on-exchange” activities, including spot and derivatives trading.

Nest Clearing and Custody Limited has been approved as a Recognised Clearing House (RCH) and is additionally authorized to provide custody and Central Securities Depository (CSD) services. This entity will be responsible for the clearing, settlement, and secure custody of digital assets, ensuring operational resilience and asset safety. BCI Limited (soon to be renamed “Nest Trading Limited”) has been approved as a broker-dealer and has obtained licenses for dealing in investments, arranging investment transactions, asset management, custody arrangements, and money services. This entity will be responsible for Binance’s “off-exchange” business, including over-the-counter (OTC) trading, asset conversion services, and other principle-based activities.

Binance Co-CEO Richard Teng stated, “Obtaining regulated status through ADGM’s highly respected regulatory framework reflects our deep commitment to compliance, transparency, and user protection. ADGM is one of the world’s most prestigious financial regulators, and obtaining an FSRA license under its industry-leading framework means Binance has met the highest international standards in compliance, governance, risk management, and consumer protection.”

He added, “This license provides regulatory clarity and legitimacy, enabling Binance to support its global operations from ADGM. While our global business remains decentralized, fully leveraging global talent and innovation, this regulatory foundation provides users with peace of mind, knowing Binance operates under a globally recognized, top-tier regulatory framework. We appreciate the FSRA’s forward-thinking regulatory approach, which protects users while fostering innovation.”

His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), said, “We warmly welcome Binance—a major player in the global digital asset and financial innovation landscape—to ADGM. Their arrival underscores Abu Dhabi’s status as an internationally leading center for innovation, sustainable growth, and the future of finance. We look forward to their leveraging ADGM’s forward-looking regulatory framework and dynamic ecosystem to contribute to innovation, inclusivity, and the future development of the global financial system.”

Binance has over 300 million registered users worldwide and has accumulated more than $125 trillion in trading volume. It continues to lead the development of the digital asset ecosystem by building a safe, transparent, and fully compliant infrastructure. Operating under ADGM’s robust financial services regulatory regime ensures all Binance users enjoy high standards of regulation and consumer protection as the platform moves toward the next stage of institutional and retail adoption.

After completing final operational preparations, Binance.com will officially launch its regulated business activities in ADGM on January 5, 2026. This milestone cements Binance’s leadership in the evolution of digital financial regulation and further highlights the UAE’s emergence as a global center for financial services innovation, driven by its clear regulatory path and deep talent pool.

This article, “Binance Becomes the First Cryptocurrency Exchange to Obtain a Global License Under Abu Dhabi’s Regulatory Framework,” originally appeared in Chain News ABMedia.