Binance has gained regulatory approval from the Abu Dhabi Global Market, allowing the exchange to expand its globally focused services from its Abu Dhabi hub, strengthening its regional and international operations.
Binance receives ADGM clearance to provide international services from its Abu Dhabi base
Binance has secured formal authorisation from the regulatory arm of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), allowing it to run its international platform from the emirate. The approval marks another significant step in Abu Dhabi’s push to position itself as a central hub for transparent and well-regulated digital-asset activity.
The licence, issued by ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), strengthens Binance’s global standing by confirming that the exchange meets the rigorous compliance and governance standards required in the UAE’s capital. Gaining the FSRA’s endorsement not only enhances Binance’s reputation but also opens the door to wider access across global markets, giving the company an opportunity to broaden its customer base under a trusted regulatory framework.
Industry analysts say the development reflects a broader shift in the region’s approach to virtual-asset supervision, with Abu Dhabi investing heavily in robust oversight mechanisms designed to attract responsible crypto firms. For Binance, the approval serves as an important milestone in its ongoing efforts to align with international rules and expand its regulated operations. It also signals the UAE’s commitment to nurturing a secure and innovative digital-finance environment. As the regulatory landscape evolves, this move is expected to further strengthen the country’s role in shaping the future of compliant global crypto services.
Following the approval, Binance revealed that it will function through three regulated entities within the ADGM, each assigned distinct roles:
Nest Exchange Services Limited – designated as a Recognised Investment Exchange, responsible for overseeing all trading operations, including both spot and derivatives markets.
Nest Clearing and Custody Limited – operating as a Recognised Clearing House, in charge of clearing, settlement, and the secure custody of users’ digital assets.
Nest Trading Limited – acting as a Broker-Dealer, handling off-exchange transactions and over-the-counter (OTC) trading activities.
This structure ensures that Binance’s operations in Abu Dhabi comply with regulatory requirements while clearly delineating responsibilities across trading, clearing, and brokerage services.
Binance has hailed its ADGM regulatory approval as one of the most extensive compliance frameworks ever established for a global cryptocurrency platform. The company confirmed that its operations under the ADGM licence are scheduled to begin on January 5, 2026, marking a significant step in its efforts to operate within fully regulated environments.
Co-CEO Richard Teng emphasized that the licence delivers the regulatory clarity and credibility necessary to underpin Binance’s international operations from Abu Dhabi. He noted that the framework provides users with confidence, assuring them that Binance’s services are conducted under a globally recognised, “gold-standard” regulatory structure. This move underscores the company’s commitment to transparency, compliance, and fostering trust among its growing global customer base.
Binance also reassured users that the transition to ADGM-regulated operations will not disrupt their experience on the platform. Existing accounts, credentials, balances, trading history, and active orders will remain fully intact. Trading and other services will now be managed through the newly authorised entities, ensuring that all operations adhere to regulatory requirements while maintaining seamless functionality.
By combining regulatory compliance with uninterrupted service, Binance aims to reinforce its position as a leading global crypto platform while providing users with the security and confidence that comes from operating under a robust, internationally recognised regulatory framework.
