Key points
Binance has received full authorization from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the ADGM to operate its global platform, Binance.com, under an international regulatory framework.
Three licensed entities – an exchange platform, a clearing house, and a broker-dealer – will separately conduct trading, custody, settlement, and off-exchange activities, reflecting the infrastructure of traditional financial markets.
This milestone marks a new era for responsible innovation in digital assets and strengthens Abu Dhabi's role as a leading international hub for financial regulation and the future of digital finance.
For years, we have pursued a unique overarching goal: to build the most reliable, transparent, and secure digital asset ecosystem in the world. Today, we take a major step towards that vision.
Binance has obtained full regulatory approval from the FSRA of the ADGM to operate Binance.com in a mature framework, recognized globally for its seriousness. The ADGM, Abu Dhabi's international financial center, is known for its rigorous supervisory standards, its forward-looking approach to digital asset regulation, and the clarity it brings to emerging financial technologies. This license grants Binance an unprecedented level of credibility and streamlined access to many markets beyond the UAE, consolidating our position as a leader in regulatory progress in digital finance.
Operating under the ADGM's 'gold standard' framework allows us to elevate the level of user protection, governance, market integrity, and operational resilience. Our users will benefit from one of the strictest consumer protection regimes in the world. This unprecedented regulatory milestone also marks the direction the crypto industry is taking and the standards it must achieve as it matures.
A comprehensive framework designed for market security and resilience
To meet the regulatory requirements of the ADGM, Binance will operate through three distinct licensed entities, each aligned with the regulatory architecture of global financial markets:
Nest Services Limited (which will become 'Nest Exchange Limited') has been approved as a Recognised Investment Exchange (RIE) with authorization to operate a multilateral trading platform. It will manage trading activities on the platform, including Spot trading and derivatives. This regulatory category ensures transparent and orderly markets, according to rules comparable to those of major global exchanges.
Nest Clearing and Custody Limited has been approved as a Recognised Clearing House (RCH), with additional authorizations to provide custody and central securities depository (CSD) services. This entity will oversee the clearing, settlement, and secure custody of digital assets, ensuring the highest standards of operational resilience, separation of responsibilities, and asset protection.
BCI Limited (which will become 'Nest Trading Limited') has been approved as a Broker-Dealer, with authorizations to trade investments, approve transactions, manage assets, organize custody services, and provide financial services. This entity will ensure Binance's off-exchange activities: OTC, conversions, and activities conducted on its own funds. This separates market-making and brokerage functions from exchange operations, enhancing risk controls and transparency.
This structure reflects the regulatory architectures used in traditional finance, separating responsibilities, strengthening risk controls, and creating clear guarantees for users. In practical terms, each segment of our operations operates under authorizations specifically designed for its role.
This is one of the most comprehensive regulatory frameworks ever applied to a global crypto platform.
Regulatory clarity in service of our global mission
Commenting on this news, Richard Teng, Co-CEO of Binance, stated: 'Obtaining this status within the recognized framework of the ADGM reflects our deep commitment to compliance, transparency, and user protection. The ADGM is one of the most respected financial regulators in the world, and holding an FSRA license under their 'gold standard' framework shows that Binance meets the highest international standards in compliance, governance, risk management, and consumer protection.'
Richard Teng adds that this license 'brings the regulatory clarity and legitimacy needed to support our global operations from the ADGM,' emphasizing that, while Binance remains a distributed organization relying on global talent, this regulatory foundation offers our users peace of mind knowing that Binance operates under a recognized and demanding framework.
The leadership of the ADGM and Abu Dhabi's global position
His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the ADGM, stated: 'We are pleased to welcome Binance, a key global player in digital assets and financial innovation, within the ADGM. Their presence enhances Abu Dhabi's status as a leading international hub for innovation, sustainable growth, and the finance of the future. We look forward to seeing them leverage our progressive regulatory framework and dynamic ecosystem to contribute to the evolution of a more innovative, inclusive, and future-ready global financial sector.'
This milestone reflects the growing leadership of the UAE in transforming digital finance. With a clear framework and a long-term vision for innovation, Abu Dhabi is quickly becoming a global center for the responsible development of crypto.
Next steps
For our users, regulators, and partners, this means:
a clearer and more transparent operational model;
enhanced control over custody and clearing;
increased resilience under one of the most rigorous regimes in the world;
an additional assurance that Binance operates according to the highest global standards.
This also highlights the emergence of the UAE as a global center for innovation in digital finance, supported by world-class regulation and a diverse talent pool.
Subject to the latest operational preparations, Binance.com will begin its regulated activities under the ADGM framework on January 5, 2026. For more information on what this means for you, please refer to our FAQ.
The global momentum of Binance
Today, Binance serves over 300 million registered users worldwide and has processed over $125 trillion in cumulative volume. Our responsibility to our users is at the heart of our mission, and operating under the ADGM framework ensures even higher standards of risk management and market integrity.
We believe that digital assets should be accessible, secure, and regulated responsibly across borders. This milestone brings us closer to that future.
As the industry evolves, Binance will continue to work hand in hand with regulators around the world, building a reliable infrastructure and fostering a safe and innovative digital asset ecosystem for all.
Additional readings
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