NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 9 – Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and users, today announced a landmark regulatory milestone: the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi, has formally approved the authorisation of Binance’s global platform, Binance.com, under a comprehensive regulatory framework.
This approval marks the first time a crypto exchange has secured a global license under ADGM’s regime, representing a significant step in Binance’s efforts to build a trusted and compliant digital-asset ecosystem. The FSRA license enhances Binance’s credibility and provides seamless access across multiple markets beyond the UAE, reinforcing its standing in digital-asset regulation.
The approval covers Binance.com through three regulated entities within ADGM. Each entity — an Exchange, a Clearing House, and a Broker-Dealer — holds separate regulatory permissions aligned with ADGM’s internationally recognised framework.
Nest Services Limited (soon to be renamed “Nest Exchange Limited”) has been approved as a Recognised Investment Exchange (RIE), with permission to operate a Multilateral Trading Facility. It will oversee all on-exchange trading, including spot and derivatives.
Nest Clearing and Custody Limited has been approved as a Recognised Clearing House (RCH), with additional permissions for custody and CSD services. It will manage clearing, settlement, and secure custody of digital assets to ensure operational resilience and asset protection.
BCI Limited (soon to be renamed “Nest Trading Limited”) has been approved as a Broker-Dealer with permissions to deal in investments, arrange investment deals, manage assets, arrange custody, and provide money services. It will deliver Binance’s off-exchange offerings such as OTC trading, conversion services, and other principal-based activities.
Richard Teng, Co-CEO of Binance, said the approval reflects the company’s long-standing focus on compliance.
“Achieving regulatory status through ADGM’s respected framework reflects our deep commitment to compliance, transparency, and user protection. ADGM is one of the most respected financial regulators globally, and holding an FSRA license under their gold standard framework shows that Binance meets the highest international standards for compliance, governance, risk management, and consumer protection.”
Teng added, “This license provides regulatory clarity and legitimacy, enabling Binance to support its global operations from ADGM. While our global operations remain distributed, leveraging talent and innovation worldwide, this regulatory foundation offers our users peace of mind knowing Binance operates under a globally recognised, gold standard framework. We are grateful for the FSRA’s forward-thinking approach, which safeguards users while fostering innovation.”
His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said Binance’s entry highlights Abu Dhabi’s role in shaping global financial innovation.
“We are pleased to welcome Binance, a key global player in digital assets and financial innovation, to ADGM. Their presence underscores Abu Dhabi’s standing as a leading international hub for innovation, sustainable growth, and the future of finance. We look forward to seeing them harness the strength of ADGM’s progressive regulatory framework and dynamic ecosystem contributing to the evolution of a more innovative, inclusive, and future-ready global financial sector.”
With more than 300 million registered users worldwide and over $125 trillion in cumulative trading volume, Binance continues to expand its digital-asset infrastructure with an emphasis on security, transparency, and regulatory alignment. Operating under ADGM’s regime ensures users benefit from strong oversight and consumer protection as the platform enters its next phase of institutional and retail growth.
Subject to final operational preparations, Binance.com will begin operating its ADGM-regulated activities on January 5, 2026. The approval strengthens Binance’s position in regulated digital finance and underscores the UAE’s emergence as a global hub for financial innovation supported by clear regulatory pathways and a qualified talent pool.
