Crypto exchange Binance secures global ADGM authorisation for Binance.com

Approval spans three regulated entities covering exchange, clearing/custody and broker-dealer activities, with operations slated to begin on 5 January 2026.

• Crypto exchange Binance says it has become the first platform to secure a “global” licence under Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre ADGM.
• The authorisation is issued by the ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA).
• Approval is structured across three entities covering on-exchange trading, clearing/custody and off-exchange services.
• Binance said ADGM-regulated activities are expected to begin on 5 January 2026, subject to final operational preparation.

Crypto exchange Binance says it has become the first digital-asset platform to secure a “global” licence under Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre ADGM, after receiving formal authorisation from the ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) for its Binance.com platform. 

According to the announcement, the approval is structured across three separate regulated entities within ADGM, covering exchange, clearing/custody and broker-dealer activities. The group said this structure is designed to align on-exchange trading, off-exchange services and post-trade functions with ADGM’s regulatory framework.

The three entities include Nest Services Limited (to be renamed Nest Exchange Limited), approved as a Recognised Investment Exchange with permission to operate a Multilateral Trading Facility; Nest Clearing and Custody Limited, approved as a Recognised Clearing House with additional permissions for custody and CSD services; and BCI Limited (to be renamed Nest Trading Limited), approved as a Broker-Dealer with relevant dealing, arranging, asset management, custody and money services permissions.

“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.”

Richard Teng, Co-CEO of Binance

“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.”

Richard Teng, Co-CEO of Binance

“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.”

H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM

Subject to final operational preparation, Binance said its ADGM-regulated activities are expected to begin on 5 January 2026. The company also positioned the approval as further evidence of the UAE’s growing role as a global hub for digital-asset innovation backed by structured regulatory pathways.

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