JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, announced today that it has received formal authorization for its global platform, www.Binance.com, under a comprehensive regulatory framework from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market.
The approval, a first for a global crypto exchange, allows Binance to operate its global platform through three regulated entities within ADGM, the international financial center in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
The license grants Binance a foundation for its worldwide operations and provides access to multiple markets beyond the UAE, positioning the exchange at the forefront of digital finance regulation.
“Achieving regulatory status through ADGM’s respected framework reflects our deep commitment to compliance, transparency, and user protection,” said Richard Teng, Co-CEO of Binance. “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.”
The comprehensive approval covers three distinct entities:
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Nest Services Limited (soon to be renamed Nest Exchange Limited) is approved as a Recognized Investment Exchange, with permission to operate a Multilateral Trading Facility for all on-exchange trading.
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Nest Clearing and Custody Limited is approved as a Recognized Clearing House, with permissions to manage the clearing, settlement and secure custody of digital assets.
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BCI Limited (soon to be renamed Nest Trading Limited) is approved as a Broker-Dealer, which will deliver the exchange’s off-exchange offerings, including over-the-counter trading and conversion services.
“We are pleased to welcome Binance, a key global player in digital assets and financial innovation, to ADGM,” said His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of ADGM. “Their presence underscores Abu Dhabi’s standing as a leading international hub for innovation, sustainable growth, and the future of finance.”
Binance, which has more than 300 million registered users globally, will begin operating its ADGM-regulated activities on Jan. 5, 2026, subject to final preparation. This step reinforces the UAE’s emergence as a global hub for financial services innovation.
