Crypto exchange Binance has received three separate licenses from Abu Dhabi’s financial regulator, allowing it to operate an exchange, clearing house, and broker-dealer under the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) framework.
The FSRA — the independent regulator of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) — approved licenses for Nest Exchange Limited, Nest Clearing and Custody Limited, and Nest Trading Limited, according to a Monday announcement from Binance and the ADGM.
Binance co-CEO Richard Teng said the approvals provide both regulatory clarity and global legitimacy, strengthening the company’s ability to support international operations from within ADGM.
“While our global operations remain distributed, leveraging talent and innovation worldwide, this regulatory foundation gives users confidence that Binance is operating under a globally recognized, gold-standard framework,” Teng said.
He added that the company appreciates the FSRA’s “forward-thinking approach that protects users while enabling innovation.”
Binance could soon establish a base in Abu Dhabi
Binance, which currently operates without an official global headquarters, may now set up a significant presence in Abu Dhabi following its new regulatory approvals. Under the FSRA’s February 2020 guidance, any authorized firm carrying out regulated activities in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) must have its “mind and management” located within the zone. This includes dedicating resources to commercial operations, governance, compliance, surveillance, technical infrastructure, IT, and HR.
Binance says operating under ADGM’s financial services framework will offer users stronger consumer protections and subject the exchange to enhanced regulatory oversight. The company expects to begin its “regulated activities” on January 5, 2026.
In a post on X, Binance co-CEO Richard Teng called the development an “important milestone,” noting that Binance is now the first global exchange to receive this level of approval from a major regulator and will have its international operations and liquidity supervised end-to-end.
Binance already maintains a strong presence in the United Arab Emirates, holding a virtual asset service provider license in Dubai since April 2024 and securing a $2 billion investment in March from MGX, an Abu Dhabi–based artificial intelligence and technology venture firm.
