Binance Global Authorisation has set a new regulatory milestone as the exchange became the first to receive full approval under Abu Dhabi’s ADGM digital-asset regime. The decision strengthens oversight, compliance confidence and international market structure for the platform.
Binance Global Authorisation marks a major step in Abu Dhabi’s digital-asset oversight
Binance secured a historic achievement this week after receiving formal authorisation from the Abu Dhabi Global Market’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority to operate its international trading platform under the jurisdiction’s complete digital-asset framework. This decision marks the first time a cryptocurrency exchange has earned full regulatory clearance under ADGM’s comprehensive rules, signalling not only a major step for the company but also an important development for the global virtual-asset industry. Supporters of the move say it provides a clear demonstration of how established oversight can coexist with innovation in one of the world’s fastest-growing financial sectors.
The approval, which applies to Binance.com, spans three distinct legal entities within ADGM—an exchange, a clearing house and a broker-dealer. Each entity has been independently licensed with a defined operational scope that enables trading, clearing, settlement, custody and over-the-counter market activities. The organisations are currently known as Nest Services Limited, Nest Clearing and Custody Limited and BCI Limited, though Binance confirmed that all three will be rebranded to better reflect their expanded regulatory mandates. This structure is intended to ensure that operational responsibilities are clearly divided, compliant with international norms and protected under the region’s financial services laws.
Nest Services, operating under the new authorisation, has been granted Recognised Investment Exchange status. This designation allows the company to run a multilateral trading facility, supporting both spot instruments and derivatives contracts. By enabling this dual role, ADGM has effectively placed the entity among a small group of global venues capable of offering regulated digital-asset trading environments for both retail and institutional market participants. Meanwhile, Nest Clearing has received approval as a Recognised Clearing House with further authorities to deliver custody and central securities depository functions. This addition positions the entity as a key infrastructure provider for secure settlement, digital-asset safeguarding and post-trade operations within the region.
The third entity, BCI, has obtained a broker-dealer licence that carries extensive permissions. These include investment dealing, asset management, a full suite of custody arrangements and designated money services. Such a spectrum of capabilities is relatively uncommon in digital-asset licensing frameworks and highlights ADGM’s intent to support deep market functionality rather than limited or siloed services. Industry analysts note that the framework stands out for its sophistication and versatility, reinforcing the argument that the emirate aims to establish itself as a global digital-finance powerhouse.
Binance described the approval as a “global first” that brings vital regulatory clarity across markets where the company is expanding its compliance posture. According to the firm, the authorisation aligns with ongoing efforts to adopt a more resilient, transparent and legally robust operating model following heightened scrutiny in multiple jurisdictions over the past two years. Executives have repeatedly emphasised that the platform is moving toward a governance structure that matches the complexity of traditional financial institutions while preserving the efficiencies and innovation associated with blockchain-native models.
Co-Chief Executive Richard Teng said the authorisation demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to compliance, transparency and user protection. He added that gaining approval under ADGM’s structure builds legitimacy and strengthens confidence among both institutional clients and global retail users. The company’s leadership expects the decision to bring greater credibility at a time when the industry is shifting toward higher regulatory expectations. Additionally, the new licences give Binance access to a jurisdiction known for its clear rules, its emphasis on investor protection and its widespread recognition by financial authorities worldwide.
ADGM Chairman Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi said the authorisation reinforces Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a leading destination for financial innovation and digital-asset development. He stated that the emirate is committed to supporting a secure, transparent and forward-looking regulatory environment, positioning the region as one of the most attractive hubs for next-generation financial services. Market observers say the approval also reflects the broader strategy of the UAE to diversify its economic activity and strengthen its influence in global technology-driven finance.
Binance reports more than 300 million registered users and over US$125 trillion in cumulative trading volume since its launch. The company has been accelerating its regulatory engagement across Europe, Asia and the Middle East, particularly following enforcement actions in several countries. With this latest approval, the firm aims to align itself more closely with regulatory-first jurisdictions as it continues to rebuild trust and reinforce operational safeguards.
The exchange expects to begin offering services under ADGM regulation from January 5, 2026, subject to final operational readiness and technology integration. Preparations are already underway to ensure that all systems meet the stringent requirements mandated by the regulator. As the digital-asset sector continues to evolve, Binance Global Authorisation under ADGM’s regime signals a significant shift toward stronger compliance, structured governance and internationally aligned digital-market infrastructure.