Binance gets full regulatory status from Abu Dhabi

• Now under comprehensive regulatory framework
• Three licensed entities will operate services
• ‘At the forefront of regulatory progress’

Cryptocurrency exchange Binance has received full regulatory authorisation from Abu Dhabi Global Market.

Three licensed entities – an exchange, a clearing house and a broker dealer – will provide Binance’s services from January 5 2026, the company said in a statement, mirroring traditional finance market infrastructure.

Nest Exchange Services will function as an investment exchange, handling all exchange activities, including spot and derivative trading.

Nest Clearing and Custody will serve as the clearing house, responsible for clearing, settlement and safeguarding users’ digital assets.

Nest Trading will operate as a middleman in financial trades, arranging trades between different buyers and sellers.

Richard Teng, Binance’s co-CEO, said achieving regulatory status “cements Binance’s position at the forefront of regulatory progress in digital finance”. 

“This licence provides regulatory clarity and legitimacy, enabling Binance to support its global operations from ADGM,” Teng said.

“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.”

ADGM chairman Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi added that Binance’s presence “underscores Abu Dhabi’s standing as a leading international hub for innovation, sustainable growth, and the future of finance”.

Binance has more than 300 million registered users globally and over $125 trillion in cumulative trading volume.

Further reading:

• Binance focuses on security as crypto crimes hit $20bn
• Binance clamps down on suspicious UAE crypto trades
• Why Binance Blockchain Week is returning to Dubai and what to expect