Binance has received full authorization from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). With this approval, Binance becomes the first global crypto exchange to place its trading, liquidity, clearing, and custody operations under a single, end-to-end regulatory framework.
The license allows Binance to operate within ADGM’s well-established regulatory system, known for strict oversight, clear rules, and strong investor protection. This approval signals a move toward closer alignment between large crypto exchanges and traditional financial market standards.
Binance CEO called the approval a major milestone for both the company and the broader crypto industry.
This is an important milestone for Binance. We have become the first global exchange to secure comprehensive regulatory approval from a world-respected regulator, FSRA of ADGM, to have our global operations and liquidity supervised end-to-end. Earning a full FSRA license reflects the strength of our foundations and our commitment to building the most trusted and compliant global exchange, while advancing responsible innovation and the future of digital finance.
How Binance Will Operate Under ADGM Rules
Binance will operate through three separately licensed entities, each handling a specific function.
- •Nest Services Limited, which will be renamed Nest Exchange Limited, has been approved as a Recognised Investment Exchange and will manage on-exchange activities such as spot and derivatives trading.
- •Nest Clearing and Custody Limited has been authorized as a Recognized Clearing House. It will be responsible for clearing, settlement, and custody of digital assets, ensuring secure asset handling and operational stability.
- •BCI Limited, soon to be renamed Nest Trading Limited, has received broker-dealer approval and will handle off-exchange services, including OTC trades, asset conversions, and principal trading.
This setup separates trading, custody, and brokerage functions, helping reduce risk and improve transparency.
Stronger Protection and Global Credibility for Users
Operating under ADGM’s framework places Binance under one of the strictest consumer-protection regimes in the crypto sector. Each step of the trading process, from trade execution to asset storage, will be closely regulated.
The FSRA license also strengthens Binance’s global credibility. It shows the exchange meets international standards for governance, risk management, and operational controls, at a time when regulators worldwide are demanding higher accountability from crypto platforms.
What Happens Next
Binance.com is expected to begin regulated operations under the ADGM framework on January 5, 2026, subject to final operational readiness. Users can expect clearer operational structures, stronger oversight of custody and clearing, and higher resilience under a globally respected regulatory regime.
The exchange recently crossed 300 million registered users worldwide and remains the largest crypto platform by trading volume. Binance leadership has also increased engagement with governments, including recent high-level discussions in Pakistan as the country works toward formal digital-asset regulation.
FAQs
This license places Binance under a strict, end-to-end regulatory framework in Abu Dhabi, offering users stronger investor protection, segregated operations, and enhanced oversight of trading and asset custody.
Binance is the first global exchange to have its core operations—trading, clearing, and custody—fully regulated under a single framework by the ADGM’s FSRA, a major step toward traditional financial standards.
Binance is expected to start regulated operations on January 5, 2026, once all operational checks are complete and systems meet ADGM’s requirements.