Key Highlights
- •Binance has obtained full regulatory approval from the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to operate as an exchange, clearing house, and brokerage.
- •This license positions the UAE as a significant hub for compliant cryptocurrency trading amidst evolving global regulations.
- •The move is expected to attract institutional investors seeking regulated access to both spot and derivatives markets.
Binance Achieves Full ADGM Regulatory Approval
Binance has successfully obtained full regulatory approval from the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to operate as an exchange, clearing house, and brokerage. This significant development follows the earlier securing of initial licenses and solidifies the platform's ability to offer comprehensive services to both institutional and retail clients within the UAE. The announcement, made on December 8, 2025, marks a crucial expansion of Binance's presence in a jurisdiction recognized for its forward-thinking digital asset regulations.
Major milestone 🏁#Binance is the first-ever digital assets trading platform to secure a full suite of licenses from FSRA under @ADGlobalMarket.
This marks a breakthrough moment that raises global standards for regulation, security, and trust.
It reflects our commitment to… pic.twitter.com/ItRofJoAOC
— Binance (@binance) December 8, 2025
ADGM License Details and Institutional Appeal
ADGM, a prominent financial free zone in the UAE, has granted Binance the approval to operate multilateral trading facilities, provide post-trade services, and act as a brokerage under its regulatory framework. This comprehensive license enables Binance to manage trading, settlement, and custody operations within a single entity, thereby reducing counterparty risk for its users. Furthermore, institutional investors will gain access to a wide array of over 400 cryptocurrencies, alongside futures and margin trading capabilities, all operating within a framework aligned with MiCA principles that prioritize investor protection.
The issuance of this license coincides with intensified efforts by UAE regulators to attract cryptocurrency inflows. ADGM has reported a 40% increase in digital asset applications throughout the current year. Binance intends to incorporate local stablecoins and fiat on-ramps, facilitating faster onboarding with AED pairings. CEO Richard Teng emphasized the approval as a pivotal "bridge between innovation and compliance," specifically targeting family offices and sovereign funds active in the region.
UAE's Crypto Push and Competitive Edge
The regulatory landscape in the UAE, encompassing VARA in Dubai and ADGM in Abu Dhabi, presents a more accommodating environment compared to stricter regimes in other parts of the world, attracting major players like OKX and Bybit. Binance's latest development builds upon its provisional approval received in 2024, allowing for scaled operations without the need for workarounds. Trading volumes on ADGM venues reached $15 billion in the past quarter, indicating substantial demand from Middle Eastern capital.
This strategic move aligns with global trends where cryptocurrency exchanges are increasingly prioritizing licensed hubs, especially in the aftermath of the FTX collapse. Analysts project that Binance could capture 25% of the UAE's estimated $50 billion cryptocurrency market by 2026, capitalizing on its competitive low fees and deep liquidity. The establishment of regional partnerships, such as with the National Bank of Abu Dhabi, is expected to further integrate cryptocurrency into traditional financial systems.
Related Legal Developments
In parallel developments, a Florida appeals court has revived a negligence lawsuit against Binance concerning a user's reported loss of 1,000 BTC in 2022. The court overturned Binance's earlier dismissal attempt, ruling that the offshore exchange possesses sufficient ties to Florida through its U.S. operations to be subject to state claims.