In a major announcement, Binance announced that it has become the first digital asset trading platform to receive a full global regulatory authorization from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), allowing it to operate its Binance platform within a globally recognized regulatory framework.

This license represents an important step towards promoting responsible innovation in the digital asset industry and establishing Abu Dhabi as a leading international financial center.

Three licensed entities structured similarly to traditional financial markets

To meet the requirements of the Abu Dhabi Global Market, Binance will operate through three independent licensed entities, each responsible for a specific part of the operations:

  • Nest Services Limited (to be renamed Nest Exchange Limited): A recognized investment platform (RIE) for managing trading facilities, including Spot and derivatives trading.

  • Nest Clearing and Custody Limited: A recognized clearing house (RCH) with powers for custody, settlement, and managing users' assets according to high protection standards.

  • BCI Limited (to be renamed Nest Trading Limited): A licensed entity as a broker-dealer to manage off-platform activities, including OTC and investment arrangements.

This separation between trading, settlement, custody, and brokerage functions reflects the organizational structure of global financial markets, enhancing transparency, operational oversight, and user protection.

Executive management statement

Richard Teng, co-CEO of Binance, stated that obtaining thislicensereflects the company's commitment to compliance, governance, and consumer protection, emphasizing that the Abu Dhabi Global Market is considered one of the most respected regulatory bodies globally; he added that the new system gives users greater clarity and peace of mind that services operate according to the highest international standards:


His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Global Market, also confirmed that Binance's joining enhances Abu Dhabi's status as a leading global center for financial innovation and contributes to developing a more resilient and future-ready financial sector:

"We are pleased to welcome 'Binance', one of the leading global companies in cryptocurrency and financial innovation. Their presence enhances Abu Dhabi's status as a leading international center for innovation, sustainable growth, and the future of financial services."

Global user notification: Important updates starting January 5, 2026

In conjunction with Binance's transition to the new framework, it published an official notice to all users worldwide outlining the changes that will occur in the way services are delivered and the terms of use.

The notification stated that Binance.com services will be provided starting from January 5, 2026, through the three new licensed entities, and that some services, data, and responsibilities will be transferred between them to ensure compliance with the new regulatory framework.

Binance has also stated that it has updated its terms of use and privacy notice, and that the new versions will come into effect from the same date. Each of the three entities will be an independent data controller regarding the services it manages, in accordance with the data protection standards of the Abu Dhabi Global Market.

Users can confirm their agreement via the button displayed in the notification, and continued use of the services is considered direct consent to the new terms:

The impact of the license on users and the security of assets

The new framework provides significant benefits, including:

  • Enhancing consumer protection through clear custody and clearing rules.

  • Increasing transparency in trading operations

  • Precise separation of tasks between licensed entities

  • Improving oversight of risk management

  • World-class regulatory commitment enhances trust in the platform

Binance is preparing to formally commence regulated activities under the Abu Dhabi Global Market framework on January 5, 2026, after completing operational requirements.

Binance currently serves over 300 million registered users, and its cumulative trading volume has exceeded 125 trillion dollars. The company considers regulatory compliance to be a cornerstone of its efforts to develop a reliable infrastructure for digital assets globally.

If you need more information, you can refer to the original announcement and the Q&A page.