Binance secures global licenses for three entities under ADGM framework: Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, has received full authorization from ADGM’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority to operate its global platform Binance.com under the Abu Dhabi framework, according to a press release. The approval makes it the first crypto exchange licensed globally at this level.

What does the license mean? The company will be allowed to operate spot and derivatives trading, custody, settlement, clearing, OTC, and other brokerage services within the jurisdiction.

Binance will operate through three licensed entities, a broker-dealer, an exchange, and a clearing house:

  • Nest Exchange will be a recognized investment exchange to run on-exchange activities like spot and derivatives trading;
  • Nest Clearing and Custody will act as a recognized clearing house to oversee clearing, settlement, and custody of digital assets;
  • Nest Trading will handle the broker-dealer side, overseeing and arranging investments, as well as handling off-exchange activities including OTC, brokerage, asset management, and money services.

An HQ in the UAE? Co-CEO Richard Teng declined to confirm if Binance would set up its HQ in Abu Dhabi, Fortune reports. He merely confirmed that the firm’s “global platform” will be governed from ADGM, though many speculate that the new license effectively means its roots will be planted in the capital.

Binance.com is expected to begin regulated operations on 5 January 2026, subject to completion of operational requirements. The exchange says it now serves 300 mn registered users and has overseen more than USD 125 tn in cumulative trade volume. It currently has a 1k-strong UAE workforce.

REMEMBER- The move comes after the company secured a USD 2 bn investment from Abu Dhabi’s AI fund MGX in March, and a Dubai crypto license in April 2024.

A “Wall Street” for crypto?

The move is a big boon for Abu Dhabi’s crypto sector. ADGM is now known for its sharp and proactive regulatory framework for the sector, which has attracted dozens of firms. It also recently proposed new crypto staking rules.

The UAE, more broadly, scored a perfect 10 on Henley’s recent Crypto Adoption Index, and a raft of Emirati players are integrating crypto payments into their services.

The UAE’s explosive growth and adoption of crypto have put it front and center of the global stage, with the potential to become “the Wall Street of cryptocurrencies,” BTC Inc chief Brandon Green told The National. An influx of crypto heavyweights, along with sector-friendly regulation and initiatives, have positioned the Emirates as a global crypto hub, he said.

Countries adopting BTC as part of their strategic reserves could unlock USD tns in capital flows, with the UAE well positioned to capitalize on such a move, according to Green, who stressed the importance of BTC adoption given it accounts for 90% of the crypto market’s value. Elsewhere, eToro CEO Yoni Assia said he sees Abu Dhabi becoming the capital of crypto assets.

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