Binance is taking a major step in its regulatory journey. The exchange has obtained three separate licenses from Abu Dhabi’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), allowing it to operate its international platform under comprehensive oversight.
The approvals cover Nest Exchange Limited, Nest Clearing and Custody Limited, and Nest Trading Limited, providing regulatory coverage for exchange operations, clearing house functions, and broker-dealer services. Richard Teng, Binance co-CEO, described the licenses as a milestone that gives regulatory clarity and global operational confidence.
Under the FSRA framework, entities must maintain their mind and management operations within the Abu Dhabi Global Market, including governance, compliance, surveillance, operations, IT, and HR. The requirement suggests Binance could establish a substantial operational presence in the emirate.
Binance has long operated without a formal corporate headquarters, a structure that traditionally determines tax obligations and regulatory compliance. The ADGM licenses now give the exchange a regulatory foundation while maintaining its distributed, global operations model.
Operating under Abu Dhabi’s regime brings enhanced consumer protections and oversight for users. Binance plans to begin regulated activities on January 5, 2026, once setup procedures are complete.
Teng highlighted that this move makes Binance the first global cryptocurrency exchange to secure end-to-end supervision of its international operations and liquidity from a respected financial regulator. The comprehensive oversight spans all aspects of its exchange operations under FSRA jurisdiction.
Binance already holds a Virtual Asset Service Provider license in Dubai, obtained in April 2024, and received a $2 billion investment from Abu Dhabi’s MGX in March. The new licenses expand the exchange’s regulatory footprint in the region, positioning Abu Dhabi as a key hub for its global operations.
