In December 2025, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) announced that its regulator, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), has formally authorized Binance.com to operate under the regulatory framework of ADGM. Binance emphasizes that this is the first global digital asset platform with such a structured set of approvals, and the start of regulated operations is set for January 5, 2026.

What is ADGM and FSRA?

ADGM is the international financial center in Abu Dhabi, and the FSRA is its financial regulatory authority. In the area of digital assets, ADGM has been developing its own "Virtual Asset Framework" for years, covering, among other things, exchange activities, custody, intermediation, and requirements regarding governance, AML, and risk management.

The three pillars of the license, or what the new structure of Binance in ADGM looks like

In the context of licensing, we are not talking about a single 'license', but about three licensed entities that have distinct roles:

  1. Nest Exchange Limited" a recognized exchange/investment infrastructure (RIE) with the ability to operate an MTF that will encompass on-exchange trading (spot and derivatives).

  2. Nest Clearing and Custody Limited – a recognized clearing house (RCH) with additional custody powers that will be responsible for clearing/settlement and safekeeping of assets.

  3. Nest Trading Limited – a broker-dealer providing 'off-exchange' services (e.g., OTC / conversions and other principal-based activities depending on the product).

When does this take effect?

The ADGM and Binance announcements indicated that Binance.com has obtained full FSRA authorization and that regulated activities are set to commence on January 5, 2026 (subject to 'final operational preparations')

What does this mean for Binance users?

From the user's perspective, the three operational consequences that Binance described in the announcement regarding the transition to ADGM are the most important:

  • Change of service providers: from January 5, 2026 services are to be provided by the aforementioned ADGM entities.

  • Changes in documents and contractual relations: Binance announces an update of Terms/Privacy and the automatic transfer of rights and obligations to the appropriate entities (in accordance with the clauses in the terms).

  • Who is the data controller: from the date of entry into force, the respective ADGM entities are to act as the 'data controller' for the services they provide.

Important: this is not a global license replacing all local laws, but a regulatory framework for certain activities and entities in ADGM. The scope of services and jurisdictional limitations may depend on the user's place of residence and the specific product.

You can find more information in this announcement