by Enoch Mwathwa
Binance has strengthened its global position after securing full authorization from Abu Dhabi Global Market’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority. The approval boosts confidence across the market, and BNB responded with a quick rebound as traders priced in the exchange’s clearer regulatory path and growing international footprint.
Binance Becomes First Exchange to Secure Full ADGM Licensing
Binance reached a major milestone by becoming the first crypto exchange to obtain all licenses issued under the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) regulatory framework, according to an official announcement. The approval covers trading, custody, settlement, and off-exchange services. It aligns the platform with standards followed in traditional markets, raising expectations for stronger compliance and tighter governance.
The exchange will operate through three licensed entities to meet all requirements. Nest Exchange Ltd will run the on-exchange business, including spot and derivatives markets. Nest Clearing and Custody Ltd will manage digital-asset custody and serve as the central securities depository. Additionally, Nest Trading will handle off-exchange operations such as OTC flows, conversions, and principal-based services. This structure mirrors the separation seen in regulated financial institutions.
Richard Teng said the FSRA license signals that Binance now operates under one of the strictest global frameworks. He stressed that the approval reinforces the company’s commitment to strong governance and user protection. The move also strengthens Binance’s position at a time when regulators worldwide continue to refine digital-asset oversight. Teng noted that the license will help raise global industry standards and offer greater clarity to institutional partners.
This is an important milestone for Binance. We have become the 1st global exchange to secure a comprehensive regulatory approval from a world respected regulator – FSRA @ADGlobalMarket – to have its global operations and liquidity supervised end-to-end.
Earning a full FSRA… https://t.co/vXStBcwFNh
— Richard Teng (@_RichardTeng) December 8, 2025
Abu Dhabi Emerges as Binance’s Likely Global Hub as BNB Lifts Higher
The new licenses have sparked fresh debate about Binance’s global headquarters. The company has avoided confirming a base for years. However, its full licensing under ADGM has led many observers to identify Abu Dhabi as the logical center of its global operations. The exchange’s three-entity structure aligns directly with ADGM’s framework, which signals deep regulatory alignment.
Teng declined to confirm whether Abu Dhabi is the official headquarters. Still, he acknowledged that global regulators focus more on where an exchange is licensed than on its physical location. His remarks suggest that ADGM will oversee Binance’s global platform, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s role as the company’s regulatory anchor. This comes months after a $2 billion investment from Abu Dhabi’s MGX, which took a minority stake to expand its presence in digital assets.
The market reacted quickly after the announcement. BNB rose over 1%, extending a steady rebound over the last day. The BNB token price was near $902, with volume climbing almost 25%. Derivatives data also pointed to rising appetite. BNB futures open interest increased across major exchanges, signaling renewed confidence from traders. Open interest jumped nearly 1.5% in four hours, pushing the total to $1.40 billion for the day.
As Binance deepens its ties with Abu Dhabi and strengthens its regulatory standing, the exchange enters a new phase. Clear oversight, expanded operations, and rising institutional confidence have all contributed to the latest market momentum. With BNB gaining traction, investors now watch for the next steps as Binance builds a more defined global framework.
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