A cluster of approvals issued within the city’s financial free zone gives the exchange a foundation it has never had before — an integrated, regulated operating stack covering trading, custody, settlement and brokerage functions.
Abu Dhabi has approved multiple Binance entities to control trading, clearing, and brokerage, positioning the UAE to become a global center for regulated digital finance. This development signifies Binance's shift from an expansion-first approach to one centered on compliance. Regulated services under this new structure are anticipated to commence in January 2026.
Instead of slotting Binance into a single license category, Abu Dhabi Global Market approved separate business units, each responsible for a piece of market infrastructure. One entity will run the public-facing exchange, handling spot markets and futures. Another is built to function as the clearing and settlement layer, including custody. A third entity is tasked with brokerage, asset management, and service operations.
For observers, this structure resembles the assembly of a miniature financial ecosystem designed to meet institutional standards, rather than merely permission for a trading app.
Binance Hints at a New “Home,” Without Naming One
Richard Teng, previously a regional executive and now co-CEO, addressed questions regarding whether Abu Dhabi is effectively Binance’s headquarters. His messaging suggested that the emirate will serve as the regulatory supervision point for Binance as a global platform, irrespective of whether the firm formally declares a physical headquarters.
Political Signaling on Both Sides
For Binance, these approvals represent an effort to mature after years of friction with regulatory bodies. For the UAE, securing the world's largest exchange serves as a tangible endorsement of its digital-asset strategy, which prioritizes discipline, adherence to rules, and attracting significant operators over fringe players.
Officials have openly stated that this step demonstrates their frameworks' capability to safeguard users while providing innovators with ample space for growth.
Real Operations Must Live in Abu Dhabi
Unlike some jurisdictions that permit firms to passport registrations without a physical presence, the Abu Dhabi Global Market requires licensed entities to physically anchor their management, compliance oversight, technical operations, surveillance, and staffing within its zone. This means Binance must operate under Abu Dhabi’s governance rather than simply referencing it on official documentation.
The exchange has informed its users that it expects to launch regulated services in early January 2026.
A Regional Strategy Was Already Building Momentum
Binance had already established a presence in the UAE prior to these approvals. Two years ago, Dubai granted the exchange clearance to operate under its virtual-asset regime. Subsequently, Abu Dhabi tech investor MGX injected $2 billion into Binance, indicating alignment with the government’s digital strategy. These new licenses enhance that relationship, transforming presence into governance authority.
With Abu Dhabi now overseeing Binance’s key market functions, the emirate is advancing its objective to become the world's most credible hub for regulated cryptocurrency finance.