Binance obtains three regulatory licenses in Abu Dhabi

The licenses cover exchange operations, clearing infrastructure, and broker-dealer activities. They allow the company to operate a trading venue, provide custody and settlement, and offer off-exchange services directly from Abu Dhabi.

The announcement came during Abu Dhabi Finance Week and marks one of Binance’s most significant steps in strengthening its global regulatory position. The exchange remains the world’s largest, with a market share of about 35%.

Binance’s ties to Abu Dhabi have deepened in recent years. In March, the company received a $2 billion investment from MGX, an entity linked to Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, one of the UAE’s most influential officials.

The company has yet to choose a location for its global headquarters. Binance co-CEO Richard Teng has said the UAE is a strong contender. He previously worked within the ADGM financial zone, giving him longstanding ties to the region before joining Binance.

The Emirates’ interest in digital assets continues to grow. In the third quarter, Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund more than tripled its holdings in BlackRock’s bitcoin ETF, increasing its position to nearly 8 million shares worth around $518 million. The move underscores the UAE’s long-term strategy to expand its presence in the crypto market.

At the same time, Binance is working to rebuild its reputation after the corporate turmoil of 2023. Founder Changpeng Zhao stepped down as CEO after admitting to AML violations in the United States, and the exchange agreed to pay more than $4.3 billion to settle a years-long investigation. Zhao was pardoned by U.S. President Donald Trump in the fall of 2025.

Despite regulatory challenges in some jurisdictions, the company is moving toward broader global consolidation. Binance is expanding its licensing footprint and strengthening its presence through acquisitions, including the regulator-approved purchase of South Korean exchange GOPAX after a two-year review.