Binance Consolidates Global Operations Through Three ADGM-Licensed Entities

Binance just rewired its entire global service architecture—and did it with regulatory precision.

The Triple-License Gambit

Instead of a scattered network, the exchange now channels key services through three distinct firms, all holding coveted licenses from Abu Dhabi's financial watchdog. It's a structural power move—consolidating control while dressing operations in full regulatory compliance.

Streamlining for Scale

This isn't just paperwork. The restructuring funnels institutional services, custody, and brokerage operations into dedicated, sanctioned vessels. It cuts through jurisdictional gray areas and gives the giant a cleaner, faster pipeline to serve global capital.

The Compliance Frontier

For an industry that once prized regulatory ambiguity, Binance's pivot to a licensed triad signals a new phase. They're building bridges with regulators—or perhaps just constructing very impressive tollbooths on the highway of digital finance. After all, what's a financial revolution without a proper licensing fee?

The playbook is clear: operate at the frontier, but anchor your ships in the safest harbors you can find—or create.

TLDR

• Binance has restructured its global services under three entities licensed by ADGM in Abu Dhabi.
• Nest Exchange Limited now manages all exchange-related services including spot and derivatives trading.
• Nest Clearing and Custody Limited handles clearing, settlement, and custody of user digital assets.
• Nest Trading Limited is responsible for off-exchange and principal-based services such as OTC and Convert.
• Binance has updated its Terms of Use and Privacy Notice to reflect the new regulatory structure.

Binance has restructured its global service model, confirming that its offerings are now provided under three regulated entities licensed in Abu Dhabi, each operating under the regulatory framework of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) within Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), and this transition takes effect immediately with legal, contractual, and data control updates now in place.

Nest Exchange Limited to Handle Exchange Activities

Binance confirmed that Nest Exchange Limited now provides exchange services, including all spot and derivatives trading functions. This entity holds regulatory approval to operate as an investment exchange and multilateral trading facility under ADGM rules.

The company stated, “Becoming regulated in ADGM means that our services are provided by entities that meet clear regulatory standards.” Nest Exchange Limited’s role focuses only on exchange operations, leaving clearing and off-exchange services to separate legal entities.

Under this new framework, the legal agreements with users have been updated and split according to the service being provided. Binance explained, “Your contractual relationship now continues with the ADGM-regulated entities in respect of the services that they each provide.”

Nest Clearing and Custody Limited to Oversee Clearing and Custody

Binance confirmed that Nest Clearing and Custody Limited, previously known as Binance (AD) Limited, now serves as the clearing house. It will provide custody services and act as a central counterparty for all on-exchange derivatives.

This means users’ open positions on on-exchange derivatives will now be handled and cleared by this entity as of 2026-01-05. Binance stated, “Open positions for on-exchange derivative transactions are given up for clearing to Nest Clearing and Custody Limited.”

The company added that digital assets under custody also transfer to this entity, except for frozen or restricted assets. These exceptions include assets subject to court orders or those of Canadian users in withdrawal-only status.

Binance has updated its Terms of Use and Privacy Notice to reflect these changes, now effective globally. Each licensed entity will function independently as a data controller for its specific services.

Nest Trading Limited to Manage Off-Exchange Services

Nest Trading Limited, formerly known as BCI Limited, now manages all off-exchange and principal-based services. These include over-the-counter (OTC) trading, Convert, and Earn features available on Binance.com.

Binance clarified that the updated structure does not affect how users access or use the platform. “Users will continue to access their account using their existing UID and login credentials,” the company confirmed.

Order history, balances, and open positions remain unchanged under the new service provider arrangements. However, Binance emphasized that services are now provided under distinct legal entities, ensuring improved risk oversight.

Binance noted that users can refer to its advance notice published on 2025-12-08 for detailed transition information. That document explains how the regulated structure mirrors established financial market systems.

The company did not mention any changes to services regulated under Dubai’s VARA or the UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). Those platforms continue to operate independently of the new ADGM-regulated structure.