Binance has launched regulated services under Abu Dhabi’s FSRA and applied for a MiCA license in Greece, even as it faces renewed scrutiny over alleged Iran-linked transactions and compliance practices.
Binance’s dual push—securing full regulatory approval in Abu Dhabi and seeking MiCA authorization in Greece—signals a strategic pivot toward legitimacy and institutional trust. These moves come amid intensifying global regulatory pressure and recent allegations of internal compliance failures, making the exchange’s regulatory posture a focal point for market watchers.
Abu Dhabi Launches Regulated Services
Binance became the first global crypto exchange to secure a full suite of FSRA licenses from the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), covering exchange, clearing, custody, and broker-dealer operations . The licenses were granted on December 8, 2025, and Binance began operating under this regulated framework on January 5, 2026 .
The exchange restructured into three distinct entities—Nest Exchange Services Limited, Nest Clearing and Custody Limited, and Nest Trading Limited—mirroring traditional financial infrastructure and enhancing transparency and risk controls . Binance updated its terms of use and privacy policies to reflect this new structure, though user experience remains largely unchanged .
MiCA Application in Greece
Binance has formally applied for a MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) license in Greece through a newly established entity, Binary Greece . This application aims to leverage the EU’s “passporting” mechanism, allowing Binance to operate across all EU member states once approved . The company praised Greece’s regulatory clarity and investor protections, positioning MiCA as a framework for responsible innovation .
Compliance Under Fire: Iran-Linked Transaction Allegations
Reports surfaced that Binance’s internal investigators flagged over $1 billion in transactions linked to Iranian entities, including those tied to terror groups, between 2024 and 2025 . Investigators allege they were suspended or fired after raising these concerns . A U.S. senator, Richard Blumenthal, has launched an inquiry into the matter .
Binance denies sanction violations and says it removed implicated accounts and notified authorities . A separate report indicates that at least five compliance investigators were dismissed in late 2025 after uncovering Iran-linked transfers, though the company disputes the narrative and cites confidentiality breaches as the reason for departures .
Binance claims it has reduced sanctions exposure by approximately 97% since January 2024, with current exposure at just 0.009% of total trading volume . The company also says it has cut direct exposure to four major Iranian exchanges from $4.19 million to about $110,000 .
Why It Matters Now
Binance’s regulatory expansion is a direct response to mounting global scrutiny. The FSRA approval in Abu Dhabi provides a compliant operational hub with institutional-grade oversight. The MiCA application in Greece signals intent to re-enter and scale across Europe under clear regulatory guardrails.
At the same time, the Iran-linked transaction allegations threaten to undermine Binance’s credibility. If substantiated, they could derail its regulatory ambitions and invite further enforcement actions.
What’s Ahead
If you’re watching Binance’s next moves, here’s what matters:
- Approval timeline for the MiCA license in Greece: a green light would unlock EU-wide operations.
- Outcomes of the U.S. Senate inquiry and any related enforcement actions.
- Whether Binance can demonstrate sustained compliance improvements, especially in sanctions screening.
Binance’s regulatory strategy is unfolding in real time. Its success hinges on balancing aggressive expansion with demonstrable compliance.