- Tether USDT gains approval across multiple ADGM blockchains boosting regulated digital finance.
- ADGM licensed firms can now offer USDT services supporting trading settlement and decentralized apps.
- Binance secures full ADGM authorization to operate under strict compliance and traditional market rules.
Tether’s USDT stablecoin has received regulatory recognition as an approved fiat-referenced token across multiple blockchains in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). The approval allows licensed entities within ADGM’s financial free zone to offer regulated activities involving USDT on Aptos, Celo, Cosmos, Kaia, Near, Polkadot, Tezos, TON, and TRON. This expands on prior recognition for Ethereum, Solana, and Avalanche.
The regulatory acceptance enhances USDT’s reach within the UAE’s international financial center. ADGM has now established a platform on which stablecoins can be conducted under the legal control, helping in the trading, settling, and decentralized areas. Tether sees the multi-chain recognition as a move towards more interoperability and liquidity in the digital finance ecosystem of the region.
ADGM Strengthens Abu Dhabi’s Digital Finance Hub
ADGM functions as a special economic zone and international financial center with its own legal and regulatory system. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) supervises all licensed institutions and oversees compliance with local rules.
By granting USDT recognition across multiple chains, ADGM supports the integration of stablecoins in regulated financial activities. Licensed entities can now offer services involving USDT with clarity on compliance, risk management, and legal standards. The development aligns with Abu Dhabi’s strategy to attract global digital-asset firms under structured oversight. Moreover, RLUSD also gained ADGM approval and expands stablecoin use as more UAE institutions adopt regulated crypto payment tools.
Binance Secures Authorization Under ADGM Framework
On the same day, Binance confirmed full authorization to operate its Binance.com platform under ADGM’s regulatory framework. The business will operate under three distinct entities which are: an exchange, a clearing house and a broker-dealer. This is similar to the conventional financial markets that allow regulated trading, custody, settlement and off-exchange services.
The approval reflects ADGM’s strict licensing standards and signals confidence in Binance’s compliance capabilities. The platform is expected to start regulated operations on January 5, 2026, further establishing Abu Dhabi as a global hub for compliant digital finance.
Tether’s Financial Position and Market Context
Tether has recently been questioned on its reserves, after its Bitcoin and gold reserves attracted attention. Analysts observed that Tether has more than $181 billion reserves as compared to its $174.45 billion liabilities and has a surplus of approximately $6.78 billion.
Tether explained that its total assets are nearer to $215 billion where they have about $7 billion excess equity and $23 billion retained earnings. Bitcoin and gold account for 12.6% of reserves, while more than 70% is held in short-term US Treasuries. The company generates approximately $500 million per month in interest income, reinforcing its liquidity position.
