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Binance Becomes First Crypto Exchange to Secure a Global License Under Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Framework, Setting a New Standard in Digital-Asset Regulation
Binance (www.Binance.com), the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and users, today announced a landmark regulatory achievement: The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM, the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi, the Capital of the UAE, has formally approved the authorisation of Binance's global platform, www.Binance.com, under a comprehensive regulatory framework.
This global first is a major step in Binance's mission to create the most trusted and compliant digital-asset ecosystem in the world. A license granted by FSRA of ADGM offers Binance credibility and seamless access across multiple markets, extending well beyond the UAE, and cements Binance's position at the forefront of regulatory progress in digital finance.
This comprehensive regulatory approval covers Binance's global platform, www.Binance.com, via three separate regulated entities operating within ADGM. Each of the three entities (an Exchange, a Clearing House, and a Broker Dealer) holds distinct regulatory permissions to carry out specific financial services activities in line with ADGM's internationally recognised, gold-standard regulatory framework.
- Nest Services Limited (to be soon renamed “Nest Exchange Limited”) has been approved as a Recognised Investment Exchange “RIE”, with permission to operate a Multilateral Trading Facility. This entity is responsible for all “on-exchange” trading activities, including spot and derivatives products.
- Nest Clearing and Custody Limited has been approved as a Recognised Clearing House “RCH”, with additional permissions to provide custody and CSD services . It will manage the clearing, settlement, and secure custody of digital assets, ensuring robust operational resilience and asset protection.
- BCI Limited (to be soon renamed “Nest Trading Limited”) has been approved as a Broker-Dealer, with permissions to deal in investments, arrange deals in investments, manage assets, arrange custody and provide money services. This entity will deliver Binance's “off-exchange” offerings, including over the counter “OTC” trading, conversion services, and other principal-based activities.
Richard Teng, Co-CEO of Binance, commented: “Achieving regulatory status through ADGM's respected framework reflects our deep commitment to compliance, transparency, and user protection. ADGM is one of the most respected financial regulators globally, and holding an FSRA license under their gold standard framework shows that Binance meets the highest international standards for compliance, governance, risk management, and consumer protection.”
Teng added, “This license provides regulatory clarity and legitimacy, enabling Binance to support its global operations from ADGM. While our global operations remain distributed, leveraging talent and innovation worldwide, this regulatory foundation offers our users peace of mind knowing Binance operates under a globally recognised, gold standard framework. We are grateful for the FSRA's forward-thinking approach, which safeguards users while fostering innovation.”
His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said, “We are pleased to welcome Binance, a key global player in digital assets and financial innovation, to ADGM. Their presence underscores Abu Dhabi's standing as a leading international hub for innovation, sustainable growth, and the future of finance. We look forward to seeing them harness the strength of ADGM's progressive regulatory framework and dynamic ecosystem contributing to the evolution of a more innovative, inclusive, and future-ready global financial sector.”
With over 300 million registered users globally and more than $125 trillion in cumulative trading volume, Binance continues to lead the evolution of the digital asset ecosystem by building a secure, transparent, and fully compliant infrastructure. Operating under ADGM's robust financial services regime ensures all Binance users benefit from high standards of oversight and consumer protection as the platform scales into its next phase of institutional and retail adoption.
Subject to final operational preparation, www.Binance.com will start operating its ADGM regulated activities on Jan 5, 2026. This milestone cements Binance's position at the forefront of regulatory progress in digital finance. It also reinforces the UAE's emergence as a global hub for innovation in financial services, supported by clear regulatory pathways and a deep talent base.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.About Binance:
Binance is a leading global blockchain ecosystem behind the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and registered users. Binance is trusted by more than 300 million people in 100+ countries for its industry-leading security, transparency, trading engine speed, protections for investors, and unmatched portfolio of digital asset products and offerings from trading and finance to education, research, social good, payments, institutional services, and Web3 features. Binance is devoted to building an inclusive crypto ecosystem to increase the freedom of money and financial access for people around the world with crypto as the fundamental means. For more information, visit: www.Binance.com.
National Basketball Association (NBA) Africa Announces Five Prize-Winning Startups at its Second Accelerator Demo Day
- Reborn (Morocco), Fitclan (Egypt), Athlon Technology (Egypt), Atsur (Nigeria) and Songdis (Nigeria) Win Top Prizes, Including Financial Support and Opportunity to Join Carnegie Mellon University Africa's Business Incubation Program
- OpenAI Joins as Official Partner of NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator Demo Day
NBA Africa (www.NBA.com) today announced the five prize-winning startup companies from the second edition of NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator (https://TripleDoubleAccelerator.NBA.com), which the league launched last year to support the continent's technology ecosystem and the next generation of African entrepreneurs.
The five winning companies – 1) Reborn (Morocco), 2) Fitclan (Egypt), 3) Athlon Technology (Egypt), 4) Atsur (Nigeria) and 5) Songdis (Nigeria) – were awarded financial support and the opportunity to join Carnegie Mellon University Africa's (CMU-Africa) 12-month Business Incubation Program as part of its Innovation Hub, which helps African tech startups transform proof-of-concept prototypes and preliminary market assessments into scalable, market-ready products and services (valued at up to $70,000). The top three companies also each received $10,000 in Application Programming Interface (API) credits and an immersion day with the OpenAI engineering team at OpenAI's headquarters.
The 10 finalists, which were selected from more than 700 applicants across 32 African countries, pitched their products to a panel of international industry leaders at a Demo Day today at CMU-Africa in Kigali, Rwanda. The judges were CMU-Africa Director Dr. Conrad Tucker, OpenAI Africa Lead Emmanuel Lubanzadio, and ServiceNow Africa Vice President & Managing Director Cheick Camara and Head of Strategy & Operations Nikki van Gasse.
The Demo Day was supported by CMU-Africa, ServiceNow and OpenAI. ALX Ventures once again served as the Official Operating Partner of the program in its second year. Together, the partners are contributing distinct expertise to strengthen the support for early-stage African startups.
Below are the five winning companies:
- 1st place: Reborn (https://RebornSportsTech.com) (Morocco), which offers comprehensive performance indicators that give athletes deep insights into their physical condition and on-field performance, essential for identifying strengths, areas for improvement, and optimizing overall performance, was awarded $25,000 in cash, the opportunity to join CMU-Africa's Business Incubation Program, $10,000 in API credits, and an exclusive immersion day with the OpenAI engineering team at OpenAI's headquarters.
- 2nd place: Fitclan (https://Fitclan.co) (Egypt), a digital fitness hub that leverages a flexible subscription model for individuals and corporate clients, was awarded $15,000 in cash, the opportunity to join CMU-Africa's Business Incubation Program, $10,000 in API credits, and an exclusive immersion day with the OpenAI engineering team at OpenAI's headquarters.
- 3rd place: Athlon Technology (https://AthlonTechnology.com) (Egypt), which aims to leverage accessible mobile technology and AI to provide video analysis for amateur and budget-constrained sports teams while addressing a market gap with a user-friendly, hardware-light solution, was awarded $5,000 in cash, the opportunity to join CMU-Africa's Business Incubation Program, $10,000 in API credits, and an exclusive immersion day with the OpenAI engineering team at OpenAI's headquarters.
- 4th place: Atsur (www.Atsur.art) (Nigeria), which leverages blockchain technology to promote investment in African art and support artists and art communities, was awarded $2,500 in cash and the opportunity to join CMU-Africa's Business Incubation Program.
- 5th place: Songdis (www.Songdis.com) (Nigeria), which provides comprehensive digital distribution and services tailored for African independent artists and labels, was awarded $2,500 in cash and the opportunity to join CMU-Africa's Business Incubation Program.
“We continue to be amazed by the creative, talented and passionate entrepreneurs who participate in NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator,” said NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi. “The 10 finalists and five prize-winning companies differentiated themselves through their bold and innovative solutions that are shaping the future of sport and entertainment in Africa. The support they receive from this program will help them scale their products and make a lasting impact on the continent and globally.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).Contact:
Chumani Bambani
NBA Africa Communications
cbambani@nba.com
+27 65 548 1031
About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya. The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more.
NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015. The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that concluded its fifth season in June 2025. Fans can follow @ NBAAfrica on Facebook and YouTube, @ nbaafricaofficial on Instagram, @ NBA_Africa on X, and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Binance Co-Founder Yi He Appointed Co-Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as the Company Nears 300 million Users
Binance (www.Binance.com), the global blockchain ecosystem behind the world's largest digital asset exchange by trading volume and users, today announced on stage at Binance Blockchain Week that its co-founder, Yi He, has been appointed Co-CEO.
“Yi has been an integral part of the executive leadership team since the launch of Binance. Her innovative and user-focused approach has been instrumental in shaping the company's vision, culture, and bottom-up business strategy,” said Binance CEO Richard Teng. “This appointment is a natural progression and she will continue to guide the organization from strength to strength.”
“We remain dedicated to being the most trusted and regulated exchange in the world, always putting our users first. Yi plays a critical role in growing our community and driving product innovation as we work to reach one billion users. Together, we are focused on building the Web3 infrastructure and promoting financial freedom, empowering people to participate in a more open and fair financial system,” added Richard.
“I am honored to build alongside Richard, who brings decades of experience in regulated financial markets and was among the first to regulate crypto in its early days,” said Yi He. “Together, we bring diverse perspectives and are confident in leading the future of the industry during this pivotal time, as we responsibly expand our global presence and drive sustainable innovation with our users always at the center.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.Africa’s Green Economy Summit 2026 to unveil Africa’s premier pipeline of investment-ready green ventures making a difference toward net zero goals
Africa's Green Economy Summit (AGES 2026) is set to host an unparalleled showcase of investment-ready green economy projects from across the continent. With over 100 applications meticulously vetted by its expert investors committee, nearly 30 pioneering Pan-African initiatives have been selected to present their transformative solutions. This curated pipeline, spanning crucial sectors from clean energy to climate-smart agriculture, underscores Africa's pivotal role in the global green transition and AGES 2026's commitment to connecting global capital with impactful African ventures.
Elodie Delagneau, Investment Project Lead at VUKA Group, emphasised the significance of this year's selection: "The overwhelming response and the exceptional quality of applications reaffirm Africa's immense potential in the green economy. AGES 2026 is not merely a conference; it is the definitive platform where serious capital meets serious impact. Our rigorous vetting process ensures that investors encounter thoroughly de-risked and scalable projects that are poised to deliver both significant financial returns and verifiable environmental and social benefits."
A curated pipeline of innovation
The Pitch Programme is the culmination of extensive market research and rigorous evaluation, designed to identify and elevate projects that are not only innovative but also strategically aligned with Africa's sustainable development goals. These initiatives represent the cutting edge of green and blue economy solutions, ready to drive tangible progress across the continent.
Our committee, comprised of leading investors and industry experts, has meticulously selected nearly 30 game-changing ventures. This sneak peek offers a glimpse into the future of Africa's green economy, featuring solutions that are ripe for investment and set to transform industries and communities alike.
Approaching Africa's critical green economy verticals
AGES 2026 will present a diverse portfolio of projects categorised into eight high-growth sectors, each offering compelling investment opportunities:
- Energy: Powering Africa's Green Transformation
The sector is fundamental for Africa's development, with over 600 million lacking electricity. Projects range from utility-scale solar and wind to mini-grids, energy storage, and green hydrogen initiatives. These ventures offer rapid emissions reductions, enhance energy security, and unlock new economic opportunities. Investors will find projects leveraging Africa's abundant renewable resources, supported by favourable policies and innovative financing.
- Transport & E-Mobility: Accelerating Sustainable Connectivity
Addressing urbanisation and emissions, this sector showcases projects focused on electrifying Africa's transport systems. Initiatives span electric buses, two/three-wheelers, and innovative logistics solutions. These projects aim to reduce fossil fuel consumption, improve urban air quality, and enhance economic productivity through modern, efficient, and clean mobility infrastructure.
- Waste & Circular Economy: Transforming Waste into Value
This critical sector tackles public health, urban resilience, and climate mitigation by converting waste into valuable resources. Projects include advanced recycling facilities, waste-to-energy solutions, organic waste composting, and innovative approaches to utilising invasive species. These ventures create jobs, reduce landfill reliance, and generate new revenue streams from what was once considered waste.
- Water & Resilience: Safeguarding Africa's Most Precious Resource
Water security is paramount for health, agriculture, and industrial activity, especially as climate change intensifies drought and flood risks. Projects in this sector focus on building resilient water infrastructure, developing decentralised water services, and implementing climate-resilient solutions such as groundwater monitoring and integrated catchment rehabilitation.
- Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems: Cultivating Africa's Future
With agriculture central to livelihoods, this sector presents projects focused on sustainable practices that increase productivity, climate resilience, and food security. Initiatives range from vertical farming and biochar-based fertilisers to agri-tech platforms and cold chain solutions. These projects aim to reduce emissions, enhance soil health, boost yields, and empower smallholder farmers across the continent.
- Biodiversity & Nature Finance: Safeguarding Africa's Natural Capital
Africa's vast biodiversity underpins essential ecosystem services and climate regulation. Projects in this sector mobilise capital to protect, restore, and sustainably manage critical ecosystems like forests, wetlands, and coastal zones. Initiatives such as REDD+ programs and blue carbon projects offer high-impact conservation opportunities with significant co-benefits for local communities and tourism.
- Digitalisation & Climate Tech: Accelerating Green Innovation
Digital tools are proving to be powerful accelerators for climate solutions, optimising energy use, enhancing agricultural productivity, and improving resource management. This sector features projects leveraging IoT, AI, and blockchain for supply chain traceability, carbon accounting, and new green business models. These technologies reduce transaction costs and dramatically increase the scalability of green projects.
- Carbon Markets & Credits: Monetising Climate Action
Carbon markets are emerging as a powerful mechanism to mobilise private capital for climate mitigation and nature-based solutions. Projects here focus on generating high-integrity carbon credits through renewables, avoided deforestation, mangrove restoration, methane capture, and sustainable agriculture. These initiatives channel crucial finance to projects that deliver verifiable climate benefits alongside significant social outcomes.
Experience the power of connection
AGES 2026 stands as Africa's most influential gathering for green investment, innovation, and policy. The summit is meticulously designed to foster direct connections between global capital and the most promising green economy projects.
"The Pitch Programme offers an unparalleled opportunity for investors to engage directly with the innovators shaping Africa's green future," Delagneau added. "Beyond the pitches, attendees will benefit from purpose-built matchmaking sessions, networking opportunities with leading DFIs, corporate partners, and policymakers, and deep insights into the continent's evolving green economy landscape. Our goal is to significantly accelerate deal flow and ensure that every investor finds projects that align with their financial and impact mandates."
The summit also includes a robust mentorship program for pitching projects, ensuring they are investor-ready and equipped with compelling narratives. This holistic approach reinforces AGES 2026's commitment to not just showcasing projects but actively facilitating their success and growth.
AGES 2026 is poised to be a pivotal event in driving Africa's just transition, underscoring the continent's leadership in developing scalable, sustainable, and economically viable solutions to global challenges.
More information or registration: www.GreenEconomySummit.com
To download the event brochure, click here (https://apo-opa.co/4pRd1LN).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.Additional Link:
Download the Deal Book to explore all of the confirmed projects pitching at AGES 2026: https://apo-opa.co/48iElMV
Media enquiries and interview requests:
Nomsa Mdhluli
Nomsa@tishalacommunications.com
+27 71 628 6231
Elize Engle
Pr1@tishalacommunications.com
+27 82 762 4946
Tshepang Mokoena
Pr@tishalacommunications.com
+27 76 682 9608
Registration enquiries:
Mzamo Jika
mzamo.jika@wearevuka.com
Letlatsa Sekhele
letlatsa.sekhele@wearevuka.com
Prudence Chishimba
prudence.chishimba@wearevuka.com