Major Win for Tether as Abu Dhabi Approves USDT on Nine Blockchain Networks

TLDR

• Tether’s USDT stablecoin received regulatory recognition as an accepted fiat-referenced token in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) across nine major blockchains including Aptos, Celo, Cosmos, Kaia, Near, Polkadot, Tezos, TON and TRON
• Licensed firms in ADGM can now offer regulated trading, custody and other services involving USDT on these networks
• This approval expands on earlier recognition for USDT on Ethereum, Solana and Avalanche networks
• Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin also received approval as an accepted fiat-referenced token in Abu Dhabi
• Binance secured full authorization to operate Binance.com under ADGM’s regulatory framework starting January 5, 2026

Tether announced Monday that its USDT stablecoin received regulatory recognition as an accepted fiat-referenced token across nine major blockchain networks in Abu Dhabi Global Market. The approval allows licensed firms in the financial free zone to conduct regulated activities involving USDT.

The recognized blockchains include Aptos, Celo, Cosmos, Kaia, Near, Polkadot, Tezos, TON and TRON. This approval builds on earlier recognition for USDT on Ethereum, Solana and Avalanche networks.

ADGM operates as a special economic zone and international financial center in the UAE capital. It functions under its own legal and regulatory system. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority serves as the primary regulator for firms operating within the zone.

Licensed institutions in ADGM can now support regulated activities involving USDT across nearly all blockchains where the token circulates. These activities include trading, custody and settlement services. The multi-chain foundation aims to enhance liquidity and interoperability for decentralized applications.

Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, said the designation reinforces the role of stablecoins in today’s financial landscape. USDT is the largest stablecoin by circulation.

Other Stablecoin Approvals in Abu Dhabi

Ripple’s dollar-pegged RLUSD stablecoin also received approval as an accepted fiat-referenced token in Abu Dhabi. This clears the way for institutional use of the token.

A consortium of Abu Dhabi’s largest financial players announced plans for a dirham-pegged stablecoin. The group includes ADQ, the emirate’s sovereign wealth fund, International Holding Company and First Abu Dhabi Bank. The project requires approval from the UAE Central Bank.

The global stablecoin market is valued at over $300 billion. The market has experienced rapid growth over the past two years.

Binance Receives ADGM License

Binance disclosed Monday that it secured full authorization to operate its global platform, Binance.com, under the ADGM framework. The exchange will operate through three separately licensed entities.

The structure includes an exchange, a clearing house and a broker-dealer. This mirrors traditional financial market architecture. The setup enables regulated trading, custody, settlement and off-exchange services.

Richard Teng, Binance Co-CEO, said ADGM is one of the most respected financial regulators globally. He stated that holding an FSRA license under their framework shows Binance meets the highest international standards.

Binance.com is set to begin regulated operations under the ADGM framework on January 5, 2026. Final operational steps must be completed before the launch date.

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