USDT receives fiat-level certification from Abu Dhabi ADGM, fully unbanned on nine blockchains

Tether announced that its US dollar stablecoin USDT has been recognized as an “Accepted Fiat-Referenced Token” (AFRT) within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). This approval covers nine blockchains, including Aptos, Polkadot, and TON. Authorized institutions licensed by the ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) can now offer regulated USDT-related services on these networks, shaping the infrastructure for multi-chain operations.

Strategic Significance of Simultaneous Approval for Nine Major Public Chains

(Source: Tether official website)

Previously, ADGM only recognized USDT versions issued on Ethereum, Solana, and Avalanche. This significant expansion paves the way for institutional-grade stablecoin multi-chain demand. The nine newly added blockchains cover various technical architectures and ecosystem positions: Aptos and Near represent high-performance Layer-1s, Polkadot and Cosmos focus on cross-chain interoperability, while TON is deeply integrated with the Telegram ecosystem, providing massive social traffic entry points.

The core logic of this multi-chain strategy is that different blockchains serve different user groups and application scenarios. Ethereum is suitable for large settlements and DeFi protocols, Solana is optimized for high-frequency trading and NFT markets, while TRON dominates the small payments sector in the Asian market. Having USDT obtain regulatory approval on all these chains means financial institutions can flexibly choose the most suitable blockchain network based on customer needs and cost considerations.

From ADGM’s perspective, the multi-chain approval strategy is also about attracting a broader crypto ecosystem to Abu Dhabi. Each public chain has a large developer community and dApp ecosystem. Once USDT gains regulatory status on these chains, related decentralized exchanges, lending protocols, and cross-border payment applications may consider offering services within the ADGM framework. This ecosystem clustering effect will accelerate Abu Dhabi’s progress toward becoming a global crypto finance hub.

This approval also reflects ADGM’s commitment to technological neutrality. The regulator does not favor any single blockchain, but rather follows a “approve if standards are met” principle, allowing natural market competition. This open approach contrasts with some countries’ “approve only specific public chains” policy and is more conducive to long-term innovation and market efficiency.

How ADGM Certification Changes the Stablecoin Regulatory Game

ADGM is a special economic zone and international financial center located in the UAE capital, operating under its own independent legal and regulatory framework. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) is the main regulator and licensing body in the zone. Recognizing USDT as an “Accepted Fiat-Referenced Token” is a highly strategic classification, as it elevates stablecoins to a regulatory status close to fiat currency.

The practical impact of this certification is reflected in three aspects. First is legal certainty: licensed institutions can clearly know which businesses are legal and which activities are protected, without worrying about regulatory gray areas. Second is client trust: when investors know they are using an ADGM-certified version of USDT, their confidence in fund security greatly increases. Third is cross-border mutual recognition potential: ADGM’s international status means its certification could be referenced or recognized by other jurisdictions.

Three Core Requirements of ADGM Certification

Reserve Transparency: Issuers must regularly disclose the composition of reserve assets and audit reports to ensure full 1:1 backing.

Robust Redemption Mechanism: Holders must be able to redeem stablecoins for face value at any time, with no unreasonable restrictions.

Risk Management Framework: Issuers must establish comprehensive liquidity management, counterparty risk controls, and cybersecurity measures.

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino stated: “Bringing USDT into ADGM’s regulatory framework not only strengthens its function as financial infrastructure, but also brings more innovation and collaboration opportunities to the Middle East market.” Tether emphasized that this recognition demonstrates its transparency and compliance framework, making USDT one of the first international stablecoins to receive multi-chain regulatory approval.

Collaboration with Binance: Abu Dhabi’s Crypto Hub Takes Shape

Yesterday, cryptocurrency exchange Binance also announced it had received operational authorization from ADGM. Binance will operate under three legal entities—as an exchange, clearing house, and broker—adopting the same financial architecture as traditional markets, including custody, settlement, and OTC services. Business operations are expected to officially launch on January 5, 2026.

Tether and Binance obtaining ADGM certification within 24 hours is no coincidence. This shows Abu Dhabi is implementing a coordinated strategy: first approving stablecoin infrastructure (Tether), then approving the trading platform (Binance), ultimately forming a complete crypto financial ecosystem. When USDT can circulate compliantly on 12 public chains and Binance provides compliant trading channels, Abu Dhabi establishes a closed-loop system from issuance and trading to settlement.

USDT is not the only stablecoin promoted in Abu Dhabi. Local regulators have recently also approved Ripple’s US dollar stablecoin RLUSD. At the same time, Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund (ADQ), International Holding Company (IHC), and First Abu Dhabi Bank are forming a consortium to launch an AED (dirham) stablecoin. This means the UAE is building a diverse stablecoin ecosystem, from USDT to the tokenization of local fiat currency, gradually integrating stablecoins into the core infrastructure of cross-border settlement, trade finance, and digital asset markets.

Binance co-CEO Richard Teng described ADGM’s high regulatory standards as reflecting the company’s commitment to compliance, governance, risk management, and consumer protection. Such synchronized progress shows that Abu Dhabi is building a world-class crypto finance center, rivaling New York or Singapore, through comprehensive regulations, attracting leading institutions, and actively advancing stablecoin initiatives.