A major news story has attracted attention in the crypto market. A leading exchange has announced two significant moves this year.

First, in March, MGX Fund of Abu Dhabi made its first institutional investment—amounting to as much as $2 billion. It is reported that this investment set two records: it is the largest single financing in the crypto industry to date, and the largest purely crypto (stablecoin) payment investment transaction in history. Interestingly, MGX only acquired a minority stake, and the entire transaction was settled 100% in crypto assets.

Then in December, an even bigger adjustment took place. The exchange announced that its global operating entity will completely shift from the Cayman Islands to the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), and has obtained full authorization from the local Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). Starting from January 5, 2026, its operations will be independently managed by three ADGM-licensed entities: Nest Exchange Services Limited for the trading platform, Nest Clearing and Custody Limited for clearing and asset custody, and Nest Trading Limited for brokerage and OTC trading.

What does this transition mean? For the exchange, moving from the Cayman Islands to Abu Dhabi is not just a change of location, but a complete embrace of a stricter regulatory framework. Over the years, crypto companies have been seeking that balance—maintaining innovation freedom while gaining institutional-level trust and compliance backing. This financing and business restructuring suggest that the exchange has found its new direction.