Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has formally applied for a license under the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) in Greece. The application was submitted to the country's financial regulator, the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC). A Binance spokesperson confirmed the filing, stating the exchange is working closely with the HCMC as the new regulatory framework takes shape across the EU.
The application comes amid increasing pressure from European regulators. Last week, France's Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) flagged Binance among 90 registered crypto companies that remain unlicensed under MiCA. The AMF warned that France's MiCA transition period ends on June 30, 2026, forcing non-compliant firms to cease operations by July 2026.
Binance's application in Greece is being processed through its newly established Greek subsidiary, Binary Greece, led by Gillian Majella Lynch. The exchange views MiCA as a "positive and important milestone for the industry" that brings greater regulatory clarity, stronger user protections, and a framework for responsible innovation.
Greece has yet to issue its first MiCA license for a crypto-asset service provider (CASP). According to data from the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), as of January 15, Germany leads the EU with 43 issued licenses, followed by the Netherlands with 22, and France with 11. Binance's move is part of a broader strategy to secure its long-term operational presence in the EU market ahead of the looming deadlines.
The regulatory push is also influencing Binance's product offerings. In preparation for MiCA compliance, the exchange has announced plans to delist certain stablecoins, including Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC), and Dai (DAI), for users in the European Economic Area (EEA) by March 2025.
