Tom Kushner Binance has applied for a MiCA license in Greece as EU compliance deadlines approach. This move positions the exchange for long-term growth within the European crypto market.
Binance has officially applied for a MiCA license in Greece, a move signaling its intent to align with the European Union’s evolving regulatory framework as compliance deadlines loom. The world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange is taking proactive steps to secure authorization under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, aiming to strengthen its footprint in the EU and reassure both regulators and users.
A Binance spokesperson confirmed that the company has submitted its application to Greece’s Hellenic Capital Market Commission. “We welcome the opportunity to work closely with the HCMC as this new regulation takes shape in the EU and look forward to contributing to the long-term growth of the EU’s digital financial ecosystem,” the spokesperson said.
The timing of Binance’s application comes shortly after France’s Autorité des Marchés Financiers highlighted that the exchange remained unlicensed under MiCA ahead of June’s compliance deadline. France’s AMF previously notified over 90 crypto companies, including Binance, that non-compliance would force them to cease operations within French territory from July.
Europe Tightens Crypto Oversight
MiCA represents a pivotal regulatory shift for crypto-asset service providers in Europe, creating a unified legal framework designed to enhance consumer protection, ensure market integrity, and provide clarity for digital asset innovation. Binance’s proactive application underscores its strategy to remain competitive while adapting to stricter oversight.
While Greece has yet to issue its first MiCA license, other EU nations are moving ahead. Data from the European Securities and Markets Authority shows that Germany and the Netherlands currently lead in issued licenses, with 43 and 22 respectively. France has granted 11 authorizations so far, leaving Binance under increasing pressure to secure compliance before the midyear deadline.
Binance’s Journey Through Regulatory Scrutiny
Binance’s European journey has been closely monitored for years. Even before MiCA officially entered into force in late 2024, multiple member states flagged the exchange as an unregistered entity. Heightened scrutiny continued as regulators strengthened oversight, and in 2023, co-founder and former CEO Changpeng Zhao faced legal challenges in the United States, pleading guilty to money-laundering charges and serving a four-month term. These developments illustrate the broader push for stricter regulatory compliance across global crypto markets.
Despite these hurdles, Binance continues to assert that MiCA offers a clear pathway to responsible innovation and sustainable growth. The exchange emphasizes that licensing under MiCA will enhance user protections, improve transparency, and provide a framework for long-term operational stability.
What the MiCA License Means for Users and Markets
Securing a Binance MiCA license in Greece would not only allow the exchange to operate legally within the country but also signal confidence to the broader European market. Investors and traders could benefit from greater assurances that the platform adheres to standardized operational and security protocols under EU law. For the crypto industry, this is a significant milestone toward harmonizing regulation and reducing operational uncertainty.
Market analysts suggest that Binance’s move could prompt other major exchanges to accelerate their MiCA applications across various EU jurisdictions. As Europe establishes itself as a leading crypto hub, compliance with MiCA will increasingly define which platforms can successfully operate and innovate in the region.
Looking Ahead
With the June deadline approaching, Binance’s MiCA license application in Greece highlights the exchange’s commitment to working within the regulatory framework rather than avoiding it. The next few months will be crucial for the EU crypto sector, as authorities review pending applications and companies position themselves for full compliance.
The outcome of Binance’s Greek application may set a precedent for future license approvals in other EU countries. For traders, investors, and regulators, this development marks a critical step toward a safer and more structured European crypto ecosystem.
Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards.
