Binance, the leading cryptocurrency exchange globally by trading volume, has announced its application for a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license in Greece. This strategic move comes as the exchange and other crypto firms across Europe ramp up efforts to comply with new EU regulations ahead of the June 2026 deadline for MiCA”s transitional period.
The application places Greece among the growing list of EU member states being considered by major digital asset platforms eager to maintain access to the European single market. Once the MiCA licensing regime is fully implemented, only authorized providers will be permitted to serve clients in all 27 EU countries under the new regulatory framework.
A spokesperson for Binance confirmed to CryptoNews that the exchange has submitted its MiCA application and has initiated discussions with the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC), Greece”s regulatory authority. The HCMC will evaluate whether Binance meets the strict prudential, governance, and consumer protection standards outlined in the EU”s framework.
“We have submitted our MiCA application and are actively engaging with the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC),” the spokesperson stated, emphasizing the rigorous nature of the approval process as national regulators strive for consistency under the new common rulebook. The spokesperson further noted that Binance regards MiCA as a significant milestone for the crypto industry, offering regulatory clarity, enhanced consumer protections, and a solid foundation for responsible innovation.
This initiative highlights how the MiCA regulatory framework is transforming the European market for crypto assets. Designed to establish a harmonized system for crypto-asset service providers, MiCA aims to eliminate the inconsistencies of various national regulations. By setting uniform standards for authorization, business conduct, and investor protection, MiCA will allow licensed firms to leverage EU passporting rights to offer their services throughout the entire bloc.
As compliance deadlines loom, exchanges and custodians face mounting pressure to finalize their applications, strengthen internal controls, and demonstrate adherence to the new supervisory expectations. For regulators, MiCA represents one of the most comprehensive frameworks for crypto-assets globally, aiming to deliver legal certainty to businesses, enhance investor safeguards, and foster innovation in the fast-evolving digital finance sector. In this context, Binance”s application in Greece underscores how significant players are aligning with the long-term regulatory architecture of the EU.
Meanwhile, Binance”s activities in Greece come amid increased scrutiny of crypto firms in France, where authorities are intensifying oversight of the digital asset sector. Recently, French regulators initiated anti-money laundering inspections of numerous registered crypto firms, including Binance and local exchange Coinhouse, as part of a comprehensive review of compliance standards.
The inspections were conducted by the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR), the country”s prudential supervisor. Additionally, the ACPR is assessing which of the over 100 locally registered entities will qualify for EU-wide authorization under MiCA once the new regulatory regime is fully operational.
As MiCA continues to reshape the regulatory landscape for crypto in Europe, the results of licensing applications in the coming months will be pivotal. Only those platforms that secure approval and adapt to the enhanced oversight framework are likely to maintain comprehensive access to one of the world”s most significant digital asset markets.
In essence, Binance”s decision to pursue authorization in Greece under MiCA illustrates how leading exchanges are positioning themselves for a future where regulatory compliance, investor protection, and cross-border market access are intricately linked across the European Union.
