Global exchanges are accelerating their plans to comply with new EU crypto rules, and the binance mica license move in Greece highlights how competitive that race has become.
Binance targets Greece for EU-wide MiCA authorization
Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has confirmed it has filed for a Markets in Crypto-Assets license in Greece. The step comes as crypto firms across Europe intensify efforts to secure regulatory approval before the MiCA transitional period ends in June 2026.
The application adds Greece to the growing list of EU member states being evaluated by major digital asset platforms seeking to preserve access to the bloc’s single market. Moreover, once MiCA’s licensing regime fully applies, only authorized providers will be able to serve clients across all 27 EU countries under the new rules.
Engagement with the Hellenic Capital Market Commission
A company spokesperson told CryptoNews that Binance has formally submitted its MiCA application and opened talks with the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC), Greece’s financial watchdog. The regulator will assess whether the exchange meets the stringent prudential, governance and consumer-protection standards set out under the EU framework.
“We have submitted our MiCA application and are actively engaging with the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC),” the spokesperson said. That said, the approval process is expected to be rigorous as national regulators align their supervisory approaches under the new common rulebook.
The spokesperson added that the company views MiCA as “an important milestone for the crypto industry, bringing regulatory clarity, stronger consumer safeguards, and a clearer framework for responsible innovation.” Moreover, Binance said it welcomes collaboration with Greek authorities as the EU-wide regime is rolled out and signaled its intention to support the long-term development of Europe’s digital finance ecosystem.
How the MiCA regulatory framework is reshaping the EU market
The MiCA regulatory framework is designed to create a harmonized system for crypto-asset service providers operating inside the European Union, replacing the patchwork of national regimes that currently exist. Instead of dozens of different local registration schemes, MiCA sets common standards for authorization, conduct of business and investor protection.
Once licensed in any member state, a firm will be able to use EU passporting rights to offer services across the entire bloc. However, with compliance deadlines approaching, exchanges and custodians face increasing pressure to complete their applications, overhaul internal controls and demonstrate they can meet the new supervisory expectations.
For policymakers, MiCA represents one of the most comprehensive regulatory systems for crypto-assets globally. It aims to provide legal certainty for businesses, reinforce investor safeguards and support innovation in the rapidly evolving digital finance landscape. In this context, the binance mica license application in Greece underscores how global players are aligning with the bloc’s long-term regulatory architecture.
France increases scrutiny of crypto firms
Binance’s push in Greece comes as regulators in France step up oversight of the digital asset sector. In October, French authorities launched anti-money laundering inspections covering dozens of registered crypto firms, including Binance and domestic exchange Coinhouse, as part of a broader review of compliance standards.
The inspections were led by the country’s prudential supervisor, the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR). Moreover, the authority is examining which of more than 100 locally registered entities will ultimately qualify for EU-wide authorization under MiCA once the new regime fully takes effect.
As MiCA reshapes Europe’s crypto regulatory landscape, the outcome of licensing applications over the next several months will be crucial. However, only platforms that secure approval and adapt to the strengthened oversight framework are likely to maintain full access to one of the world’s most significant digital asset markets.
In summary, Binance’s decision to seek authorization in Greece under MiCA illustrates how leading exchanges are positioning themselves for the post-transition era, where regulatory compliance, investor protection and cross-border market access will be tightly intertwined across the European Union.