Binance Seeks New EU License After Greece Withdrawal

The exchange said it is contacting affected users directly with account-specific guidance. Binance employs about 1,500 compliance staff and has invested heavily in internal controls, the company added. “We are confident we will secure authorization in another EU member state in the coming months,” the statement read.

MiCA replaces fragmented national frameworks with a single rulebook for crypto-asset service providers across the bloc. It covers authorization standards, investor protection, record-keeping, and supervision. ESMA’s rules require platforms to meet specific disclosure and complaint-handling standards before offering services.

Binance’s withdrawal in Greece follows a broader trend of crypto firms adjusting European strategies ahead of the deadline. Ripple obtained preliminary MiCA approval in a separate development, though the regulatory timeline remains tight for any exchange seeking new authorization before July 1.

For Binance’s EU users, the key question is whether the exchange secures a license in its chosen jurisdiction before transitional permissions expire. The company has not said what happens to accounts if it fails to get approval in time, though it reiterated its long-term commitment to Europe. “We continue to support MiCA’s goal of creating a consistent regulatory framework for crypto assets across the EU,” the exchange said.

ESMA expects unlicensed firms to have wind-down plans ready. Binance’s next filing will determine whether it keeps full access to the EU market or faces restrictions. The clock runs to July 1.