by Enoch Mwathwa
Binance has taken a decisive step toward strengthening its presence in Europe after applying for a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license in Greece. The move comes ahead of the European Union’s July compliance deadline and signals the exchange’s intention to secure unified regulatory approval to operate across the bloc under the new framework.
Binance Chooses Greece for MiCA License Application
Binance submitted its MiCA registration to the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC), according to a report by Fortune. If approved, the license would allow the exchange to passport its services across the European Union while complying with national consumer protection requirements. The application places Binance within the EU’s regulated crypto regime as MiCA enforcement approaches.
The decision to file in Greece surprised some observers, as Malta and Latvia had emerged as more likely candidates. However, Binance already maintains a local holding company in Athens, which likely influenced the choice. Greece also offers a regulatory environment that the exchange views as supportive of innovation while maintaining oversight.
Greek publication D News reported that regulators are processing the application on an expedited basis. The HCMC has engaged major accounting firms, including Ernst & Young and KPMG, to review Binance’s compliance framework. This review focuses on governance, risk controls, and operational transparency as regulators assess whether the exchange meets MiCA standards.
The filing reflects Binance’s broader push to expand regulated services. The exchange has increased its focus on country-backed stablecoins, such as the KGST, and has worked to align these products with stricter supervisory requirements. A Binance spokesperson confirmed the application and said the company views MiCA as a framework that delivers regulatory clarity while strengthening investor protection.
A Strategic Path Back Into the EU Market
The Greece application marks a potential turning point for Binance in Europe. The exchange previously exited or scaled back operations in several EU countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, and Cyprus, following regulatory pressure. In France, authorities conducted onsite inspections tied to compliance practices, highlighting the challenges Binance faced under fragmented national rules.
MiCA offers a single authorization that could simplify Binance’s European operations. Once approved, the license would allow the exchange to expand its footprint in Greece, open local offices, and hire additional staff. Binance has described Greece as an attractive base due to its improving economy and regulatory approach.
Sources familiar with the process told Fortune that MiCA applications usually follow months of discussions with regulators. That preparation suggests Binance has positioned itself carefully, improving its chances of approval as the EU moves toward tighter and more unified crypto oversight.
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