Binance refutes Reuters rumors: MiCA license application has already been recognized as compliant
The debate over Binance's status in Europe is heating up again. This time, the focus is on information disseminated by Reuters about an allegedly imminent refusal by the Greek regulator to grant the exchange a license under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. According to the publication, the Hellenic Capital Market Commission intends to reject Binance's application, which would jeopardize the platform's legal operations in all 27 European Union countries.
However, the exchange itself categorically denies these claims. In an official statement, Binance emphasizes that the application review has already been completed and it has been found to fully comply with the strict MiCA requirements. Moreover, the documents have additionally been coordinated at the level of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). According to information received from an exchange representative, the Greek regulator has already notified ESMA of its intention to issue the license at the next meeting of its board. The final decision is expected before June 30, 2026.
Context and Consequences: What Lies Behind the Conflict
The transitional period under MiCA expires on June 30, 2026. Starting July 1, all crypto companies that have not obtained a single license from a national regulator in one of the EU countries will lose the right to legally serve clients within the bloc. For Binance, which, according to its own data, serves more users in Europe than any other platform, losing the license would be a serious blow.
The company itself views the situation more broadly than just a single application issue. Binance points out that the delay in issuing the license after passing all stages of coordination calls into question the consistency of MiCA's application. "The regulation was designed to unify rules and create predictable operating conditions for crypto businesses in the European Union. A situation where a company passes all stages of coordination but still faces uncertainty raises questions about the consistency of MiCA's application," the exchange notes.
Furthermore, Binance emphasizes its commitment to compliance: over 1,500 employees (about 20% of its workforce) are engaged in this area, with annual investments exceeding $200 million. In December 2025, the exchange received full authorization from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market, confirming its reputation in the eyes of global regulators.
Scope of the Problem: Market on the Brink of a Cleanup
Recall that, according to estimates by Hogan Lovells lawyers, by May 2026, only 194 companies had received official MiCA licenses — a drop in the ocean compared to the 3,000 firms previously operating in the region. It is expected that about 75% of old platforms will either close or leave the European market. For Binance, as the largest player, a delay in licensing could result not only in reputational losses but also in a real outflow of liquidity, reduced competition, and activity moving outside the EU.
My expert commentary: The situation with Binance is a litmus test for the entire European crypto regulation. If ESMA and the Greek regulator do approve the application, it will signal to the market that MiCA works as a unified mechanism, not as a set of disparate national barriers. However, if a refusal does follow, it will undermine confidence in the predictability of the regulation and could trigger a wave of lawsuits from other major players. In any case, by June 30, we will see the outcome of this case, which will set the tone for the entire industry in Europe for years to come.