Binance denies rumors of MiCA license rejection: application already approved
This week, media reports emerged that the Greek regulator was allegedly preparing to reject Binance's application for a license under the MiCA regulation. However, as the facts show, the situation is far from such a dramatic interpretation.
Binance quickly responded to these rumors, stating that the review of their application has already been completed and it has been found to fully comply with MiCA requirements. According to the exchange's representatives, the final decision has not yet been made, but the company promises to provide updated information by June 30. This means the panic over a possible rejection is premature.
Let me remind you that MiCA is a unified regulation that, from July 1, 2026, will require all crypto companies operating in the European Union to obtain a license from one of the national regulators. This grants the right to passport and operate in all 27 countries of the bloc. Without such authorization, platforms will not be able to legally serve clients in the EU.
Binance's application was reviewed by the Hellenic Capital Market Commission. According to some sources, the authority was ready to reject the exchange but refrained from commenting due to confidentiality rules. However, Binance insists it has not received any formal signals of rejection. Moreover, the company claims the application was additionally reviewed at the level of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), and the Greek regulator notified ESMA of its intention to issue the license at the next meeting of its board.
Binance believes this issue goes beyond one company and affects the uniformity of MiCA application across the EU. In its statement, the exchange emphasized: "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 approval but still faces uncertainty raises questions about the consistency of MiCA norms application."
Binance also presents arguments in favor of its compliance reputation. According to the company, over 1,500 people (about 20% of its staff) are employed in this area, with annual investments exceeding $200 million. In December 2025, the exchange received full authorization from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of the Abu Dhabi Global Market, confirming its serious approach to regulatory compliance.
It is important to note that Binance serves more users in Europe than any other platform. According to the exchange, a delay in licensing could lead to weakened liquidity, reduced competition, and an outflow of activity outside the EU.
Earlier, ESMA reminded that from July 1, crypto companies without a MiCA license must cease serving clients in the European Union. According to Hogan Lovells estimates, only 194 companies had received official authorization by May — a small fraction of the 3,000 firms previously operating in the region. It is expected that about 75% of older platforms will close or exit the European market.
My comment: This situation demonstrates that even the largest market players face bureaucratic challenges when adapting to new regulatory norms. However, given the scale of Binance's compliance infrastructure, I am inclined to believe that the license will be obtained, although the process may drag on until the last moment. The market should be prepared for the fact that consolidation in the European crypto space is inevitable.