Tanzeel Akhtar has been reporting on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology since 2015. Her work has appeared in leading publications including The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CoinDesk, Bitcoin…
Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, confirmed it has submitted an application for a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license in Greece as crypto firms across Europe speed up their efforts to secure regulatory approval before the transitional period expires.
The move adds Greece to the list of EU member states being considered by large digital asset platforms looking to preserve access to the bloc’s single market once MiCA’s licensing regime comes into force. Companies have until June 2026 to secure the license.
Engagement With Greek Authorities Begins
A Binance spokesperson confirmed to CryptoNews that the company has formally lodged its MiCA application and has begun discussions with the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC), the country’s financial regulator.
“We have submitted our MiCA application and are actively engaging with the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC),” the spokesperson said.
“We view MiCA as an important milestone for the crypto industry, bringing regulatory clarity, stronger consumer safeguards, and a clearer framework for responsible innovation.”
The spokesperson adds that Binance welcomes collaboration with Greek regulators as the EU-wide regime is implemented noting the firm’s intention to support the long-term development of Europe’s digital finance ecosystem.
Unified EU Rules Drive Licensing Push
MiCA aims to form a harmonized regulatory system for crypto-asset service providers operating in the European Union replacing the fragmented national registration models.
Once authorized member state firms can offer services across all 27 EU countries through passporting rights. With compliance timelines approaching exchanges face mounting pressure to secure approval.
MiCA represents one of the most comprehensive regulatory frameworks for crypto-assets globally, aiming to provide legal certainty, protect investors and push innovation in the rapidly evolving digital finance space.
France Steps Up Oversight of Crypto Sector
Binance’s application in Greece comes as regulators in France intensify oversight of the crypto industry. In October the French authorities launched anti-money laundering inspections covering dozens of crypto firms, including Binance and domestic exchange Coinhouse.
The inspections were being led by France’s prudential supervision authority the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR) as it evaluates which of more than 100 registered entities will qualify for EU-wide authorization under MiCA.
As MiCA reshapes Europe’s crypto regulatory environment the outcome of licensing applications over the coming months is expected to play a decisive role in determining which global platforms maintain access to one of the world’s most significant digital asset markets.
