Binance Pursues EU MiCA License in Greece, Establishes Holding Company

Binance has formally applied for the EU MiCA license in Greece, fast-tracked by the HCMC, signaling a long-term European footprint via a Greek holding entity.

Rich by Coin

2026-01-22

Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has formally applied for a pan-European license known as MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) that digital asset firms operating in the EU must obtain before July 1. The European Union introduced the MiCA regime in 2023 to standardize the regulatory and compliance framework for crypto companies and to streamline cross-border activity. The Binance application was first reported by D News, which noted the process is on a fast-track under the Hellenic Capital Market Commission, with Ernst & Young and KPMG asked to help review the proposal. A Binance spokesperson confirmed it sought a MiCA license in Athens and was in active discussions with the HCMC, adding that the MiCA regime offers regulatory clarity and a clear framework for innovation.

Greece appears a surprising base, given Athens is not a major financial center and regulators there are not as crypto-friendly as Malta. If the license is approved, it could anchor a significant footprint in Greece in the form of a major corporate office and a sizable staff. The HCMC did not respond to requests for comment on the timeline. According to D News, Binance’s Greek holding company has been incorporated for an indefinite duration, signaling a long-term presence rather than a temporary arrangement.

MiCA, introduced in 2023, gave firms with existing crypto operations a deadline to obtain licenses to passport across the EU. Firms that fail to obtain a license in time could be forced to shut down operations in various countries. The company has offices in several European countries, including France, where regulators have accused Binance of lax compliance policies, and in October it said it had been subjected to onsite inspections by French financial regulators. Some member states have voiced unease about MiCA, with crypto industry lawyers warning that a major rewrite could disrupt regulatory clarity. If the regime remains unchanged, Binance should be well-positioned to receive a Greek license after completing regulator engagements.